Sun - first attempt

[peter_4059 (Peter)]

I picked up a solar filter this week as I was keen to have a go at the transit of Venus next month. Got it all set up for the first time this morning with the 10" Newt and the Canon 400D. I found I needed to use the Paracorr to achieve focus but don't think this will be an issue as there is nothing in the corners of the field in any case and the focal length means the sun is almost the full frame of the Canon.

Focusing is really tricky and I resorted to trial and error using the sunspot - appreciate any advice on how to do this better.

Still need to play with the exposure - this was 1/125 sec at Iso 100.

Thanks for looking - any tips appreciated so I'm all set to go on 6th June!

[stardust steve (Steve)]

Hi Peter. Looks good for a single image capture with some surface detail as well as some spots. I agree focus is difficult. One way that seems to work for me is with your 400D at prime focus / select movie mode/ zoom in 5x or even 10x if it's not too jumpy and focus that way.
While it's in movie mode, record a movie clip at HD.
Then (a) convert your movie into AVI ( you can choose a 1min or so section depending how many frames you want.
or (b) create an image sequence of the desired clip length. I use VideoPad Video Editor.
Option b works well for me at the moment...i can't seem to use the correct codec that AVI Stack 2 or Registax requires when using option (a)
So i put in the image sequence, last night i used 500 frames into AVI Stack 2 (free) and start the process. I followed this for help with it http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e0WaAMY9fQI

Good luck with it, i am currently experimenting with this same type of processing.
There might even be some tutorials coming up soon as well as the ones that i have found in google searches
It might even be worth trying with your ED80 aswell

[allan gould]

Peter
It seem you have the same situation as in this thread.
http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/s...ad.php?t=89796
may be worth following
Allan

[peter_4059 (Peter)]

Here's todays attempt. This time with a faster shutter speed and mirror lockup. I think the focus is a bit better this time.

[jjjnettie (Jeanette)]

Processing solar is yet another learning curve.
Multiple subtle adjustments in Curves and USM are the go.

[peter_4059 (Peter)]

Thanks for the tip JJJ. Now with a bit of deconvolution and smart sharpen.

[Matt Wastell (Matt)]

Hi Peter - great progress - Venus will look great in front of that disc!

[peter_4059 (Peter)]

Thanks Matt. Looking forward to it. Submitted my leave application today so just need a clear day now.

[matt42s (Matt)]

That's looking very impressive Peter. What type of solar filter are you using?

[peter_4059 (Peter)]

Matt I think it is a Thousad Oak (glass filter) but can't say for sure as there are no marks on it.

[cybereye (Mario)]

Nice image Peter!

I too am sweating on a clear day as I've taken a day off work as well to view the transit.

I'm really looking forward to it and if I may butcher some words from Bananarama..

"To see our Venus in front of fire,
That's my desire!"

Cheers,
Mario

[stardust steve (Steve)]

Originally Posted by peter_4059

Thanks for the tip JJJ. Now with a bit of deconvolution and smart sharpen.

I like the golden colour this filter gives. Do you use the R-G filter?

[h0ughy (David)]

nice pre-emptive work Peter. I will be on an RDO for the day but if the weather is sus i will be making a call the day before to travel if needed

[peter_4059 (Peter)]

Thanks Dave and Mario,

Originally Posted by stardust steve

I like the golden colour this filter gives. Do you use the R-G filter?

Thanks - not sure what the R-G filter is?