Nasa apod

[keller60]

Looking at today's NASA APOD (https://apod.nasa.gov/apod/ap240405.html) I was amazed by the cleverness of the image
but also noted it was from a well known Oz imager, Peter Ward.


The week before that we had Phil Hart getting a NASA gong.


Something in the water? :) Well done guys!

[Peter Ward]

Thanks Bill. Water? To quote WC Fields...never touch the stuff. :D

[anj026]

That's awesome Peter, just amazing. I hope there is clear skies next week for the USA.

[JA]

Well done and congratulations Peter. That's a great visual for demonstrating the difference between Solar Min v Solar Max, in a very unique way, clearly showing 2 or 3 times maybe more flux. :thumbsup::thumbsup:

I think most probably it is, given that you most likely used the same instrument, but just curious if the horizontal field of view was the same for both images.

Best
JA

[alpal]

Hi Peter,
an interesting and unique image - well done.
cheers
Allan

[Peter Ward]

Thanks JA. Different gear. The web links below will give you some more info as well.

2017 Eclipse (http://www.atscope.com.au/BRO/gallery404.html): Takahashi 85mm FSQ, Canon 5DIV Losmandy Starlapse tracker
2023 Eclipse (http://www.atscope.com.au/BRO/gallery613.html): Astro-Physics AP155 + AP92, Canon EOSR5, Astro-Physics Mach 2 EQ mount

That said, I did scale the 2017 data to match the field width of the 2023 data.
The solar polar axis is a little different in each, but somewhat moot as the comparison is over a multi-year cycle.

P.S. To dispel any rumors, I have not traveled to the USA or Mexico
for the TSE on the April 8th....but clear skies to those that have :thumbsup:

[Andy01]

Congratulations Peter, an extraordinary presentation! :thumbsup:

[Peter Ward]

Thanks Andy.

I stopped to ponder the logistics in this image....

Travel to not one but two TSE's the best part of a decade apart and half a world away.

I also expect a few others might run with my processing method to compare
other TSE's after this gratifying NASA APOD :)

[Peter Ward]

Sorry for the tardy response...Thanks very much Alan and Andy!

[Crater101]

I'll add my congrats - damn fine effort, well done!

[Peter Ward]

Thank you Captain Scarlet :D

My trip to Exmouth was rather demanding and not inexpensive (Phil Hart took it to the next level with multiple mounts and optics). That said, the results vindicated hauling an AP155 and mount across the continent. They performed flawlessly on the day.

I'm looking at the TSE for 2026....not overly long, but Greenland or Iceland (pardon the pun) would be cool.

[Crater101]

Ha! My alter ego has been discovered! :lol:


Oddly enough, the wife and I are discussing a trip in 2026 that would include Iceland, and I've been calculating weight allowances against star trackers, astro gear, lenses, etc.

[Peter Ward]

No prob's Capt'n . BTW I pulled the trigger just now. Booked a 2026 Iceland Eclipse Cruise :thumbsup:

[JA]

Hopefully there won't be too many limitations on what you can carry on board and to the site for the adventure, unless of course you plan to travel "light".

Best
JA

[Leo.G]

Is light travel a thing now?
What about faster than light, that would be handy at times (at least 6 times during the night when I'm trying to sleep, lol)?


Stunning image and explanation Peter!