Search found 3970 matches

by Merlin66
Wed Feb 15, 2023 10:48 pm
Forum: Commercial Solar Filters/Cameras/Hardware
Topic: Celestron Eclipsmart solar filters
Replies: 8
Views: 1472

Celestron Eclipsmart solar filters

Celestron is offering these white light solar filters: https://www.celestron.com/collection...-solar-filters They claim compliance with ISO standards - which only apply to naked eye "sunglasses" type filters! There's no mention of transmission curves or surface accuracy of these filters. T...
by Merlin66
Wed Feb 15, 2023 2:05 am
Forum: This is SolarChat !!
Topic: 15th Feb Solar CaK
Replies: 12
Views: 396

15th Feb Solar CaK

Trying all my solar scopes/ filters in Junortoun - 220mtr Today is Cak Vixen 90 + DIY CaK filter +ASI 1600MM Conditions a bit steadier than previous. I've included a SDO "finder chart" Many lumps and bridges obvious in the penumbra/umbra regions. Bright flare like dots/ knots surround the ...
by Merlin66
Sat Feb 11, 2023 4:07 am
Forum: This is SolarChat !!
Topic: New first light CaK 10th Feb 2023
Replies: 14
Views: 392

Re: New first light CaK 10th Feb 2023

James, My thoughts are with you. Before this move we were 2.5 drive away from Mum and it took a whole day there and back - once or twice a week. It became too much and we ended up full time carers 24/7 living in the spare bedroom - no internet, spectrographs, telescopes, nada.......... Now 12 months...
by Merlin66
Sat Feb 11, 2023 4:00 am
Forum: Solar Radio, Magnetometry and Spectroscopy
Topic: Update to the SimSpec SHG V1.5
Replies: 1
Views: 17912

Update to the SimSpec SHG V1.5

I've updated my SimSpec SHG spreadsheet. SimSpec SHGV1.5 has been revised and upgraded. The new layout is more "pleasing to the eye" and hopefully easier to use. The camera listing has been revised to reflect the growing list of available CMOS cameras. Thanks to Doug Smith for his valuable...
by Merlin66
Sat Feb 11, 2023 3:50 am
Forum: Solar Radio, Magnetometry and Spectroscopy
Topic: SHG cak
Replies: 4
Views: 1129

Re: SHG cak

Alexandra,
The dark lines are large extended snake like filaments visible in CaK.
The current solar activity is giving rise to some exciting images!!!
by Merlin66
Sat Feb 11, 2023 3:46 am
Forum: Commercial Solar Filters/Cameras/Hardware
Topic: CaK Filter Degradation (Blooming)
Replies: 20
Views: 2303

Re: CaK Filter Degradation (Blooming)

To my experienced but untrained eye that looks like the damage seen on failed PST ITF elements. Could be moisture related but I'm thinking UV deterioration of the filter structure. (I have a DIY CaK filter built some years ago with three Omega Bob narrowband filters acting as ERF's coupled with a Ca...
by Merlin66
Sat Feb 11, 2023 3:32 am
Forum: This is SolarChat !!
Topic: New first light CaK 10th Feb 2023
Replies: 14
Views: 392

Re: New first light CaK 10th Feb 2023

Thanks guys, It's good to be back! It's been a very hard and difficult year but thankfully we're nearing the end. We've managed to find a care home for Sue's mother and now live close by and visit regularly. It was a wake up call about ageing and health related issues. It's certainly not easy. All t...
by Merlin66
Sat Feb 11, 2023 2:08 am
Forum: This is SolarChat !!
Topic: New first light CaK 10th Feb 2023
Replies: 14
Views: 392

Re: New first light CaK 10th Feb 2023

Franco, Thanks mate! I was spoiled with the setup at St Leonards, the mount was just outside the office door - took 30sec to set things up. I now have to lug all the cables, computer, telescope, and camera outside and find some shade - Oh and fight of the new dog who wants to help The mount seems to...
by Merlin66
Fri Feb 10, 2023 11:10 pm
Forum: This is SolarChat !!
Topic: New first light CaK 10th Feb 2023
Replies: 14
Views: 392

New first light CaK 10th Feb 2023

These are single SHG images taken with the MiniSHG, 9 micron quartz slit, ED80 and ASI 178.
First images for over a year!!
Not perfect, but do show the enormous prom in CaK.
Onwards and Upwards.
Ken
104944_rot_proms.jpg
104944_rot_proms.jpg (129.57 KiB) Viewed 392 times
104944_rot_Cak_col.jpg
104944_rot_Cak_col.jpg (268.57 KiB) Viewed 392 times
104944_rot_Cak.jpg
104944_rot_Cak.jpg (267.12 KiB) Viewed 392 times
by Merlin66
Tue Feb 07, 2023 5:28 am
Forum: Solar Prominence/Filament Classification Project
Topic: Further research and thinking
Replies: 11
Views: 1669

Re: Further research and thinking

I've been out of action for the past year.............just came across this thread. The definitive work on Filaments and Prominences was a Monograph "Solar Prominences" by Einar Tandberg-Hanssen, High Altitude Observatory, Boulder, Colo. Published by D Reidel in 1974. The books 153 pages, ...
by Merlin66
Sun Aug 14, 2022 12:21 am
Forum: Commercial Solar Filters/Cameras/Hardware
Topic: CaK, Lunt or Daystar?
Replies: 10
Views: 1880

Re: CaK, Lunt or Daystar?

A viable alternative that not only gives CaK imaging but all other solar wavelengths is to use a Mini Spectroheliograph.
Much, much cheaper than the commercial filters and much more capable.
Check out the Sol'Ex website for details.
http://www.astrosurf.com/solex/sol-ex-p ... on-en.html
by Merlin66
Wed Mar 23, 2022 9:25 am
Forum: This is SolarChat !!
Topic: Sunday Springtime Sunshine 20th March
Replies: 34
Views: 1266

Re: Sunday Springtime Sunshine 20th March

Like Martin S I’ve now added a motor to the etalon tuner, in fact there’s one on the DS unit as well.
These can be controlled from within the office. Makes things 110% easier.
Highly recommended.
by Merlin66
Mon Mar 21, 2022 7:23 am
Forum: Solar Scope Modifications
Topic: What is the cheapest mod to view details of the sun up close?
Replies: 28
Views: 17839

Re: What is the cheapest mod to view details of the sun up close?

Thanks,
I may need Peter Z’s help with the details…….
I do see a significant difference in the CaK image taken with the SHG and the others taken with a “2.4A “ Lunt filter.
They Lunt clearly shows the sunspot detail as per the continuum, rather the flocculation of the narrow bandwidth.
by Merlin66
Sun Mar 20, 2022 9:32 pm
Forum: Solar Scope Modifications
Topic: What is the cheapest mod to view details of the sun up close?
Replies: 28
Views: 17839

Re: What is the cheapest mod to view details of the sun up close?

Bob, I’m not sure how the PSF curve of the slit spectroheliograph working at 10 micron slit width and typical x3 sampling (2.4 micron pixel) and giving a 0.06A/pixel dispersion, approx 0.18A resolution compares. The curve I think would sit much further into the absorption curve, that seems to be the...
by Merlin66
Sat Mar 19, 2022 10:53 pm
Forum: This is SolarChat !!
Topic: AR2965 final days
Replies: 15
Views: 580

Re: AR2965 final days

Well done mate!
by Merlin66
Mon Mar 14, 2022 12:21 am
Forum: Solar Radio, Magnetometry and Spectroscopy
Topic: Dipping my Toe into Spectroscopy
Replies: 24
Views: 2339

Re: Dipping my Toe into Spectroscopy

Guys,
The Star Analyser grating and similar basic spectrographs will not work as a spectroheliograph.
You need a slit spectrograph with a very narrow entrance slit gap (around 10 micron), a 2400 l/mm reflection grating and a fast CMOS mono camera which has small pixels (around 2.4 Micron)
by Merlin66
Mon Mar 14, 2022 12:16 am
Forum: Solar Software
Topic: How to mask out the solar disc in prom animation?
Replies: 16
Views: 3159

Re: How to mask out the solar disc in prom animation?

Have you looked at Sylvain's Corono?
This does the black disk etc.
http://sweiller.free.fr/Softwares/Corono/corono.html
by Merlin66
Thu Mar 10, 2022 12:09 am
Forum: Commercial Solar Filters/Cameras/Hardware
Topic: "New" Quantum page
Replies: 29
Views: 4171

Re: "New" Quantum page

Whooooo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I'll build you a Spectroheliograph (including camera ;) ) for a 50% discount on Daystar pricing.
Bandwidth 0.2A, accurate wavelength selection within 0.06A
by Merlin66
Wed Mar 09, 2022 9:52 pm
Forum: Commercial Solar Filters/Cameras/Hardware
Topic: Lunt "Blue Filter" -new design/ construction
Replies: 4
Views: 1410

Re: Lunt "Blue Filter" -new design/ construction

Bresser Europe have replied: """you are right, the manufacturer Lunt Solar Systems has told us that the "Blue Glass" has now a coating. It is available in our online-shop: https://www.bresser.de/en/Astronomy/Spare-parts/LUNT-Blue-Glass-20mm-for-B400-to-B1800-blocking-filters...
by Merlin66
Wed Mar 09, 2022 5:26 am
Forum: This is SolarChat !!
Topic: High Resolution H alpha full disk Sol'Ex image
Replies: 17
Views: 645

Re: High Resolution H alpha full disk Sol'Ex image

Kevin,
Bang per buck for solar imaging - at any wavelength, it beats any collection of $$$$$ narrowband filters.
We can help you along the way.............
by Merlin66
Wed Mar 09, 2022 5:10 am
Forum: This is SolarChat !!
Topic: From Valery. Kherson, UKRAINE. NEWS
Replies: 238
Views: 15206

Re: From Valery. Kherson, UKRAINE. NEWS

image.jpg
image.jpg (22.75 KiB) Viewed 1584 times
by Merlin66
Wed Mar 09, 2022 3:33 am
Forum: Commercial Solar Filters/Cameras/Hardware
Topic: Lunt "Blue Filter" -new design/ construction
Replies: 4
Views: 1410

Lunt "Blue Filter" -new design/ construction

I see comments on the European forums that the replacement Lunt Blue Filters (originally BG38?) are a "new design" which is coated to prevent the current failures.
I can't get this confirmed from suppliers.......
Can anyone confirm a recent change to this filter?????
by Merlin66
Wed Mar 09, 2022 12:03 am
Forum: This is SolarChat !!
Topic: High Resolution H alpha full disk Sol'Ex image
Replies: 17
Views: 645

Re: High Resolution H alpha full disk Sol'Ex image

Tareq, We're talking about the spectroheliograph. This is basically a combination of a spectrograph and a telescope. The solar disk is scanned by a very narrow slit gap and the resulting SER video used to produce a image of the Sun. The scan rate can vary from 120 sec to 9 sec, by using the slew con...
by Merlin66
Tue Mar 08, 2022 11:57 pm
Forum: Solar Radio, Magnetometry and Spectroscopy
Topic: Dipping my Toe into Spectroscopy
Replies: 24
Views: 2339

Re: Dipping my Toe into Spectroscopy

Stu, That's a good find! We've been looking for such a supplier for some time. The LG10 (10 micron x 10mm) looks perfect for the majority of spectroheliograph applications/instruments. The pricing is unfortunately very high!!! A cheaper and more flexible slit disk is the reflective multiple slit pla...
by Merlin66
Tue Mar 08, 2022 8:24 am
Forum: This is SolarChat !!
Topic: High Resolution H alpha full disk Sol'Ex image
Replies: 17
Views: 645

Re: High Resolution H alpha full disk Sol'Ex image

Alexandra, et al,
I'm out of action for the foreseeable future.
We are acting as carers for mother in law (over 90) and her partner (still in hospital) as they have a slow recovery from Covid.
It's 24/7 and 200 Km from the scopes and office.
by Merlin66
Tue Mar 08, 2022 6:09 am
Forum: This is SolarChat !!
Topic: High Resolution H alpha full disk Sol'Ex image
Replies: 17
Views: 645

High Resolution H alpha full disk Sol'Ex image

Dominique Boutigny's results with his Sol'Ex SHG are among the best I've seen. Stacking of 15 images from Solex_ser_recon (15 SER video's over a 10 min period) with Autostakkert and post-processing with Astrosurface. 66/400 telescope - ND8 filter - ASI 178MM camera and 6 nm Halpha pre-filter at the ...
by Merlin66
Tue Mar 08, 2022 4:29 am
Forum: Commercial Solar Filters/Cameras/Hardware
Topic: The Quark is here, more questions
Replies: 74
Views: 8005

Re: The Quark is here, more questions

Tareq, Your Q4.... This is totally incorrect! An Urban Myth. I have it in writing from Manufacturers of rear element refractors - Petzval designs etc. (Televue, Williams Optics, Takahashi) that their telescopes are 100% safe to use with Herschel wedges with NO additional ERF protection. If you have ...
by Merlin66
Mon Mar 07, 2022 5:59 am
Forum: Solar Radio, Magnetometry and Spectroscopy
Topic: Dipping my Toe into Spectroscopy
Replies: 24
Views: 2339

Re: Dipping my Toe into Spectroscopy

Stu, Thanks for that. The spectral coverage looks like 176A/ frame If your slit is roughly 50 micron ( a visually narrow gap) then due to the anamorphic ratio and the magnification ratio Collimator/Imager =x4 the effective slit gap will be about 140micron - which is extremely large!!! This has the e...
by Merlin66
Sun Mar 06, 2022 4:29 am
Forum: Commercial Solar Filters/Cameras/Hardware
Topic: Orion advert for Coronado PST?????
Replies: 3
Views: 1234

Orion advert for Coronado PST?????

https://www.telescope.com/catalog/search.cmd?form_state=searchForm&siteCode=US&keyword=55712 This compact 40mm f/10 refractor houses a special filter called an etalon, which transmits only the primary wavelength of light emitted by hydrogen (656.3nm) in the solar chromosphere, where all the ...
by Merlin66
Sat Mar 05, 2022 10:25 pm
Forum: Solar Radio, Magnetometry and Spectroscopy
Topic: Dipping my Toe into Spectroscopy
Replies: 24
Views: 2339

Re: Dipping my Toe into Spectroscopy

Stu,
Interesting arrangement!
You don't mention your slit gap, imaging lens detail or camera.
If you add your data to the SimSpec spreadsheet it will give you a good idea of probable performance.
SimSpec V4.3_stu.xls
(78.5 KiB) Downloaded 59 times
by Merlin66
Thu Mar 03, 2022 11:45 pm
Forum: This is SolarChat !!
Topic: First post after years of learning and reading here
Replies: 20
Views: 668

Re: First post after years of learning and reading here

Great result!
You're of to a good start, keep them coming.
by Merlin66
Thu Mar 03, 2022 11:42 pm
Forum: This is SolarChat !!
Topic: Thoughts about PST tuning mechanism?
Replies: 6
Views: 308

Re: Thoughts about PST tuning mechanism?

The response I referred to was provided by the designer and manufacturer of the PST system (Lunt).
Ken
by Merlin66
Thu Mar 03, 2022 10:41 pm
Forum: Solar Radio, Magnetometry and Spectroscopy
Topic: Dipping my Toe into Spectroscopy
Replies: 24
Views: 2339

Re: Dipping my Toe into Spectroscopy

Stu, Welcome to spectroscopy! What design of spectrograph have you gone for? Your spectral image looks a little sharpened/ processed??? I use and recommend BASS Project ( https://groups.io/g/BassSpectro) for all the necessary spectral processing. It will allow you to stitch together your spectral im...
by Merlin66
Mon Feb 28, 2022 4:49 am
Forum: This is SolarChat !!
Topic: Kanzelhoehe Solar Observatory CaK.
Replies: 12
Views: 581

Re: Kanzelhoehe Solar Observatory CaK.

They use a Lyot Ha filter and a Lunt CaK filter......
https://www.kso.ac.at/instrumente/instrumente_en.php
by Merlin66
Sun Feb 27, 2022 7:20 am
Forum: This is SolarChat !!
Topic: Online remote telescope services. Has anyone here used one?
Replies: 88
Views: 2801

Re: Online remote telescope services. Has anyone here used one?

James,
My extreme narrowband CaK images taken with the MiniSHG are not replicated on the solar sites.
Likewise for the other “non standard “ wavelengths and H alpha.
by Merlin66
Mon Feb 21, 2022 3:09 am
Forum: This is SolarChat !!
Topic: Sun in Ca-K - first light
Replies: 15
Views: 571

Re: Sun in Ca-K - first light

Rob,
I find the CaK filter works best at f10 or higher.
Nice result for a first light.
by Merlin66
Sun Feb 20, 2022 8:05 am
Forum: This is SolarChat !!
Topic: First day solar viewing and first post
Replies: 11
Views: 398

Re: First day solar viewing and first post

Good on you mate!
You're off to a good start.
Which camera are you using?
by Merlin66
Sun Feb 20, 2022 7:19 am
Forum: This is SolarChat !!
Topic: Online remote telescope services. Has anyone here used one?
Replies: 88
Views: 2801

Re: Online remote telescope services. Has anyone here used one?

Bob Yoesle published details some time ago.
BUT…..
Like Rainer and my self who have rigged up remote for focuser and tilt systems they’re success would depend on positive remote access and control.
by Merlin66
Sat Feb 19, 2022 9:29 am
Forum: This is SolarChat !!
Topic: Online remote telescope services. Has anyone here used one?
Replies: 88
Views: 2801

Re: Online remote telescope services. Has anyone here used one?

James, I made investigations for Spectroscopy and Solar imaging with iTelescope (based here in Australia) No idea about spectroscopy (“how to you spell that….”) They said they were looking at solar imaging, but no definite plans. I don’t think they understand the issues of making solar Ha scopes aut...
by Merlin66
Fri Feb 18, 2022 5:07 am
Forum: This is SolarChat !!
Topic: CaK 17th Feb 2022
Replies: 18
Views: 658

Re: CaK 17th Feb 2022

Thanks guys, I really appreciate your support. My wife has gone to live with them and is effectively in isolation for the next seven days. Getting daily supplies delivered in a small rural village is proving challenging. One is still in hospital and the doctors are saying he'll probably stay a week....
by Merlin66
Thu Feb 17, 2022 10:25 pm
Forum: This is SolarChat !!
Topic: CaK 17th Feb 2022
Replies: 18
Views: 658

Re: CaK 17th Feb 2022

Thanks everybody! Appreciate SPOD!!! I may be out of business for a while....there are senior (>90 year old) members of the family who have been hit by Covid. One is now in hospital for the second time. Not looking good. We will become the nominated carers and this means temporarily (???!) moving 20...
by Merlin66
Thu Feb 17, 2022 10:01 am
Forum: SPoD Archive
Topic: CaK 17th Feb 2022
Replies: 1
Views: 517

CaK 17th Feb 2022

A selection of close-ups showing the current AR activity. https://www.swpc.noaa.gov/products/solar-synoptic-map There's a new small spot appearing in the south east..... Vixen Custom90,DIY CaK filter and ASI 1600 Full disk MiniSHG, ED80, ASI 178 showing the extent of the filaments and a "protus...
by Merlin66
Thu Feb 17, 2022 10:01 am
Forum: This is SolarChat !!
Topic: CaK 17th Feb 2022
Replies: 18
Views: 658

CaK 17th Feb 2022

A selection of close-ups showing the current AR activity. https://www.swpc.noaa.gov/products/solar-synoptic-map There's a new small spot appearing in the south east..... Vixen Custom90,DIY CaK filter and ASI 1600 Full disk MiniSHG, ED80, ASI 178 showing the extent of the filaments and a "protus...
by Merlin66
Mon Feb 07, 2022 7:49 am
Forum: This is SolarChat !!
Topic: "Sparkling diamonds" CaK on the 6th Feb 2022
Replies: 10
Views: 485

Re: "Sparkling diamonds" CaK on the 6th Feb 2022

Thanks guys, appreciate your support.
It shows there are some interesting developments in the Ca II wavelengths.
by Merlin66
Mon Feb 07, 2022 7:19 am
Forum: This is SolarChat !!
Topic: Solar CaK and CaH 7th Feb 2022
Replies: 9
Views: 401

Re: Solar CaK and CaH 7th Feb 2022

Thanks to everyone, appreciate your support.
An interesting comparison between CaK and CaH.
by Merlin66
Sun Feb 06, 2022 10:17 pm
Forum: This is SolarChat !!
Topic: Solar CaK and CaH 7th Feb 2022
Replies: 9
Views: 401

Solar CaK and CaH 7th Feb 2022

Similar AR's visible from yesterday but some very dramatic proms now visible.
MiniSHG images in Ca II K3 and Ca II H3.
CaK full disk
CaK full disk
085125_cak.jpg (202.95 KiB) Viewed 400 times
CaK proms
CaK proms
085125_CaK-prom.jpg (119.58 KiB) Viewed 400 times
CaH full disk
CaH full disk
085246_cah.jpg (180.56 KiB) Viewed 400 times
CaH proms
CaH proms
085246_cah_prom.jpg (87.55 KiB) Viewed 400 times
by Merlin66
Sun Feb 06, 2022 10:16 pm
Forum: This is SolarChat !!
Topic: Sun February 5, 2022 - CaH
Replies: 15
Views: 431

Re: Sun February 5, 2022 - CaH

Franco,
Good catch, well done!
by Merlin66
Sun Feb 06, 2022 3:00 am
Forum: This is SolarChat !!
Topic: Sun FD in H-Alpha and CaK 5th of February 2022
Replies: 8
Views: 402

Re: Sun FD in H-Alpha and CaK 5th of February 2022

Arne,
Great results, well done!
by Merlin66
Sun Feb 06, 2022 2:56 am
Forum: This is SolarChat !!
Topic: Sol from the 5th of February 2022.
Replies: 11
Views: 455

Re: Sol from the 5th of February 2022.

Eroel,
Fantastic results, well presented!
Well done.
by Merlin66
Sat Feb 05, 2022 11:44 pm
Forum: This is SolarChat !!
Topic: "Sparkling diamonds" CaK on the 6th Feb 2022
Replies: 10
Views: 485

"Sparkling diamonds" CaK on the 6th Feb 2022

The solar disk is still dominated by the central active areas, AR2939 and AR2940. Over in the north west the last remnants of AR 2938/36 are disappearing and the latest AR2941 is coming into view in the north east. There's a small un-named AR down in the south west; a neat couple of small spots surr...