First Light 180 Maksutov AR2786 28/11/2020

[Martin_S]

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]

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]

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]

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

[Martin_S]

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.

[Eris]

Nice setup and images Martin. Very handy to have an extra string in the bow!

[Saturnine]

Congrats on first solar light with the Mak, very nice crisp images.

[Merlin66]

Martin,
Great results from a great set-up!
Good to see the growing interest in solar observing.
I'm still out of action.....maybe later this week...

[Martin_S]

Ken ,that's a shame you're missing out on the best Solar show this year.

[Merlin66]

Yeah,
Such is life...
Hopefully you’ll leave some interesting AR’s for me ........

[PeterM]

Martin that is a super setup! Great images as usual. so much detail going on in those ARs.

[Anth10]

Nice shot- just be careful around the pewl.. please.;)
Anth

[Martin_S]

I've only fallen in once........ at night

[morls]

Hi Martin,
I have the same scope, 180 Mak, and am very interested in this setup. How did you get to f4.5?
Cheers
Stephen