First attempt at solar

[Helen]

I managed a little experimenting this morning. The conditions weren't ideal as there was much more cloud than sky, the sun is low and that brings my surrounding trees into the line of sight .

But anyway I decided I had to start my solar photography somewhere . So I downloaded the toucam drviers and k3ccd to my NC10 netbook, got the PST set up on the celestron SE mount, put the 2.5x powermate and the webcam in, and then fiddled for a while to get something on screen - the netbook was picking up the built in webcam instead (scary watching yourself looking perplexed!). Got that sorted and then strated to focus, which proved rather challenging. I managed one capture before it completely clouded out (I did sit around for a bit in hope, but got rather cold!).

So here's the result of stacking in auto mode in Regi4. I've got a couple of proms, but I think the focus isn't very sharp, so little detail. But its a start

Help and guidance very welcome

Helen

[barkis]

Proms are plain to see Helen, and it is not a bad start. It's a tricky business Solar Imaging I imagine.

I'm just pleased to see the sun in any state at the minute.

Our weather has been dreadful.

Ron.

[brendant]

It's a good start Helen, certainly a couple of proms, miles better than what the rest of us have managed. Well done.

Brendan

[Ibbo!]

Very good start

My advice practice practice practice

try focusing under a sheet or towel to cut down glare and a slightly faster exposure

Steve

[jnp]

Helen,

That looks good to me, definite prominances. I don't know what filter or magnification the PST is using, but you have inspired me to get out the solar film to make a filter and take my first Solar image.

John

[Imahumanbeing]

Awesome first picture Helen

All the best

Jamie

[Merlin66]

helen,

Check out Jan's website... he's the expert with PST imaging!!

THE FIRMAMENT - Solar System and Deep Sky webcam images

Ken

[Helen]

Thanks for the encouragement, and the link!

Helen