Search found 1741 matches

by Rusted
Fri Mar 15, 2024 6:40 am
Forum: Commercial Solar Filters/Cameras/Hardware
Topic: 3D-printed Baader 160mm ERF Holder
Replies: 7
Views: 254

Re: 3D-printed Baader 160mm ERF Holder

I would have avoided large, flat surfaces near the face of the D-ERF or large objective lens. A more conical form would have avoided local solar heating. With plumes of convection currents in the light path possibly spoiling high res images. Perhaps the thermal differential is too small to matter? H...
by Rusted
Sun Mar 03, 2024 7:12 am
Forum: This is SolarChat !!
Topic: Topaz Photo AI - opinions...? (+my latest image)
Replies: 27
Views: 681

Re: Topaz Photo AI - opinions...? (+my latest image)

Being told that my early images were over-sharpened might have put me off continuing. Instead I took it on board and gratefully accepted the advice as valid and vital to personal imaging progress. The simplest way to avoid over-sharpening is to avoid completely artificial, uniform texture. Does your...
by Rusted
Sun Mar 03, 2024 6:17 am
Forum: This is SolarChat !!
Topic: 1st March
Replies: 12
Views: 249

Re: 1st March

An interesting contrast in opinions on colouring images. Something is clearly amiss! For reference I am looking at a 38cm Ø image on my 32" 4k LG monitor as posted . Ironically, I find the coloured image full of contrast and detail. While the B&W looks almost devoid of any detail at all. It...
by Rusted
Sun Feb 18, 2024 6:20 am
Forum: SPoD Archive
Topic: Aurora 13th / 14th February
Replies: 11
Views: 182

Re: Aurora 13th / 14th February

Congratulations on your aurora capture and SPOD. :bow

What is the time speed increase of your animations?
by Rusted
Sun Jan 28, 2024 7:15 am
Forum: This is SolarChat !!
Topic: Antlia K-Line wedge first light. 1-26-24
Replies: 29
Views: 994

Re: Antlia K-Line wedge first light. 1-26-24

This is what you are looking for.

The curved blades will follow an inside circle better than straight ones.

curved nail scissors.jpg
curved nail scissors.jpg (15.44 KiB) Viewed 583 times
by Rusted
Sun Jan 28, 2024 7:03 am
Forum: This is SolarChat !!
Topic: Antlia K-Line wedge first light. 1-26-24
Replies: 29
Views: 994

Re: Antlia K-Line wedge first light. 1-26-24

Curved nail scissors help with cutting the aperture neatly in cardboard circles.
by Rusted
Sat Dec 30, 2023 6:40 am
Forum: This is SolarChat !!
Topic: new Hi-res photospheric telescope
Replies: 76
Views: 5341

Re: new Hi-res photospheric telescope

If these two images use different wavelengths then this is NOT a direct comparison. It is interesting how the umbral detail is much less visible in the C14. While the contrast and detail in the cells is clearly better in the C14. Is this a direct result of wavelength? Are both images produced by exa...
by Rusted
Fri Dec 29, 2023 4:36 pm
Forum: This is SolarChat !!
Topic: new Hi-res photospheric telescope
Replies: 76
Views: 5341

Re: new Hi-res photospheric telescope

Thank you Laszlo. For your very thorough response. :bow The Soleye 300 obviously has great potential in the right hands and conditions. Which raises the question of affordable, AI assisted, image stabilisation software becoming available any time soon. To remove the worst effects of average seeing c...
by Rusted
Wed Dec 27, 2023 6:54 am
Forum: This is SolarChat !!
Topic: new Hi-res photospheric telescope
Replies: 76
Views: 5341

Re: new Hi-res photospheric telescope

I am curious about thermal absorption of the "naked" primary reflective surfaces. Should these solar Newtonians be shielded from direct solar infall between exposures? How would this square with capturing data over extended periods for long period animations? Laminar scrubbing of the prima...
by Rusted
Sun Nov 26, 2023 6:51 am
Forum: SPoD Archive
Topic: Spots galore
Replies: 14
Views: 1505

Re: Spots galore

Beautifully captured and very naturally processed. :bow
by Rusted
Sun Nov 26, 2023 6:51 am
Forum: This is SolarChat !!
Topic: Spots galore
Replies: 20
Views: 2750

Re: Spots galore

Beautifully captured and very naturally processed. :bow
by Rusted
Mon Nov 13, 2023 12:11 pm
Forum: This is SolarChat !!
Topic: Sol 11-11-23 Ha
Replies: 7
Views: 459

Re: Sol 11-11-23 Ha

Nicely captured and presented. :bow

The coloured version looks sharper to my eyes. With increased limb darkening.
While the negative version appears even sharper for fine detail.
Lots of flaring visible in the western hemisphere.
by Rusted
Fri Nov 10, 2023 6:50 am
Forum: Solar Scope Modifications
Topic: Help with Solar Scout 60 (with reducer)
Replies: 5
Views: 1811

Re: Help with Solar Scout 60 (with reducer)

Theoretically a single thumbscrew should press the male part parallel with the axis of the female part. Though at the cost of moving the internal part off-axis where sloppy fits are involved. I often drill and tap new threads for two more radial thumbscrews 120º apart where only one is provided in a...
by Rusted
Tue Nov 07, 2023 6:16 am
Forum: This is SolarChat !!
Topic: Northern Lights York 5th Nov 2023
Replies: 23
Views: 1082

Re: Northern Lights York 5th Nov 2023

Beautiful video! The moving clouds really added to the "atmosphere" of your recording. :bow

I saw something similar, years ago, from here in Denmark at 55N.
There were reports of it being visible over the last couple of nights but I missed it.
by Rusted
Tue Nov 07, 2023 6:07 am
Forum: This is SolarChat !!
Topic: A couple from last nights aurora
Replies: 16
Views: 1071

Re: A couple from last nights aurora

Beautifully captured! :bow
by Rusted
Tue Nov 07, 2023 5:33 am
Forum: This is SolarChat !!
Topic: November 5th 2023 - Out with the 150mm
Replies: 10
Views: 762

Re: November 5th 2023 - Out with the 150mm

Simon2940 wrote: Mon Nov 06, 2023 8:25 pm
If i really did get control of it, im more likely to crash it into Venus by accident :)
Wouldn't we all? :D

I played with your images to see how positives would turn out.
The detail is breathtaking! :bow
by Rusted
Mon Nov 06, 2023 7:05 am
Forum: This is SolarChat !!
Topic: November 5th 2023 - Out with the 150mm
Replies: 10
Views: 762

Re: November 5th 2023 - Out with the 150mm

NASA phoned. They said they'd like to take back control of their Solar Orbiter when you've finished with it. ;)
by Rusted
Thu Oct 26, 2023 6:34 am
Forum: This is SolarChat !!
Topic: Barride AR150/F8 tuned to H-alpha 25.10.
Replies: 13
Views: 1347

Re: Barride AR150/F8 tuned to H-alpha 25.10.

Nice images, Petr. :bow Though it raises the spectre that iStar's H-alpha objectives are simply re-spaced standard objectives. Conversely, it also means that at least one had to be tested to ensure the re-spacing had actually achieved anything useful AND repeatable. Ray tracing software could easily...
by Rusted
Mon Oct 23, 2023 5:32 am
Forum: This is SolarChat !!
Topic: David and Goliath - ISTAR 9"/F9 and Sollar scout DSII40mm
Replies: 20
Views: 2693

Re: David and Goliath - ISTAR 9"/F9 and Sollar scout DSII40mm

I used a "dealer selected" Celestron 150 f/8 for years. Which meant I was always bemoaning my "local seeing conditions." I could never use over 120x visually on the moon or planets. Then I bought a 180/12 R35 objective from iStar and built the telescope myself. It immediately dou...
by Rusted
Mon Oct 23, 2023 5:03 am
Forum: Solar Scope Modifications
Topic: Lunt 40 mod basics.
Replies: 24
Views: 3609

Re: Lunt 40 mod basics.

Folding the assembly back on itself would make it more manageable. Perhaps using 2" star diagonals? I believe Petr [Pupak] has used this method. Having the long extension parallel with the main body greatly reduces the instrument's moment and flexure. I have often wondered if the objective lens...
by Rusted
Sat Oct 14, 2023 6:30 am
Forum: Solar Radio, Magnetometry and Spectroscopy
Topic: Sol’Ex Spectroheliograph first light (FS60C F/5.9) | (20231012)
Replies: 19
Views: 2639

Re: Sol’Ex Spectroheliograph first light (FS60C F/5.9) | (20231012)

Forgive me for this pointing out: When photographing dark or black finished items: A neutral background shows far more detail in the dark surfaces than a white background. Plain packaging cardboard is cheap and readily available in all sizes. Often free of charge. A white background simply confuses ...
by Rusted
Thu Oct 12, 2023 5:44 am
Forum: SPoD Archive
Topic: ISS solar transit H alpha 26th of September
Replies: 4
Views: 1440

Re: ISS solar transit H alpha 26th of September

Your beautiful transit image appears to show the sun has a zip [or zipper.]
It also illustrates the true scale [perspective] of a much nearer object.~1000km.
Relative to anything seen at the sun's distance. ~150,000,000km


Nicely captured! :bow
by Rusted
Thu Oct 12, 2023 5:44 am
Forum: This is SolarChat !!
Topic: ISS solar transit H alpha 26th of September
Replies: 8
Views: 1712

Re: ISS solar transit H alpha 26th of September

Your beautiful transit image appears to show the sun has a zip [or zipper.]
It also illustrates the true scale [perspective] of a much nearer object.~1000km.
Relative to anything seen at the sun's distance. ~150,000,000km


Nicely captured! :bow
by Rusted
Mon Oct 09, 2023 2:53 pm
Forum: This is SolarChat !!
Topic: APM Herschel Test
Replies: 7
Views: 1551

Re: APM Herschel Test

Get well soon.
by Rusted
Thu Sep 28, 2023 5:31 am
Forum: This is SolarChat !!
Topic: 140mm H-alpha SHG imaging: 0.20 angstrom BW, 0.55 arcsec/pixel
Replies: 14
Views: 1204

Re: 140mm H-alpha SHG imaging: 0.20 angstrom BW, 0.55 arcsec/pixel

Thank you for the link Douglas. :bow I am afraid I haven't ventured into the S,R M & S forum. So I have missed your detailed results until now. For some reason the sub-forum title makes me think of theoretical work with graphs and tables. Rather than instrumental builds and the resulting images....
by Rusted
Wed Sep 27, 2023 11:21 am
Forum: This is SolarChat !!
Topic: 140mm H-alpha SHG imaging: 0.20 angstrom BW, 0.55 arcsec/pixel
Replies: 14
Views: 1204

Re: 140mm H-alpha SHG imaging: 0.20 angstrom BW, 0.55 arcsec/pixel

A remarkable image Douglas. :bow Forgive me, but I was temped to bring out a little more "drama" or greater "clarity." Without over-sharpening or boosting contrast. Nothing too exciting. Just a few clicks in PhotoFiltre. An old image handling software. I tried hard to avoid intro...
by Rusted
Tue Sep 26, 2023 4:55 pm
Forum: This is SolarChat !!
Topic: Unimax AR 100/F15 first light
Replies: 10
Views: 925

Re: Unimax AR 100/F15 first light

Please avoid being dead. ;)

We, and solar astronomy, need you. :bow

BTW: I thought garlic only cured vampirism. :?

I hope the optician has nothing to fear? :mrgreen:

Get well soon. :bow
by Rusted
Sun Sep 24, 2023 5:01 am
Forum: This is SolarChat !!
Topic: h-alpha, September 22nd, 2023
Replies: 6
Views: 754

Re: h-alpha, September 22nd, 2023

Frank

An excellent pair of images. :bow

At the risk of offending, I believe your images hide a lot of detail in the darkness.
I had a play with gamma, contrast and histogram but won't post the results here.
The modified image being a matter of personal taste.
by Rusted
Thu Sep 21, 2023 8:37 am
Forum: This is SolarChat !!
Topic: Astronomy Photographer of the Year 2023 Our Sun Category
Replies: 10
Views: 642

Re: Astronomy Photographer of the Year 2023 Our Sun Category

I agree. What's next to capture the judges' eye[s]? A Selfie? :( Tristan Campbell's spotty, white light image from Harrogate was easily my favourite. :bow Beautifully captured and processed. Natural detail, without pushing it down our throats. :bow It displays the beauty and complexity of our sun to...
by Rusted
Thu Sep 21, 2023 8:17 am
Forum: This is SolarChat !!
Topic: 20th September 2023 France
Replies: 10
Views: 407

Re: 20th September 2023 France

Well done! :D :bow
by Rusted
Tue Sep 19, 2023 8:03 am
Forum: This is SolarChat !!
Topic: Huge prom on 16.09 Animation
Replies: 12
Views: 458

Re: Huge prom on 16.09 Animation

I like the way your rolling sun suggests massive weight and inertia. I once set three, round, paving labs, slightly sunken into the lawn to allow mowing, for locating the tripod feet. Where increased accuracy is required you could [masonry] drill the slabs for the points of a tripod. Even insert soc...
by Rusted
Tue Sep 19, 2023 5:39 am
Forum: This is SolarChat !!
Topic: 18th September 2023 France
Replies: 14
Views: 438

Re: 18th September 2023 France

Alexandra, With the greatest respect, as always: I don't think you have quite grasped the concept of "outreach." You are supposed to go to a busy location and set up to catch passers by. Not set up miles from anywhere. And then hide under a blanket! Are you really that shy? :D Beautiful lo...
by Rusted
Sun Sep 17, 2023 5:31 am
Forum: This is SolarChat !!
Topic: Ha with 9.25” image pixilated
Replies: 10
Views: 631

Re: Ha with 9.25” image pixilated

It is a beautifully detailed image, but, with the greatest respect , I find it rather dark and over-sharpened. Enlarging the image 2-300% shows a uniform, overall "texture." As if the image was printed on a coarse cloth. I call that over-sharpened. Not pixelated. The natural desire to sque...
by Rusted
Fri Sep 15, 2023 5:09 am
Forum: This is SolarChat !!
Topic: Prominence Animation August 18th
Replies: 10
Views: 654

Re: Prominence Animation August 18th

Superb animations and images. The fine detail in your animations is absolutely stunning! :bow
Your website gallery shows your amazing imaging skills. Well worth seeing. :bow
by Rusted
Fri Sep 15, 2023 4:54 am
Forum: Solar Reference Library
Topic: Summer solar visual and imaging challenge : "What is the color of sunspots ?"
Replies: 75
Views: 17672

Re: Summer solar visual and imaging challenge : "What is the color of sunspots ?"

I haven't ploughed through the whole thread. So forgive me if this has been suggested before: Use a reflecting telescope, of sufficiently long focus, to produce a prime focus image of ONLY one [large] spot's umbra/penumbra. Without any surrounding solar surface material, to upset a camera's colour b...
by Rusted
Fri Sep 08, 2023 5:01 am
Forum: This is SolarChat !!
Topic: 4 hours 55 minutes timelapse of AR13421 in H-Alpha 5th of September 2023
Replies: 22
Views: 925

Re: 4 hours 55 minutes timelapse of AR13421 in H-Alpha 5th of September 2023

Congratulations on your new telescope and positive first results. :bow The following is not remotely meant as a criticism. So much as a personal observation: I have often struggled with poor seeing V image scale in 6" [f/10] and 7" [f/12] apertures. Requiring one of four different "Ba...
by Rusted
Thu Aug 31, 2023 4:23 pm
Forum: This is SolarChat !!
Topic: CaK Sun 30th August
Replies: 23
Views: 950

Re: CaK Sun 30th August

Fine images! :bow

Just out of curiosity Mark:
Can you have your new toys delivered to the boat?
Presumably there is some system on the canals for postal delivery? At the marinas?
I can [almost] imagine the posty chasing you down the canal towpath on his bike. :D
by Rusted
Sun Aug 06, 2023 6:14 am
Forum: This is SolarChat !!
Topic: Quick Solar Grab - 4th August
Replies: 20
Views: 1059

Re: Quick Solar Grab - 4th August

Can I be a total pedant and suggest you do not park your narrowboat right under your line of sight to the sun? ;)

That cratch cover must be killing your seeing! :D

Nice pictures though! :bow

Despite everything! :lol:
by Rusted
Mon Jul 24, 2023 7:39 pm
Forum: This is SolarChat !!
Topic: Sun in Greylight 24th July 2023. Single Frame.
Replies: 6
Views: 444

Re: Sun in Greylight 24th July 2023. Single Frame.

Wow! It is just like being there! :D
by Rusted
Sun Jul 23, 2023 8:05 pm
Forum: This is SolarChat !!
Topic: (Animation) Multiple legs prominence 22 Jul 2023
Replies: 16
Views: 1041

Re: (Animation) Multiple legs prominence 22 Jul 2023

Thank you Minh. :bow

No doubt many others will have learnt/learned something from this discussion.
by Rusted
Sun Jul 23, 2023 11:56 am
Forum: This is SolarChat !!
Topic: (Animation) Multiple legs prominence 22 Jul 2023
Replies: 16
Views: 1041

Re: (Animation) Multiple legs prominence 22 Jul 2023

Thank you for that excellent explanation Warren. :bow

My initial [very wild] guess was bright stars.
Though (I imagine) the chances of those getting through the heavy solar filtration would be vanishingly small.
by Rusted
Sun Jul 23, 2023 8:52 am
Forum: This is SolarChat !!
Topic: (Animation) Multiple legs prominence 22 Jul 2023
Replies: 16
Views: 1041

Re: (Animation) Multiple legs prominence 22 Jul 2023

Thanks. I am still trying to understand why the visible movement occurs in these "artefacts". Dust motes would surely remain stationary relative to the image field captured? Presumably the movement seen is due to slight variations in the centration. Of the individual frames/videos due to t...
by Rusted
Sun Jul 23, 2023 5:14 am
Forum: This is SolarChat !!
Topic: (Animation) Multiple legs prominence 22 Jul 2023
Replies: 16
Views: 1041

Re: (Animation) Multiple legs prominence 22 Jul 2023

A beautiful animation but what are the two objects nearby?
Since they are affected by the seeing, but remain in position, can one assume they are distant?
by Rusted
Sat Jul 22, 2023 5:16 am
Forum: This is SolarChat !!
Topic: Straylight in white light images
Replies: 12
Views: 1233

Re: Straylight in white light images

The great length of unsupported tubing after the focuser suggests it cannot be straight. Focusers were never designed to accept such extreme, cantilevered loading. Try a laser collimator, or even a Cheshire at the camera position . Testing with the OTA on either side of the PA 180º apart. They shoul...
by Rusted
Sun Jul 16, 2023 6:59 am
Forum: This is SolarChat !!
Topic: July 15 2023. SUNoculars and No14 Welder's Filter.
Replies: 10
Views: 589

Re: July 15 2023. SUNoculars and No14 Welder's Filter.

Thanks James.

I had a quick search for gold coated welding lenses.
They are readily available in various shades and inexpensive. $10 on eBay.
by Rusted
Sun Jul 16, 2023 5:53 am
Forum: This is SolarChat !!
Topic: Straylight in white light images
Replies: 12
Views: 1233

Re: Straylight in white light images

Is there a baffle on the front of the white tube?

I had problems with grazing light in a similar tube.
Until I baffled the front edge of a similar tube in my folded 7" refractor.
by Rusted
Sun Jul 16, 2023 5:22 am
Forum: This is SolarChat !!
Topic: July 15 2023. SUNoculars and No14 Welder's Filter.
Replies: 10
Views: 589

Re: July 15 2023. SUNoculars and No14 Welder's Filter.

Interesting discussion. How would an "automatic dimming" welder's mask work on the sun for visual? Would it work? Would it be safe?
by Rusted
Thu Jul 06, 2023 7:26 pm
Forum: This is SolarChat !!
Topic: 6.7.23: First light CaK double stack
Replies: 13
Views: 701

Re: 6.7.23: First light CaK double stack

Forgive me for saying so but the PS image is vastly superior to the Photomatix. Strictly IMO of course. ;)

Look at the cellular detail and interstitial brightening! It is astounding! :bow
by Rusted
Wed Jul 05, 2023 3:37 pm
Forum: This is SolarChat !!
Topic: Sun in Whitelight 5th July 2023. EOS 6D test.
Replies: 9
Views: 363

Re: Sun in Whitelight 5th July 2023. EOS 6D test.

Thanks Steve. :bow

Keep up the good work! But don't obsess over it. :D