May 19, 2014: Solar lunchtime; western limb takes centre stage

[michael.h.f.wilkinson]

Just had a longish lunch session (with several impromptu lectures on solar astronomy thrown in) with the LS35.  I immediately spotted a large complex of proms south-west on the limb. Several loops seemed to be intertwined. More northwards, a seemingly detached prom hovered parallel to the limb. Close inspection showed it later developed a thin link with the surface on its southern side.  Further northwards still a pair of proms one quite small and narrow, one wide and stubby seemed to be linked to a few knots of plasma through gossamer thin threads. They almost seemed to be part of a single, thin arc, but it was hard to be sure. During the session these structures seemed to fade. Nearby on the disk a few filaments could be seen. Further south and east a sunspot was visible, surrounded by a couple of filaments. Further east again, stretching almost to the eastern limb, a series of patches with filaments could be discerned. On the eastern limb, a very low arc could be seen southwards, but this seemed to collapse during the session. Northwards a complex prom stood out clearly. Several smaller proms were scattered round the limb, but the one on the southwest (7-8 o'clock position in the LS35) dominated the views, and got the most oohs and aahs from the other spectators.

Well worth a look-see if you have a chance.

[DrRobin]

Thanks Michael.  Just captured a 9 pane mosaic, but the great proms weren't really visible, at least not to the same extent as you mentioned.  Mind it is very hazy today and there is high cloud, so it is a wonder I got anything.

I will post later in the imaging section.

Robin

[michael.h.f.wilkinson]

The proms were best at 20x in the 20mm MaxVision. They did not have high surface brightness, so I am not surprised that they would be hard to image.

[michael.h.f.wilkinson]

Just had another look during an ice-cream break. The big prom seems to be growing more quiet, but some more activity spotted on the eastern limb, where a bright patch on the limb very close to the base of a prom almost suggests something is going to explode soon. It kept quiet during observations, however

[Pig]

Nice update Michael, I am just about to take the scopes out and have a quick look   Hopefully all will be great