"Minimum hope" for Solar Imagers? :D

[Macavity]

I post this HERE because the "imaging bit" seems to get more views!
Either way, it seems to merit a bit of (anecdotal notably) information?
But prompted by the Wikipedia plot, I do genuinely began to wonder:

On the face of it, things will only get WORSE for the next few years?

I'm intrigued by prospects of smaller disk phenomena? *Prominences*
seem to persist (be rather active) for the moment... Or DO they? I am
hoping me (and my anticipated) scope will find *something* to DO?! 

[David Smith]

Will be my first solar minimum with the ability to see anything other than white light solar disk, so should be interesting this time round. In white light last solar minimum gave me something like 16 months of zero's on my spot count tracker I'm sure there were spots during that period but I did not see them.

[Peter Drew]

Increasing the aperture certainly helps in Ha observation. Small prominences, with the higher magnification that is then possible, still look impressive. 

[xtreemchaos]

be +, it works honist. charl.

[Lowjiber]

21 hours ago, Peter Drew said:

Increasing the aperture certainly helps in Ha observation. Small prominences, with the higher magnification that is then possible, still look impressive. 

I haven't shot a full disk since last November.  My Lunt 60 thinks I'm mad at it.

[Macavity]

If in doubt a bit of "retail therapy" works? Looks like I shall be on
"Bread & Jam" for the rest of the month! Am I forgiven, Folks? 

But (hopefully) some serious purpose? This is what I was after...



A NICE 80mm f/7.5 ED doublet with plenty of "wiggle room" around!  
Replaces the "slightly suspect" (stopped down) f/5 ST120 achromat
for an 80mm HA Frankenscope. Will "upgrade" my White Light too! 

P.S. I think I have moved to a "do it now" philosophy though. I spent
a lot of (fun) time on the "Darkside" and didn't notice a declining Solar
Cycle *OR* the retreat of planets into "less covenient" positions etc.

[Lowjiber]

That's a nice scope, Chris.  I have two of 'em.  One is set up to use with the Quark and the other is my grab-n-go for those quick backyard sessions that happen now and then.

I also have the 100mm f/9 version of that one.  Both tubes are the same diameter and have the same focuser.  I've installed a GSO Linear Bearing focuser on the 100mm, but both 80mm still have the original one.  I'm attaching a PDF (with pics) that details how to adjust the focuser should it ever be needed.  If you have any trouble opening the file, please advise and I'll send it to you via email.

Clear Skies

PDF Adjusting the Skywatcher Focuser.pdf

[Pete Presland]

Having really enjoyed the last few years of activity, it is going to be hard to stay motivated with very little activity. Particularly in white light, H/A normally has something to offer.

[Macavity]

Gotta have something to persuade me to *outlive* my frustrations?  

Yes, @LowjiberI was pleased to find that many of the "accessories"
I have (made) work with my very first scope (ST102!) fit the ED80.
The focuser guide was indeed readable. Not a BAD focuser either...

Now working on the "quick change" back (front) end (HA/WL) idea. 

Though, give the above, it may not have to be TOO quick!
Courage, mes ami(e)s!