Any Ha Solar images??

[Merlin66]

There's been an interesting Ha plague floating around the last AR.
Anyone manage to get some images??
The weather over here in the UK has been terrible as usual ( am I becoming another whinging pom!!!!)
HOughy, what about the Lunt???

[h0ughy]

its raining, cruddy cloudy weather - mmm sunshine - long for heaps of it and clear skies

[noice]

Hi,

no Ha lately, sorry, but maybe you'd like to take a look at these images from last week?

from my very first solar session:
http://darkchamber.de/astro/images/sonne/sonne-AR11017-1-09-05-17.jpg
http://darkchamber.de/astro/images/sonne/sonne-AR11017-2-09-05-17.jpg

and following:
http://darkchamber.de/astro/images/sonne/sonne-AR11016-09-05-21.jpg
http://darkchamber.de/astro/images/sonne/sonne-protuberanzen-09-05-23.jpg
http://darkchamber.de/astro/images/sonne/sonne-AR11017-09-05-23.jpg
http://darkchamber.de/astro/images/sonne/sonne-AR11016-09-05-23-2.jpg

Ha equipment is a PST, adapted to a 4" achromatic refractor with full aperture 4" C-ERF from Baader. The refractor is severely out of alignment, put aside that the focuser still is, too. Anyway, this setup gives stunning views (don't do that!) and also good resolution images. The setup (PST, achro, ERF) was bought second hand and was about 1000 Euros (~1800 AUD). Ha imaging is totally new to me, but I think that the setup is a really good start to this part of this great hobby!

[Paul Haese]

No sorry, been cloudy here and trying to get out when the tree out back is not in the way is next to impossible.

[sheeny]

Wow!:eyepop:

They're great images!:thumbsup:

(I never realised the sun was just hot carpet!:P:whistle:)

Al.

[seeker372011]

outstanding images!

[Bassnut]

Holly cow noice, THAT is impressive

[Merlin66]

Guys,
The views and images through modded PST's can be absolutely terrific!!
You have effectively a 80mm (or larger) aperture with a Ha bandwidth of <1 A
I've now done this mod four times (and there's another three on the go with amateurs here in Oz and in the UK), not difficult to do.... BUT....
You MUST, and I repeat, MUST have the correct and safe Energy Rejection filter (ERF) mounted on the front of the scope!!
The wrong filter will severely damage not only your PST etalon but could do irrepairable damage to your camera and your eyes!!!!!!:eyepop:
There are only a few good ERF suppliers in the world. Baader, if not #1 is pretty close.
A really great and exciting project, but be cautious, please:)

[noice]

Hi,

and thanks for the benevolent replies :)

About modifying the PST: I think that someone that owns a PST and thinks about upgrading it is well aware of the difficulties and dangers that arise. Plus most of the modified PSTs are built for imaging, at least this is my impression after showing the modification on the ITV (largest star party in europe).

Compare that to a discounters binoculars which is, regarding the sun, much more dangerous. Yes, there is a manual to the binoculars telling you not to do so, but then again, who reads a binoculars manual? AND customers are non-astronomers ...

Don't get me wrong, I don't want to downplay the dangers! This system is surely not meant for excessive visual observations!

[Merlin66]

I disagree.
I think the PST (and the mods) if used correctly are 100% safe for visual observing. One of the strengths of the small Ha scopes ( both the PST and the Lunt) is the "grab and go" capability. When used visually in Outreach sessions it gives a "warm fuzzy feeling" to see the Hoooo Haaaaa reaction's of the participants.
I use my SM60 as much visually as I do for imaging...
My 2c

[noice]

Hi,

I know of a measurement of a modified PST and it was marginal by german industrial standards. This means you should avoid excessive observations.

About the ERF, I only know the Baader ERF that is also sold by others, like Lille or Lunt.

http://darkchamber.de/astro/images/sonstiges/PST-Umbau-Vergleich.jpg

[Merlin66]

http://www.astrosurf.com/luxorion/reports-sunha.htm
http://www.opticsplanet.net/coronado-safety-guide.html

1000 Oaks, Lumicon and others manufacture and sell ERF's
I prepared a review of the safety hazards and risks for the UK forum:
http://ukastroimaging.co.uk/forums/index.php?topic=38879.0

Hope this helps.

[noice]

Couldn't get an ERF from those. They want to sell "packs" (ERF + further filters), at least in my place.

No anonymous access. I think they don't want to be disturbed there :)


I completely disagree to anyone defining down the dangers. Just don't use it visually on a regular basis. It's not worth it.


At least, that's my "official" attitude ;)