SolarChat!

Sorry it is late but not been able to get on Flickr for a few days?
Sunday morning I imaged from 9-12 and actually the seeing got better towards midday which is unusual. This was due to the jestream moving out of the way.

I started with the C11 / Baader solar film (ND3.8) / Continuum and UV/IR filter / 5x Powermate and ASI174. I took several really lovely videos to watch where I can see nice detail. Ones which make you go ooooooh. However none will stack, they all give flat blurred images even stacking only 1%. So I extracted single frames instead and just picked one to process and I like it much better. So there must be more to stacking than meets the eye. I have seen far worse videos produced by Emil and he produced amazing stacks from what I call poor quality video. I think one day we need to have a UK image processing conference where we all get together and really learn all the ins and outs of these programs. Like gaming software giants do, we need an imaging jam!

Frame 813 single frame Sun_095036_12_05_2019 by Alexandra Hart, on Flickr

I then moved on to the trusty Solarscope DSF100 + the 3x telecentric and the ASI174. The Grasshopper is still not back from the hospital, it returned from Canada 2 weeks ago but is currently having a holiday trip round England. It might soon get back home this week (I live in hope), I miss him. The Grasshopper is much nicer to use with the Solarscope.

Sun_110725_12_05_2019 by Alexandra Hart, on Flickr

2019-05-12 AR12740 by Alexandra Hart, on Flickr

and a full disc with the 1.6x Barlow

2019-05-12 Full solar disc f colour by Alexandra Hart, on Flickr

2019-05-12 Full solar disc by Alexandra Hart, on Flickr

for full resolution you need to click on the link then click on the image to magnify.

Thanks for looking
Alexandra

Alexandra, I love that black and white close up of 2740. That is one tangled knot. I have experienced similar mysteries with the stacking software. I for one rely on its 90% foolproof defaults but struggle when a sequence presents challenges because I haven't acquired sufficient cause and effect insights to know what to prescribe for a particular problem. I have managed to solve some difficulties by trial and error working with the alignment points controls (size and placement sensitivity). But I'll admit much of it remains a tad mysterious mostly due to my own laziness. I really like your idea of a solar image processing jam!

Some nice results there Alexandra. I like the jam idea

Wow, the H alpha closeups are terrific, Alexandra.
The double stacking really produces a nice result.
Hope your little Grasshopper returns home soon!
Cheers.
Peter

Alexandra: I love these images, they came out great ! The softer processing is also beautiful.

Franco

You got a very nice set of images Alexandra!

Try setting the quality estimation to 'global' instead of 'local' in these situations, this may help.

Lovely captures and great resolution!

Very best,

Great set of images Alexandra

I love the idea of a UK image processing conference, let's do it

Exquisite details and beautifully resolved fine line textures in those close views, Alexandra and your FDs are sublime!

I'd be up for a processing tutorial to learn more about how to get the best out of our images.

Stu.

Oh my, such beautiful, soft and feathery close ups. Such a welcome departure from my image processing.
Great full disks as usual too.

Phil

Thanks everyone
Thanks for the tip Mark, I will try it out. I have a feeling that it is the type of movement that makes stacking good or bad. I think it struggles with jetstream shake, but is better able to cope with lower atmospheric ripple movement.

I wonder if it is possible to get a room with plug points at the International Astronomy show and organise a imaging jam there on the Saturday?
I have no idea how you would ask them.

Alexandra