Search found 2559 matches

by michael.h.f.wilkinson
Wed Aug 09, 2017 11:43 am
Forum: This is SolarChat !!
Topic: August 8, 2017: More disks in Ca-K and WL
Replies: 2
Views: 863

August 8, 2017: More disks in Ca-K and WL

I had beautiful clear skies in Fishers, Indiana yesterday morning, so got out the 80mm and shot a few more disks. Not much is going on in white light, just AR 2670 continuing its progress across the disk, but Ca-K does show some proms, especially in the part inverted shots, and more plage around the...
by michael.h.f.wilkinson
Wed Aug 09, 2017 11:34 am
Forum: Great American Solar Eclipse August 21 2017
Topic: Photographing the Eclipse
Replies: 2
Views: 3179

Re: Photographing the Eclipse

Very useful indeed
by michael.h.f.wilkinson
Tue Aug 08, 2017 2:03 am
Forum: This is SolarChat !!
Topic: Sol from the 7th of August 2017.
Replies: 10
Views: 1972

Re: Sol from the 7th of August 2017.

Really lovely images
by michael.h.f.wilkinson
Mon Aug 07, 2017 10:02 pm
Forum: This is SolarChat !!
Topic: August 5, 2017: More shots from the USA, with Ca-K proms this time
Replies: 5
Views: 1334

Re: August 5, 2017: More shots from the USA, with Ca-K proms this time

Thanks, everyone! Curious to see how eclipse images in Ca-K will come out
by michael.h.f.wilkinson
Mon Aug 07, 2017 10:00 pm
Forum: Great American Solar Eclipse August 21 2017
Topic: My Backyard Test Assembly
Replies: 9
Views: 4839

Re: My Backyard Test Assembly

That looks brilliant
by michael.h.f.wilkinson
Sun Aug 06, 2017 1:15 pm
Forum: This is SolarChat !!
Topic: August 5, 2017: More shots from the USA, with Ca-K proms this time
Replies: 5
Views: 1334

August 5, 2017: More shots from the USA, with Ca-K proms this time

Had another imaging session here, with the APM 80mm F/6, ASI178MM, and alternatively the Lunt Wedge with Baader Solar Continuum and Astronomik L filter to block the IR leak, or the Lunt Ca-K module. Seeing was pretty decent. I stacked 400 out of 4000 frames using AS!3, except for the prom shots, whe...
by michael.h.f.wilkinson
Sat Aug 05, 2017 12:53 pm
Forum: Great American Solar Eclipse August 21 2017
Topic: Where is everyone headed ?
Replies: 11
Views: 5353

Re: Where is everyone headed ?

I am going to Glendo, Wyoming
by michael.h.f.wilkinson
Sat Aug 05, 2017 2:47 am
Forum: This is SolarChat !!
Topic: Nice big hedgerow of proms today
Replies: 5
Views: 1120

Re: Nice big hedgerow of proms today

That is really superb
by michael.h.f.wilkinson
Fri Aug 04, 2017 1:50 pm
Forum: Great American Solar Eclipse August 21 2017
Topic: My kit for the solar eclipse, tested in my back garden
Replies: 4
Views: 3670

My kit for the solar eclipse, tested in my back garden

Just before leaving I did a last balance test of the kit I plan to use. Fortunately, I have a little band of sherpas (my sons) who are very happy to carry part of the kit in their carry-on luggage. The kit consists of my APM 80 mm triplet, with Ca-K module and ASI178MM, and my Canon EOS 700D with 10...
by michael.h.f.wilkinson
Fri Aug 04, 2017 2:52 am
Forum: This is SolarChat !!
Topic: New sunspot on Aug 2
Replies: 10
Views: 1824

Re: New sunspot on Aug 2

Lovely detail in those images
by michael.h.f.wilkinson
Fri Aug 04, 2017 2:49 am
Forum: This is SolarChat !!
Topic: August 2, 2017: First images from the USA
Replies: 5
Views: 978

August 2, 2017: First images from the USA

Hi All, I have been away far too long. I have been busy at work, plus moderation tasks on Stargazer's Lounge (and posting stuff there) so I haven't found time to visit this forum enough. I am currently in the USA (eclipse related of course). I am first visiting friends in Indiana, but will be in Wyo...
by michael.h.f.wilkinson
Mon May 09, 2016 8:17 am
Forum: This is SolarChat !!
Topic: May 7, 2016: Full disk and small animation, plus Lunt35 test
Replies: 5
Views: 1253

Re: May 7, 2016: Full disk and small animation, plus Lunt35

Very nice indeed! Loved my little LS35, but the focuser clearly needs improvement
by michael.h.f.wilkinson
Thu May 05, 2016 10:35 pm
Forum: This is SolarChat !!
Topic: Return of AR2529 yet to be renamed
Replies: 8
Views: 1638

Re: Return of AR2529 yet to be renamed

I was wondering whether it would return. Hope to get a shot in tomorrow
by michael.h.f.wilkinson
Wed May 04, 2016 8:27 pm
Forum: This is SolarChat !!
Topic: Dual-band refractor interest?
Replies: 6
Views: 1307

Re: Dual-band refractor interest?

For me the sheer size would mean I would need a new mount, and a place to store the big tube. For now that is out of the question. Should I later find a place for an obsy, I would certainly be interested.
by michael.h.f.wilkinson
Wed May 04, 2016 8:26 pm
Forum: This is SolarChat !!
Topic: Wednesday Morning Fun With The HaT - 4th May
Replies: 14
Views: 1648

Re: Wednesday Morning Fun With The HaT - 4th May

Lovely sitll and superb animation
by michael.h.f.wilkinson
Wed May 04, 2016 7:29 pm
Forum: This is SolarChat !!
Topic: May 4, 2016: Full disks, the big and little mosaics
Replies: 3
Views: 1013

May 4, 2016: Full disks, the big and little mosaics

First up is the little 2-pane mosaic taken with the 2x TeleXtender in my 80mm F/6. Grey scale: https://stargazerslounge.com/uploads/monthly_2016_05/sunCaK04052016mosaic.jpg.29413edfe7120c3b45ddeaaae6b30d21.jpg Pseudo colour: https://stargazerslounge.com/uploads/monthly_2016_05/sunCaK04052016mosaicco...
by michael.h.f.wilkinson
Wed May 04, 2016 7:14 pm
Forum: This is SolarChat !!
Topic: A new beginning ....
Replies: 9
Views: 1415

Re: A new beginning ....

Very nice disk!
by michael.h.f.wilkinson
Wed May 04, 2016 7:12 pm
Forum: This is SolarChat !!
Topic: Dual-band refractor interest?
Replies: 6
Views: 1307

Re: Dual-band refractor interest?

Very interesting. I note the Solar Spectrum manual suggests an optimum of F/30 (hence the F/7.5 preference). I will get in touch with a friend and try his 100mm F/9 frac, and see how that works with the Solar Spectrum filter, especially when stopped down with the 90mm ERF I have
by michael.h.f.wilkinson
Wed May 04, 2016 6:57 pm
Forum: This is SolarChat !!
Topic: AR2535 with the 300 mm solar Newtonian
Replies: 27
Views: 2664

Re: AR2535 with the 300 mm solar Newtonian

Superb images. Really stunning
by michael.h.f.wilkinson
Wed May 04, 2016 3:56 pm
Forum: This is SolarChat !!
Topic: May 4, 2016: Proms from this morning
Replies: 11
Views: 1094

May 4, 2016: Proms from this morning

Got some clear skies in the morning, so grabbed a load of data before going to work. The proms in the north-east are brilliant. These are 4 pane mosaics Grey scale: https://stargazerslounge.com/uploads/monthly_2016_05/sun04052016proms.jpg.ff1faada0726d66799eabcbea1740074.jpg Pseudo colour: https://s...
by michael.h.f.wilkinson
Wed May 04, 2016 3:53 pm
Forum: This is SolarChat !!
Topic: Dual-band refractor interest?
Replies: 6
Views: 1307

Re: Dual-band refractor interest?

Interesting. I personally might like a slightly faster F/6.5-7.5, for use with my Baader TZ-4 and Solar Spectrum unit, F/8 os OK, F/10 too slow. One problem in Ca-K might be the fact that many Ca-K modules are rated to 4" aperture. Of course, correcting for CA is mainly an issue if you want to ...
by michael.h.f.wilkinson
Wed May 04, 2016 10:12 am
Forum: This is SolarChat !!
Topic: Baader 4x Telecentric Setup
Replies: 14
Views: 2968

Re: Baader 4x Telecentric Setup

I also have the Baader TZ-4, and it is rather a long affair, but it does work well with my Solar Spectrum filter. Nice results on the proms.
by michael.h.f.wilkinson
Tue May 03, 2016 12:27 pm
Forum: This is SolarChat !!
Topic: First light 174MM-COOL: HD flare video (!), Mosaic & DSO!
Replies: 9
Views: 1073

Re: First light 174MM-COOL: HD flare video (!), Mosaic & DSO

VERY nice results. I actually have a Peltier cooler lying around for a DIY cooler for the ASI174MM. I may well start soldering soon :D
by michael.h.f.wilkinson
Mon May 02, 2016 6:33 pm
Forum: This is SolarChat !!
Topic: A new wavelength? MgIIk - MgIIh
Replies: 2
Views: 606

Re: A new wavelength? MgIIk - MgIIh

Oxone and Rayleigh scattering should block it, fortunately for us.
by michael.h.f.wilkinson
Mon May 02, 2016 3:20 pm
Forum: This is SolarChat !!
Topic: May 1, 2016: Crazy H-alpha mosaic in mediocre seeing
Replies: 4
Views: 681

May 1, 2016: Crazy H-alpha mosaic in mediocre seeing

I captured WAY too many SER files, because the seeing was all over the place, with fragments of cloud passing close to the sun as I was capturing the data. As luck would have it, only three out of 64 captured images was really dud, so instead of working out which duplicate panes were best, I just st...
by michael.h.f.wilkinson
Mon May 02, 2016 3:02 pm
Forum: This is SolarChat !!
Topic: Sunday's Ca-K haul
Replies: 4
Views: 707

Sunday's Ca-K haul

Got some good sunshine yesterday, and managed first a single full disk, and then a 6 pane mosaic Single image: Grey scale: https://stargazerslounge.com/uploads/monthly_2016_05/SunCaK_090712_g3_b3_ap1643LR.png.096ced7d3213883c1f15a9b8006b7fba.png Pseudo colour: https://stargazerslounge.com/uploads/mo...
by michael.h.f.wilkinson
Mon May 02, 2016 2:29 pm
Forum: This is SolarChat !!
Topic: 2 May - Trying out SSM for the first time
Replies: 8
Views: 818

Re: 2 May - Trying out SSM for the first time

Superb images. Looks like the SSM is working nicely
by michael.h.f.wilkinson
Sun May 01, 2016 1:32 pm
Forum: This is SolarChat !!
Topic: Halos and CaK Disks 1st May
Replies: 7
Views: 810

Re: Halos and CaK Disks 1st May

Very nice shots. I have seen an upper tangential arc once, but I don't think I have ever seen the 46° halo. Nice catch.
by michael.h.f.wilkinson
Fri Apr 29, 2016 11:38 am
Forum: This is SolarChat !!
Topic: About to buy camera
Replies: 12
Views: 2032

Re: About to buy camera

The ASI1600MM is interesting, but I do not think that it would be the one I would use for solar, except in ROI mode. AS!2 might run out of memory stacking such big images. I am currently looking at the ASI178MM as a lunar/solar camera for the faster Ca-K and WL scopes, and for the SolarMax-II. The s...
by michael.h.f.wilkinson
Thu Apr 28, 2016 7:13 am
Forum: This is SolarChat !!
Topic: Filaprom on April 27
Replies: 10
Views: 1670

Re: Filaprom on April 27

Excellent image
by michael.h.f.wilkinson
Tue Apr 26, 2016 7:49 pm
Forum: This is SolarChat !!
Topic: Some of today's sunspots
Replies: 4
Views: 753

Re: Some of today's sunspots

Still a lot of detail.
by michael.h.f.wilkinson
Tue Apr 26, 2016 11:21 am
Forum: This is SolarChat !!
Topic: Sunday 24th - Ca-K FD
Replies: 10
Views: 1076

Re: Sunday 24th - Ca-K FD

Very nice results
by michael.h.f.wilkinson
Tue Apr 26, 2016 11:10 am
Forum: This is SolarChat !!
Topic: IMX265 vs IMX174
Replies: 10
Views: 1809

Re: IMX265 vs IMX174

Congrats on getting that ASI174MM. It won't disappoint, I am sure. You MacBook Pro should be great for this work. I use an ASUS Zenbook UX305, with 128GB internal SSD, and the Samsung T1 externally. Even its Core-M processor can handle the data rate, as capture is I/O limited, not processor limited....
by michael.h.f.wilkinson
Tue Apr 26, 2016 9:27 am
Forum: This is SolarChat !!
Topic: Ha discs, Sunday 24 April 2016
Replies: 12
Views: 824

Re: Ha discs, Sunday 24 April 2016

Very nice disk Matt!
by michael.h.f.wilkinson
Tue Apr 26, 2016 7:55 am
Forum: This is SolarChat !!
Topic: Catching up - April 14th
Replies: 6
Views: 853

Re: Catching up - April 14th

Nice to see the great AR again. Lovely shots
by michael.h.f.wilkinson
Tue Apr 26, 2016 7:51 am
Forum: This is SolarChat !!
Topic: Catching up - April 15th
Replies: 9
Views: 643

Re: Catching up - April 15th

Lovely collection
by michael.h.f.wilkinson
Tue Apr 26, 2016 6:54 am
Forum: This is SolarChat !!
Topic: April 24, 2016: H-alpha shots, cut short by clouds
Replies: 6
Views: 1011

Re: April 24, 2016: H-alpha shots, cut short by clouds

Thanks everyone
rofus wrote:Nice set Michael! They are all very clean and sharp.

What camera did you use?
I use an ASI174MM
by michael.h.f.wilkinson
Tue Apr 26, 2016 6:52 am
Forum: This is SolarChat !!
Topic: IMX265 vs IMX174
Replies: 10
Views: 1809

Re: IMX265 vs IMX174

I have the ASI174MM and it is superb, I find. I use it both for my solar work (Ca-K, WL and H-alpha) and lunar mosaics like this one in the Celestron C8 with 2.5x PowerMate: http://www.cs.rug.nl/~michael/Moon20012016mosaic2.jpg (Warning HUGE image, click for full res) Even with my old laptop, it cou...
by michael.h.f.wilkinson
Mon Apr 25, 2016 1:16 pm
Forum: This is SolarChat !!
Topic: Today's SUN (20160425) H-alpha bonanza (5 different OTA's)
Replies: 16
Views: 1461

Re: Today's SUN (20160425) H-alpha bonanza (5 different OTA'

Very nice collection. Looks like an interesting AR coming our way
by michael.h.f.wilkinson
Mon Apr 25, 2016 11:08 am
Forum: This is SolarChat !!
Topic: Monday Clouds
Replies: 5
Views: 642

Re: Monday Clouds

Great collage again. Hope you get some clear skies soon
by michael.h.f.wilkinson
Mon Apr 25, 2016 8:07 am
Forum: This is SolarChat !!
Topic: April 24, 2016: H-alpha shots, cut short by clouds
Replies: 6
Views: 1011

April 24, 2016: H-alpha shots, cut short by clouds

Also managed some H-alpha yesterday, using the APM 80mm + Solar Spectrum filter. First up some detail shots: AR 2532 Grey scale: https://stargazerslounge.com/uploads/monthly_2016_04/Sun_Halpha_154659_g3_b3_ap3131LR.jpg.42e16762593c1f294559b38c86b79948.jpg Pseudo colour: https://stargazerslounge.com/...
by michael.h.f.wilkinson
Mon Apr 25, 2016 7:33 am
Forum: This is SolarChat !!
Topic: April 26, 2016: Some Ca-K and WL between clouds
Replies: 3
Views: 623

April 26, 2016: Some Ca-K and WL between clouds

All taken with the APM 80mm F/6, Beloptik Tri-band ERF, and ASI174MM WL with Herschel wedge and 3x TeleXtender: https://stargazerslounge.com/uploads/monthly_2016_04/Sun_151857_g3_b3_ap7682LR.jpg.d9a8d0466b3c1ad283f763e83eb0b4cb.jpg Didn't spot the little pores, spots and faculae to the north-east of...
by michael.h.f.wilkinson
Mon Apr 25, 2016 7:22 am
Forum: This is SolarChat !!
Topic: Couple of Shots from 19th April
Replies: 10
Views: 1055

Re: Couple of Shots from 19th April

Very nice images of the departure of the big AR