Search found 1738 matches
- Sat Mar 23, 2024 6:29 am
- Forum: Solar Scope Modifications
- Topic: Truss tube ideas
- Replies: 43
- Views: 6934
Re: Truss tube ideas
Congratulations on the progress of your truss OTA project. :bow Unfortunately observatory size quickly becomes a VERY serious issue with bigger refractors. DO NOT GET BOGGED DOWN IN CRAZY OBSERVATORY PROJECTS! SERIOUSLY! It is better to carry out the OTA and mount it than NEVER to use it while you b...
- Fri Mar 15, 2024 6:40 am
- Forum: Commercial Solar Filters/Cameras/Hardware
- Topic: 3D-printed Baader 160mm ERF Holder
- Replies: 7
- Views: 287
Re: 3D-printed Baader 160mm ERF Holder
I would have avoided large, flat surfaces near the face of the D-ERF or large objective lens. A more conical form would have avoided local solar heating. With plumes of convection currents in the light path possibly spoiling high res images. Perhaps the thermal differential is too small to matter? H...
- Sun Mar 03, 2024 7:12 am
- Forum: This is SolarChat !!
- Topic: Topaz Photo AI - opinions...? (+my latest image)
- Replies: 27
- Views: 734
Re: Topaz Photo AI - opinions...? (+my latest image)
Being told that my early images were over-sharpened might have put me off continuing. Instead I took it on board and gratefully accepted the advice as valid and vital to personal imaging progress. The simplest way to avoid over-sharpening is to avoid completely artificial, uniform texture. Does your...
- Sun Mar 03, 2024 6:17 am
- Forum: This is SolarChat !!
- Topic: 1st March
- Replies: 12
- Views: 257
Re: 1st March
An interesting contrast in opinions on colouring images. Something is clearly amiss! For reference I am looking at a 38cm Ø image on my 32" 4k LG monitor as posted . Ironically, I find the coloured image full of contrast and detail. While the B&W looks almost devoid of any detail at all. It...
- Sun Feb 18, 2024 6:20 am
- Forum: SPoD Archive
- Topic: Aurora 13th / 14th February
- Replies: 11
- Views: 189
Re: Aurora 13th / 14th February
Congratulations on your aurora capture and SPOD.
What is the time speed increase of your animations?
What is the time speed increase of your animations?
- Sun Jan 28, 2024 7:15 am
- Forum: This is SolarChat !!
- Topic: Antlia K-Line wedge first light. 1-26-24
- Replies: 29
- Views: 1001
Re: Antlia K-Line wedge first light. 1-26-24
This is what you are looking for.
The curved blades will follow an inside circle better than straight ones.
The curved blades will follow an inside circle better than straight ones.
- Sun Jan 28, 2024 7:03 am
- Forum: This is SolarChat !!
- Topic: Antlia K-Line wedge first light. 1-26-24
- Replies: 29
- Views: 1001
Re: Antlia K-Line wedge first light. 1-26-24
Curved nail scissors help with cutting the aperture neatly in cardboard circles.
- Sat Dec 30, 2023 6:40 am
- Forum: This is SolarChat !!
- Topic: new Hi-res photospheric telescope
- Replies: 76
- Views: 5396
Re: new Hi-res photospheric telescope
If these two images use different wavelengths then this is NOT a direct comparison. It is interesting how the umbral detail is much less visible in the C14. While the contrast and detail in the cells is clearly better in the C14. Is this a direct result of wavelength? Are both images produced by exa...
- Fri Dec 29, 2023 4:36 pm
- Forum: This is SolarChat !!
- Topic: new Hi-res photospheric telescope
- Replies: 76
- Views: 5396
Re: new Hi-res photospheric telescope
Thank you Laszlo. For your very thorough response. :bow The Soleye 300 obviously has great potential in the right hands and conditions. Which raises the question of affordable, AI assisted, image stabilisation software becoming available any time soon. To remove the worst effects of average seeing c...
- Wed Dec 27, 2023 6:54 am
- Forum: This is SolarChat !!
- Topic: new Hi-res photospheric telescope
- Replies: 76
- Views: 5396
Re: new Hi-res photospheric telescope
I am curious about thermal absorption of the "naked" primary reflective surfaces. Should these solar Newtonians be shielded from direct solar infall between exposures? How would this square with capturing data over extended periods for long period animations? Laminar scrubbing of the prima...
- Sun Nov 26, 2023 6:51 am
- Forum: This is SolarChat !!
- Topic: Spots galore
- Replies: 20
- Views: 2757
Re: Spots galore
Beautifully captured and very naturally processed.
- Sun Nov 26, 2023 6:51 am
- Forum: SPoD Archive
- Topic: Spots galore
- Replies: 14
- Views: 1508
Re: Spots galore
Beautifully captured and very naturally processed.
- Mon Nov 13, 2023 12:11 pm
- Forum: This is SolarChat !!
- Topic: Sol 11-11-23 Ha
- Replies: 7
- Views: 461
Re: Sol 11-11-23 Ha
Nicely captured and presented.
The coloured version looks sharper to my eyes. With increased limb darkening.
While the negative version appears even sharper for fine detail.
Lots of flaring visible in the western hemisphere.
The coloured version looks sharper to my eyes. With increased limb darkening.
While the negative version appears even sharper for fine detail.
Lots of flaring visible in the western hemisphere.
- Fri Nov 10, 2023 6:50 am
- Forum: Solar Scope Modifications
- Topic: Help with Solar Scout 60 (with reducer)
- Replies: 5
- Views: 1823
Re: Help with Solar Scout 60 (with reducer)
Theoretically a single thumbscrew should press the male part parallel with the axis of the female part. Though at the cost of moving the internal part off-axis where sloppy fits are involved. I often drill and tap new threads for two more radial thumbscrews 120º apart where only one is provided in a...
- Tue Nov 07, 2023 6:16 am
- Forum: This is SolarChat !!
- Topic: Northern Lights York 5th Nov 2023
- Replies: 23
- Views: 1084
Re: Northern Lights York 5th Nov 2023
Beautiful video! The moving clouds really added to the "atmosphere" of your recording.
I saw something similar, years ago, from here in Denmark at 55N.
There were reports of it being visible over the last couple of nights but I missed it.
I saw something similar, years ago, from here in Denmark at 55N.
There were reports of it being visible over the last couple of nights but I missed it.
- Tue Nov 07, 2023 6:07 am
- Forum: This is SolarChat !!
- Topic: A couple from last nights aurora
- Replies: 16
- Views: 1076
Re: A couple from last nights aurora
Beautifully captured!
- Tue Nov 07, 2023 5:33 am
- Forum: This is SolarChat !!
- Topic: November 5th 2023 - Out with the 150mm
- Replies: 10
- Views: 764
- Mon Nov 06, 2023 7:05 am
- Forum: This is SolarChat !!
- Topic: November 5th 2023 - Out with the 150mm
- Replies: 10
- Views: 764
Re: November 5th 2023 - Out with the 150mm
NASA phoned. They said they'd like to take back control of their Solar Orbiter when you've finished with it.
- Thu Oct 26, 2023 6:34 am
- Forum: This is SolarChat !!
- Topic: Barride AR150/F8 tuned to H-alpha 25.10.
- Replies: 13
- Views: 1350
Re: Barride AR150/F8 tuned to H-alpha 25.10.
Nice images, Petr. :bow Though it raises the spectre that iStar's H-alpha objectives are simply re-spaced standard objectives. Conversely, it also means that at least one had to be tested to ensure the re-spacing had actually achieved anything useful AND repeatable. Ray tracing software could easily...
- Mon Oct 23, 2023 5:32 am
- Forum: This is SolarChat !!
- Topic: David and Goliath - ISTAR 9"/F9 and Sollar scout DSII40mm
- Replies: 20
- Views: 2698
Re: David and Goliath - ISTAR 9"/F9 and Sollar scout DSII40mm
I used a "dealer selected" Celestron 150 f/8 for years. Which meant I was always bemoaning my "local seeing conditions." I could never use over 120x visually on the moon or planets. Then I bought a 180/12 R35 objective from iStar and built the telescope myself. It immediately dou...
- Mon Oct 23, 2023 5:03 am
- Forum: Solar Scope Modifications
- Topic: Lunt 40 mod basics.
- Replies: 24
- Views: 3631
Re: Lunt 40 mod basics.
Folding the assembly back on itself would make it more manageable. Perhaps using 2" star diagonals? I believe Petr [Pupak] has used this method. Having the long extension parallel with the main body greatly reduces the instrument's moment and flexure. I have often wondered if the objective lens...
- Sat Oct 14, 2023 6:30 am
- Forum: Solar Radio, Magnetometry and Spectroscopy
- Topic: Sol’Ex Spectroheliograph first light (FS60C F/5.9) | (20231012)
- Replies: 19
- Views: 2649
Re: Sol’Ex Spectroheliograph first light (FS60C F/5.9) | (20231012)
Forgive me for this pointing out: When photographing dark or black finished items: A neutral background shows far more detail in the dark surfaces than a white background. Plain packaging cardboard is cheap and readily available in all sizes. Often free of charge. A white background simply confuses ...
- Thu Oct 12, 2023 5:44 am
- Forum: SPoD Archive
- Topic: ISS solar transit H alpha 26th of September
- Replies: 4
- Views: 1445
Re: ISS solar transit H alpha 26th of September
Your beautiful transit image appears to show the sun has a zip [or zipper.]
It also illustrates the true scale [perspective] of a much nearer object.~1000km.
Relative to anything seen at the sun's distance. ~150,000,000km
Nicely captured!
It also illustrates the true scale [perspective] of a much nearer object.~1000km.
Relative to anything seen at the sun's distance. ~150,000,000km
Nicely captured!
- Thu Oct 12, 2023 5:44 am
- Forum: This is SolarChat !!
- Topic: ISS solar transit H alpha 26th of September
- Replies: 8
- Views: 1716
Re: ISS solar transit H alpha 26th of September
Your beautiful transit image appears to show the sun has a zip [or zipper.]
It also illustrates the true scale [perspective] of a much nearer object.~1000km.
Relative to anything seen at the sun's distance. ~150,000,000km
Nicely captured!
It also illustrates the true scale [perspective] of a much nearer object.~1000km.
Relative to anything seen at the sun's distance. ~150,000,000km
Nicely captured!
- Mon Oct 09, 2023 2:53 pm
- Forum: This is SolarChat !!
- Topic: APM Herschel Test
- Replies: 7
- Views: 1556
Re: APM Herschel Test
Get well soon.
- Thu Sep 28, 2023 5:31 am
- Forum: This is SolarChat !!
- Topic: 140mm H-alpha SHG imaging: 0.20 angstrom BW, 0.55 arcsec/pixel
- Replies: 14
- Views: 1208
Re: 140mm H-alpha SHG imaging: 0.20 angstrom BW, 0.55 arcsec/pixel
Thank you for the link Douglas. :bow I am afraid I haven't ventured into the S,R M & S forum. So I have missed your detailed results until now. For some reason the sub-forum title makes me think of theoretical work with graphs and tables. Rather than instrumental builds and the resulting images....
- Wed Sep 27, 2023 11:21 am
- Forum: This is SolarChat !!
- Topic: 140mm H-alpha SHG imaging: 0.20 angstrom BW, 0.55 arcsec/pixel
- Replies: 14
- Views: 1208
Re: 140mm H-alpha SHG imaging: 0.20 angstrom BW, 0.55 arcsec/pixel
A remarkable image Douglas. :bow Forgive me, but I was temped to bring out a little more "drama" or greater "clarity." Without over-sharpening or boosting contrast. Nothing too exciting. Just a few clicks in PhotoFiltre. An old image handling software. I tried hard to avoid intro...
- Tue Sep 26, 2023 4:55 pm
- Forum: This is SolarChat !!
- Topic: Unimax AR 100/F15 first light
- Replies: 10
- Views: 927
Re: Unimax AR 100/F15 first light
Please avoid being dead.
We, and solar astronomy, need you.
BTW: I thought garlic only cured vampirism.
I hope the optician has nothing to fear?
Get well soon.
We, and solar astronomy, need you.
BTW: I thought garlic only cured vampirism.
I hope the optician has nothing to fear?
Get well soon.
- Sun Sep 24, 2023 5:01 am
- Forum: This is SolarChat !!
- Topic: h-alpha, September 22nd, 2023
- Replies: 6
- Views: 760
Re: h-alpha, September 22nd, 2023
Frank
An excellent pair of images.
At the risk of offending, I believe your images hide a lot of detail in the darkness.
I had a play with gamma, contrast and histogram but won't post the results here.
The modified image being a matter of personal taste.
An excellent pair of images.
At the risk of offending, I believe your images hide a lot of detail in the darkness.
I had a play with gamma, contrast and histogram but won't post the results here.
The modified image being a matter of personal taste.
- Thu Sep 21, 2023 8:37 am
- Forum: This is SolarChat !!
- Topic: Astronomy Photographer of the Year 2023 Our Sun Category
- Replies: 10
- Views: 645
Re: Astronomy Photographer of the Year 2023 Our Sun Category
I agree. What's next to capture the judges' eye[s]? A Selfie? :( Tristan Campbell's spotty, white light image from Harrogate was easily my favourite. :bow Beautifully captured and processed. Natural detail, without pushing it down our throats. :bow It displays the beauty and complexity of our sun to...
- Thu Sep 21, 2023 8:17 am
- Forum: This is SolarChat !!
- Topic: 20th September 2023 France
- Replies: 10
- Views: 410
Re: 20th September 2023 France
Well done!
- Tue Sep 19, 2023 8:03 am
- Forum: This is SolarChat !!
- Topic: Huge prom on 16.09 Animation
- Replies: 12
- Views: 460
Re: Huge prom on 16.09 Animation
I like the way your rolling sun suggests massive weight and inertia. I once set three, round, paving labs, slightly sunken into the lawn to allow mowing, for locating the tripod feet. Where increased accuracy is required you could [masonry] drill the slabs for the points of a tripod. Even insert soc...
- Tue Sep 19, 2023 5:39 am
- Forum: This is SolarChat !!
- Topic: 18th September 2023 France
- Replies: 14
- Views: 441
Re: 18th September 2023 France
Alexandra, With the greatest respect, as always: I don't think you have quite grasped the concept of "outreach." You are supposed to go to a busy location and set up to catch passers by. Not set up miles from anywhere. And then hide under a blanket! Are you really that shy? :D Beautiful lo...
- Sun Sep 17, 2023 5:31 am
- Forum: This is SolarChat !!
- Topic: Ha with 9.25” image pixilated
- Replies: 10
- Views: 633
Re: Ha with 9.25” image pixilated
It is a beautifully detailed image, but, with the greatest respect , I find it rather dark and over-sharpened. Enlarging the image 2-300% shows a uniform, overall "texture." As if the image was printed on a coarse cloth. I call that over-sharpened. Not pixelated. The natural desire to sque...
- Fri Sep 15, 2023 5:09 am
- Forum: This is SolarChat !!
- Topic: Prominence Animation August 18th
- Replies: 10
- Views: 658
Re: Prominence Animation August 18th
Superb animations and images. The fine detail in your animations is absolutely stunning!
Your website gallery shows your amazing imaging skills. Well worth seeing.
Your website gallery shows your amazing imaging skills. Well worth seeing.
- Fri Sep 15, 2023 4:54 am
- Forum: Solar Reference Library
- Topic: Summer solar visual and imaging challenge : "What is the color of sunspots ?"
- Replies: 75
- Views: 17824
Re: Summer solar visual and imaging challenge : "What is the color of sunspots ?"
I haven't ploughed through the whole thread. So forgive me if this has been suggested before: Use a reflecting telescope, of sufficiently long focus, to produce a prime focus image of ONLY one [large] spot's umbra/penumbra. Without any surrounding solar surface material, to upset a camera's colour b...
- Sun Sep 10, 2023 8:53 pm
- Forum: This is SolarChat !!
- Topic: 4 hours 55 minutes timelapse of AR13421 in H-Alpha 5th of September 2023
- Replies: 22
- Views: 934
Re: 4 hours 55 minutes timelapse of AR13421 in H-Alpha 5th of September 2023
Thank you for your explanation Arne.
- Fri Sep 08, 2023 5:01 am
- Forum: This is SolarChat !!
- Topic: 4 hours 55 minutes timelapse of AR13421 in H-Alpha 5th of September 2023
- Replies: 22
- Views: 934
Re: 4 hours 55 minutes timelapse of AR13421 in H-Alpha 5th of September 2023
Congratulations on your new telescope and positive first results. :bow The following is not remotely meant as a criticism. So much as a personal observation: I have often struggled with poor seeing V image scale in 6" [f/10] and 7" [f/12] apertures. Requiring one of four different "Ba...
- Thu Aug 31, 2023 4:23 pm
- Forum: This is SolarChat !!
- Topic: CaK Sun 30th August
- Replies: 23
- Views: 960
Re: CaK Sun 30th August
Fine images!
Just out of curiosity Mark:
Can you have your new toys delivered to the boat?
Presumably there is some system on the canals for postal delivery? At the marinas?
I can [almost] imagine the posty chasing you down the canal towpath on his bike.
Just out of curiosity Mark:
Can you have your new toys delivered to the boat?
Presumably there is some system on the canals for postal delivery? At the marinas?
I can [almost] imagine the posty chasing you down the canal towpath on his bike.
- Sun Aug 06, 2023 6:14 am
- Forum: This is SolarChat !!
- Topic: Quick Solar Grab - 4th August
- Replies: 20
- Views: 1062
Re: Quick Solar Grab - 4th August
Can I be a total pedant and suggest you do not park your narrowboat right under your line of sight to the sun?
That cratch cover must be killing your seeing!
Nice pictures though!
Despite everything!
That cratch cover must be killing your seeing!
Nice pictures though!
Despite everything!
- Mon Jul 24, 2023 7:39 pm
- Forum: This is SolarChat !!
- Topic: Sun in Greylight 24th July 2023. Single Frame.
- Replies: 6
- Views: 446
Re: Sun in Greylight 24th July 2023. Single Frame.
Wow! It is just like being there!
- Sun Jul 23, 2023 8:05 pm
- Forum: This is SolarChat !!
- Topic: (Animation) Multiple legs prominence 22 Jul 2023
- Replies: 16
- Views: 1048
Re: (Animation) Multiple legs prominence 22 Jul 2023
Thank you Minh.
No doubt many others will have learnt/learned something from this discussion.
No doubt many others will have learnt/learned something from this discussion.
- Sun Jul 23, 2023 11:56 am
- Forum: This is SolarChat !!
- Topic: (Animation) Multiple legs prominence 22 Jul 2023
- Replies: 16
- Views: 1048
Re: (Animation) Multiple legs prominence 22 Jul 2023
Thank you for that excellent explanation Warren.
My initial [very wild] guess was bright stars.
Though (I imagine) the chances of those getting through the heavy solar filtration would be vanishingly small.
My initial [very wild] guess was bright stars.
Though (I imagine) the chances of those getting through the heavy solar filtration would be vanishingly small.
- Sun Jul 23, 2023 8:52 am
- Forum: This is SolarChat !!
- Topic: (Animation) Multiple legs prominence 22 Jul 2023
- Replies: 16
- Views: 1048
Re: (Animation) Multiple legs prominence 22 Jul 2023
Thanks. I am still trying to understand why the visible movement occurs in these "artefacts". Dust motes would surely remain stationary relative to the image field captured? Presumably the movement seen is due to slight variations in the centration. Of the individual frames/videos due to t...
- Sun Jul 23, 2023 5:14 am
- Forum: This is SolarChat !!
- Topic: (Animation) Multiple legs prominence 22 Jul 2023
- Replies: 16
- Views: 1048
Re: (Animation) Multiple legs prominence 22 Jul 2023
A beautiful animation but what are the two objects nearby?
Since they are affected by the seeing, but remain in position, can one assume they are distant?
Since they are affected by the seeing, but remain in position, can one assume they are distant?
- Sat Jul 22, 2023 5:16 am
- Forum: This is SolarChat !!
- Topic: Straylight in white light images
- Replies: 12
- Views: 1238
Re: Straylight in white light images
The great length of unsupported tubing after the focuser suggests it cannot be straight. Focusers were never designed to accept such extreme, cantilevered loading. Try a laser collimator, or even a Cheshire at the camera position . Testing with the OTA on either side of the PA 180º apart. They shoul...
- Sun Jul 16, 2023 6:59 am
- Forum: This is SolarChat !!
- Topic: July 15 2023. SUNoculars and No14 Welder's Filter.
- Replies: 10
- Views: 597
Re: July 15 2023. SUNoculars and No14 Welder's Filter.
Thanks James.
I had a quick search for gold coated welding lenses.
They are readily available in various shades and inexpensive. $10 on eBay.
I had a quick search for gold coated welding lenses.
They are readily available in various shades and inexpensive. $10 on eBay.
- Sun Jul 16, 2023 5:53 am
- Forum: This is SolarChat !!
- Topic: Straylight in white light images
- Replies: 12
- Views: 1238
Re: Straylight in white light images
Is there a baffle on the front of the white tube?
I had problems with grazing light in a similar tube.
Until I baffled the front edge of a similar tube in my folded 7" refractor.
I had problems with grazing light in a similar tube.
Until I baffled the front edge of a similar tube in my folded 7" refractor.
- Sun Jul 16, 2023 5:22 am
- Forum: This is SolarChat !!
- Topic: July 15 2023. SUNoculars and No14 Welder's Filter.
- Replies: 10
- Views: 597
Re: July 15 2023. SUNoculars and No14 Welder's Filter.
Interesting discussion. How would an "automatic dimming" welder's mask work on the sun for visual? Would it work? Would it be safe?
- Thu Jul 06, 2023 7:26 pm
- Forum: This is SolarChat !!
- Topic: 6.7.23: First light CaK double stack
- Replies: 13
- Views: 706
Re: 6.7.23: First light CaK double stack
Forgive me for saying so but the PS image is vastly superior to the Photomatix. Strictly IMO of course.
Look at the cellular detail and interstitial brightening! It is astounding!
Look at the cellular detail and interstitial brightening! It is astounding!