First Light 180 Maksutov AR2786 28/11/2020

Martin_S · #1 28-11-2020, 10:49 PM

Today was first light day with my 180mm Maksutov. I needed a Solar filter so I adapted an old filter and mounted it
into a cardboard holder . I didn't want to use my usual solar imaging cameras as they were all set up on my other imaging rig
so I used my ASI385mc camera that I use for night time imaging and an IR/cut and #58 green filter .
I didn't expect much as this setup is not the best for Solar Imaging. I imaged at f/15 and f/4.5.
The results were better than I expected.

Tulloch (Andrew) · #2 29-11-2020, 09:26 AM

Excellent results, I love the detail in the spots and the surface features of the sun

Now that the planet season is basically over, I really want to get into WL solar with my ASI224MC. I tried last summer with a Celestron Eclipsmart filter but there was nothing to see and I couldn't really focus. I also suspect that the Eclipsmart is not suited for detailed imaging, more for photographing eclipses...

I assume you are using the Baader film, which one are you using? Why the green filter, would any colour filter work?

Thanks, Andrew

Martin_S · #3 29-11-2020, 10:16 AM

Hi Andrew, I am using Baader ND3.8 solar imaging film, it allows you to use fast frame rates to help combat the turbulence in the atmosphere. The green filter combined with an IR cut filter helps to cut out other wavelengths and concentrate your imaging around the 540nm wavelength to increase contrast. I haven't tried it but some people use a red filter.
A lot depends on the seeing some days the turbulence in the atmosphere makes solar imaging almost impossible to get good results.

Tulloch (Andrew) · #4 29-11-2020, 10:35 AM

Thanks Martin, the 3.8 is the one for imaging only, not visual observation, correct? What frame rates were you using?

Martin_S · #5 29-11-2020, 11:28 AM

Correct Andrew, I average about 24 fps as my PC is a bit dated. Later PC's with faster processors and SSD drives will give faster frame rates. you can work around having a slower PC with your imaging techniques.