July 22, 2012, Heads up: A couple of stunning prominences

[michael.h.f.wilkinson]

I just took the solar scope out on what seems to be the first proper summer day of the year. After setting it up on a slightly modified EQ1 mount (hardwood tripod and Vixen prism rail attachment) I was amazed at a couple of prominences showing. On the western limb, a huge arc-like structure showed; not a proper loop, but but a ragged luminous arch, spanning a significant length of the circumference. I have not yet seen a bigger one (since getting the scope a few weeks ago). Was it another parting shot from AR11520? On the other side, a large, fairly high surface brightness body of gas, almost shaped like a hook, seemed to have detached itself from the surface. Maybe another active region will appear one of these days. Several other smaller prominences showed clearly.

I am taking the scope to the birthday party of a colleague from the astronomy department. I am curious how the prominences will have changed.

[JB80]

Oooh, The kids better hurry up with their lunch so I can get out and give my stage 1 mod it's first test.

Cheers for the heads up.

[Steve Ward]

I don't have the kit for Ha myself unfortunately , But I keep track of the more specialised views here ,

http://sdo.gsfc.nasa.gov/data/

(I like to scroll down to the HMI Intesitygram and see how my snaps compare.)

[lex]

I don't have the kit for Ha myself unfortunately , But I keep track of the more specialised views here ,

http://sdo.gsfc.nasa.gov/data/

(I like to scroll down to the HMI Intesitygram and see how my snaps compare.)

Right down the bottom of that link, looking at the farside maps, if they are to be believed, then the sun should start getting real interesting soon

[michael.h.f.wilkinson]

A long thin curved prominence appeared on the lower part of the eastern limb late on yesterday afternoon, which might be the herald of an approaching active region.