Sunday Sun, 1st July 2012

[Matt Wastell]

Hi all,
Had some fun in the Sun today - conditions were poor but that rarely stops me. Lots of active regions and some proms - Lunt60, 2.5 Powermate, DMK31 and Registax. It was great to be out again!

Also did a colour disc - 4 panel at prime focus.
http://www.pbase.com/mattwastell/image/144429437

Thanks for looking!

[sheeny]

Nice work Matt.

No chance to get around the clouds here this weekend.

Al.

[Quark]

Really nice resolution Matt, the definition inf the active regions looks pretty impressive to me and as always, love the proms.

Regards
Trevor

[Blaznee]

Great photos Matt...... The sort of shots that I hope to be taking soon.
I am a newb at solar photography and have just purchased a Lunt LS60 THa /PT/B1200. I am looking at a suitable CCD and am wanting to know if you would recommend the DMK?
Any other advice for someone getting started in solar photography wouldn't go astray either :question:
Gary

[Matt Wastell]

Hi Gary - thanks for the kind words.
I would highly recommend the DMK's (I have had very little experience with others) - but they are solid performers. You need a mono imager for the Sun.
The higher the number 21, 31, 41, 51 the larger the chip and the greater field of view achieved. The 31 is a good balance - if you have lots of cash go the 41 or >.
You will need a processing programme too - I use Registax5 - quite simple and effective with only a little practice.
I always recommend imaging at prime focus first (no barlows or powermates) - this is a touch easier with focus and you tend to get more AVI's in - faster learning curve. You will need to accept that processing takes longer than the actual capture but that is when the magic pops out (if the data is good).
With the DMK31 and Lunt60 I usually use 1/19 sec exp and 42-52 Gamma but sometimes conditions means slight changes are required.
You will need a mount that tracks the Sun too - what is your plan here?
If you have any specific questions at any time PM me as I am really interested in solar journeys.
You will love it - welcome to the red side!

[multiweb]

Very cool shots. :thumbsup:

[h0ughy]

nice proms

[Blaznee]

Many thanks for your advice Matt. I really appreciate you taking the time to share your knowledge.
I'll be going for the DMK 41 and will take you up on the offer of sending you a PM or 3 when I get setup.:question:
As far as mounts go I'll use my G11 Gemini initially, overkill it might be, but I am looking at getting the Losmandy Star Lapse system a little bit down the track.
I am very keen to get into solar observing after seeing the Venus transit last month and having the Nov 14 Total Solar eclipse at my back door in Trinity Beach.

Thanks again Matt. I'll be in touch.:sunny:
Gary

[Matt Wastell]

No worries at all.
You will love the DMK41 - I am jealous!
Enjoy the solar eclipse!

[lepton3]

Great work Matt. Some nice detail in the mono images, and the full disc mosaic is especially striking.

-Ivan