First sun

[Drac0]

Except for a couple of quick shots a number of years ago using a DSLR, 200mm lens & a 20 stop ND filter I've never taken the time for solar imaging. So today with clear skies I decided to take the time to give it a go. Shot with an ASI294MM, 102mm F7 with 0.8x reducer using a home made filter using Baader film.

No idea what I'm doing with processing, may even learn eventually how to do it & even add false colour. But over-all I'm happy with the result, especially how clear the sun spots are.

Cheers,
Mark

[Saturnine]

Hi Mark

That is a very good first solar image, good focus is what matters most. Having lots of sunspots and filaments on the disc really helps too .

[oska]

Nice cap Mark, thanks for sharing.

[Doogs38]

Nothing like giving something new a crack and your first solar image looks great, I especially like the detail around the sunspots. I’ve been watching a few solar images pop up and it’s def making me curious too. Alex

[Drac0]

Thanks guys, been a slow progression. Purchased the solar film several years ago & did nothing with it. About six months ago I out together a diy filter to fit the scope - a piece of the film between a couple of sheets of masonite with rubber to hold the film in place. And finally got around to using it. :)

Cheers,
Mark

[Merlin66]

Mark you're off to a good start! Well done.:thumbsup:


You've captured well the sunspots with the umbra and penumbra very clear.
The bright faculae towards the top of your image also shows up well against the surface granulation.
Which software are you using? I use FireCapture for all my solar imaging.

[AstroViking]

Very cool first image, Mark. All you need now is a good prominence / flare or two.

Cheers,
V

[Drac0]

I just ran it with the ASI software - not the best but it's what was handy. Will look into other options when I do more later, this was more a spur of the moment thing & of course it looks like another week or so of clouds now.

Cheers,
Mark

[Merlin66]

Steve et al,
To record the filaments and prominences you need a solar H alpha filter.
Unfortunately these are MUCH more expensive than white light filters.


A very cost effective alternative is one of the 3D printed "Sol'Ex" mini spectroheliographs.

This allows you to image in any visible wavelength - Calcium, Magnesium, Sodium, Hydrogen etc etc.
Check out the forum and Christian's website.
https://groups.io/g/Solex-English

http://www.astrosurf.com/solex/sol-ex-construction-en.html

[Drac0]

Hi Ken,

The Sol'Ex looks interesting. Way cheaper than a dedicated solar scope but I don't think I'm that good at the DIY type thing at that level. So I'll have to save for some time for anything more than white light.

Cheers,
Mark