The Sun from earlier today

[geoff_k]

Still in the reception class as far as solar imaging is concerned but don't seem to getting the time to spend on it.

Captured these wispy prominences earlier today but couldn't get the exposure right on the surface detail when I combined the two images. I quite like the effect but still a long way to go on this which is all part of the fun.

PST with Philips SP900NC and 2 x Barlow.

[A320Flyer]

Hi Geoff,

I'm like you , I too have just enrolled in the Reception Class of solar imaging. I have a 150 Newt, SP9000NC and a 2x barlow. I have managed to image some sun spots but have not been able to image the solar flares around the sun's edge - how did you manage to do that?

Bill

[geoff_k]

Bill

Thanks.

What I am attempting to do is make two separate exposures one for the surface and one for the proms. The exposure time for the former is around 1/000s and the proms about 1/100s.

I then combine the two images in Photoshop. My capture program has a sliding scale for the exposure time but as I say I'm not getting the fine tuning quite right. It was a nice day yesterday but I was troubled a bit by clouds from time to time.

Remember that I am using a specialised solar scope with a built in HA filter. If you are using a white light filter then you will only be able to capture sunspots.

Geoff

Geoff

[A320Flyer]

Geoff,

Thanks for that. I looks like I need to invest in a Ha filter.

Bill

[billinforres]

Not just any Ha filter, Bill, the deep sky Ha filters cannot be used with the Sun.

The entry level is a PST or a Lunt 35, between £400 and £500.

Another Bill

[geoff_k]

Bill

I should mention that Newtonians are not the best choice for solar imaging anyway. A refractor is usually better.

That's not to mean that you can't do useful work with a reflector but a friend of a mine had a mishap with his large reflector due to the build up of heat.

Geoff

[geoff_k]

I forgot the other composite image I managed to get.

A bit better regarding the surface details but still more to do on that count.

Geoff

[sheri_barri]

You are well on your way. It is a steep learning curve but very enjoyable.