Sun images from Melbourne 2 October 2022

[Averton (P and C)]

Another beautiful cloud free morning in Melbourne. A chance for some more sun imaging. Another interesting full disk dominated by the giant long filament in the south east. The incoming AR3112 looks large and complex.

Full disk Ha image taken with Daystar Solar Scout 60 double stacked with Lunt 40 etalon, ASI178MM camera and 0.5 reducer.

[rustigsmed (Russell)]

these are great guys, plenty going on the sun at the moment.
i recently picked up a newer/lighter mount to enable to more quickly setup with more ease - so hopefully i'll be back on the solar train soon. Living vicariously through your images!

[Averton (P and C)]

Thanks Russ.
Sounds like a great move. According to your signature you've got an EQ8, definitely not a portable bit of equipment. We use a HEQ5 which we only have to carry out about 3m and we're good to go. Makes it good for grabbing the small windows of opportunity that sneak up
What is your new mount?

[rustigsmed (Russell)]

Originally Posted by Averton

Thanks Russ.
Sounds like a great move. According to your signature you've got an EQ8, definitely not a portable bit of equipment. We use a HEQ5 which we only have to carry out about 3m and we're good to go. Makes it good for grabbing the small windows of opportunity that sneak up
What is your new mount?

yes i was looking at a very similar option the AZEQ5 but skywatcher had an awesome deal last month a free evostar 72 with azeq6 - so i would have been spending the same money for a azeq5 and evostar 72 as an azeq6 with an evostar (I decided I wanted a full frame sun not just close ups with the 130mm). one aussie vendor had a very very good deal on azeq6's too, so it kind of made the choice for me - even though i was deadset on a 5. I was a bit worried about its grab and go ability, but it is looking to be manageable - much much lighter than the eq8 (which I have to set up everytime too).

[Averton (P and C)]

Sounds like a pretty good deal. With an AZEQ6 you'll still be able to get both your solar scopes on at once, but it will definitely be an easier job to set up than the EQ8