SolarChat!

Greetings Everyone.

The clouds, haze and smoke finally cleared to allow me to try out some spectroheliography.
I purchased a new camera (PGR Grasshopper, ICX694, 6Mp) which allows me to increase the magnification in my SHG.
Here are my first results (some system details are printed on the images).

Cheers.
Peter.

Great results.

Absolutely amazing pics Peter fascinating to see all the different bands. I'm looking forward to seeing many more variety of bands for comparison

Alexandra

Thanks Derek and Alexandra.
Here are some comparison images with the KIS - ChroTel telescope that I wanted to post.
(You guys are too fast with your responses!)

Cheers.
Peter.

I would say your CaK shot is better than the official one

Alexandra

quality is unreal

Peter,
The new camera certainly seems to be working well for you.
Your results are a credit to your dedication and ability.
The SHG is coming of age..............

These are stunners Peter!

Many thanks for your kind comments, everyone!

I guess I'm slowly approaching the final configuration of the SHG. I'd like to experiment with some very high spectral resolution (tandem gratings) studies yet. I suppose it would be nice to increase the image magnification for close-up shots, but focusing becomes nightmarish at large magnifications. Generally uncooperative weather makes me hesitate to try out new configurations. If it's one of the infrequent good days for imaging, I'm inclined to haul out the tried-and-true apparatus!

I experimented a little with image processing on the Ca K3 image. For example, I've been reluctant to use deconvolution on the SHG images because I was afraid it might amplify the artifacts inherent to the technique. Nothing to lose in trying, though, and I'm pretty happy with the outcome! Here's my re-processed Ca K3 image. Probably a tad over-sharpened but significantly more detail than on the original.

Cheers.
Peter.

Wow! some superb filaments in there

Alexandra

It really is good Peter!

Stunning results!

I just wonder why it seems the solar poles in H-beta are featureless?

great HeD3 shot!!!!

Thanks again, everyone!

Wah: It's comments like yours that make this forum so useful! I've gone back and noticed that my processing has been a little aggressive, so I lost detail in the vertical image direction. Here is a re-worked version with some of that detail restored. Let me know what you think.

Peter.

Re-worked H-beta.

Peter, I notice that most of the images have dim left and right side and bright top and bottom.
Do you know what causes it?

I've tried to reduce such effect.

Wah: There is apparently some vignetting in my device which becomes exaggerated upon processing. I try to minimize but have to decide, at some point, that I'm satisfied with the remaining field non-uniformity and leave it at that.

... and, finally, a bit more processing and a final mosaic of the four different views of the Sun on July 7.

Cheers.
Peter.