April 1, 2015: Gobsmacked at 0.7Å; MASSIVE proms and potential lift off in progress

[michael.h.f.wilkinson]

No joke, just spotted several MASSIVE proms on the western limb with the SolarMax-II 60 (which I can take to work). Two huge arcs set the entire limb on fire, and the northern one seems to be lifting off. Another prom is visible on the eastern limb, and a very contrast-rich, and nearly poker-straight filament could be seen on the eastern half of the limb. The big sunspot of AR 12305 is still going strong. Will look at the potential lift-off again in a moment

There is life in the old SM-II yet.

[michael.h.f.wilkinson]

Just had another look. The northern end of the northen arc on the western limb is significantly thinner and lower than it was. I think part of that must have lifted off. Despite the thinned appearance it is still avery big arc. The one to its south is still going strong showing beautiful detail. The eastern part of the disk shows this very long straight filament, with a trail of more tortuous filaments behind it. Is this the megafilament returning?

[Stu]

Nice one, might have to pop the quark out despite the wind!!

[michael.h.f.wilkinson]

Nice one, might have to pop the quark out despite the wind!!

Well worth it. I hope to have another peek at lunchtime

[paulastro]

I had a look in a gap in the heavy clouds between 10.10 and 10.23am and as you say Michael there are some wonderful proms. I've seen bigger, as I'm sure you have, but the thing that struck me was some of the extremely fine and intricate detail. Lot's of detached bits of prom and also some fine surface detail in what was surprisingly good seeing considering the swirling clouds all around. Great stuff.

[Davey-T]

The wind had dropped a bit the Sun had come out and I've had to take my wife for a hospital appointment, now we're back and it's cloudy

Dave

[Stu]

Thanks for the heads up Michael, having a look with the Quark/85 now. Hazy cloud at the moment but a big patch of blue coming through soon. Lovely proms, very nice filaprom below the two you described too. It does look like the mega filament returning doesn't it? Similar shape

[michael.h.f.wilkinson]

Had another peek over lunch. The northern end of the big prom on the northwestern limb has definitely shed a lot of weight. Still a very long arc. I am more and more convinced the giant filament is back. The more southern prom on the western limb is showing superb detail.

[jkwhinfrey]

Damn! Lots of cloud here today after the wind and rain of last night. I can see a lot of activity on the limb in Helioviewer, but it's not the same I'm envious Michael, enjoy  

James

[Hyperion76]

ye nice details today but certainly the proms seem to be declining in size compared to the last couple of days still great viewing though!

[Stu]

My attempt at an iPhone shot.....

[michael.h.f.wilkinson]

Very nice phone shot

[Qualia]

Aye, it's a superb area of activity. Yesterday was impressive and today just as much so. The run of prominences this morning was spectacular; huge tempests of plasma sweeping over many parts of the solar limb.

[Pig]

Nice report Michael  if only we had clear blue sky here, unfortunately all is covered with 150 shades of grey.

[jonathan]

Hmph, had no time nor opportunity today, Thursday and Friday look washed out.  Maybe there will be something to see at the weekend.

[DRT]

There is still lots of activity today. Quite stunning in the Lunt 50 with lots of huge scars across the surface and a nice collection of proms around the limb. The one directly south seems to be about four times the size of the jet that was on the western limb on the day of the eclipse.