Getting ready for cycle 25 OUTREACH, new equipment
Posted: Mon Feb 21, 2022 5:09 pm
During cycle 24 I was doing science outreach at the local nature centers and observatory/club events almost every sunny weekend.
At the time I was using white light projection with a long-focus heliograph onto a table with a foam poster board, and H-alpha viewing with a PST. At some events when I could have a helper I used a 90mm MAK with a solar filter taped on. I will only do this when it can be monitored because I don't want to risk some kid ripping the film than someone else looking through it while the adults are distracted.
For cycle 25 I am investing in upping the game.
I have invested in a long-focus heliostat (it is a heliograph with a limited ability to move the primary mirror with the sun). These heliostats are so far as I know the safest and most fool-proof way to offer public white-light viewing. They project a crystal clear image larger than a pie-pan. I use a tall video tripod so that the heliostat/graph is high enough that people walking by won't block the sun's image going to the projection screen. With the original heliograph, I turned it into a heliostat by putting it on an old Meade AL/AZ mount. The new model of the heliograph has a stepper motor and controller effectively making it a heliostat. I have also purchased a 100-inch projection screen with a "wind resistant" frame. (the old poster board took off with the slightest gust no matter how much duct tape was used).
I have upgraded my PST to a 90mm Solar Max I and I have a 60mm Solar Max II. I have loaned out the 60mm to a close friend that will be joining me on some of the outreach events. My hope is to use a deep-cycle battery to power the scopes EQ mount and a monitor in an adjacent tent to give a live video in H-alpha and have the 60mm for direct viewing.
Hands-on is important for learning and inspiring so I purchased both a "Sun Spotter" and a "Solar Scope" tabletop projection device. The "Solar Scope" is supposed to give a better image but it is cardboard and a bit wonky. The "Sun Spotter" is nicely fashioned out of wood and should be manageable by children. The most important feature to me is that it will allow someone to sketch the solar projection. Sadly the image is small and with the current sunspots, I am unable to clearly see penumbra.
I doubt I will bring the 90mm Mak to any events in which a dedicated volunteer can not manage it. I have been doing night-time astro outreach for decades and I know how quickly a child can manipulate equipment when you turn your back, sometimes even while the parent looks on, and with solar, the risk is too great.
I have made up some laminated cards with a tiny "earth" in the middle so that relative size can be shown next to or over the solar disk projections and video screen. This has always been a big hit. I have been thinking about expanding this with an "identify this feature" set of cards with prominences, filaments, granules, and types of sunspots.
If you have any ideas or suggestions let me know!
Long live Cycle 25!
At the time I was using white light projection with a long-focus heliograph onto a table with a foam poster board, and H-alpha viewing with a PST. At some events when I could have a helper I used a 90mm MAK with a solar filter taped on. I will only do this when it can be monitored because I don't want to risk some kid ripping the film than someone else looking through it while the adults are distracted.
For cycle 25 I am investing in upping the game.
I have invested in a long-focus heliostat (it is a heliograph with a limited ability to move the primary mirror with the sun). These heliostats are so far as I know the safest and most fool-proof way to offer public white-light viewing. They project a crystal clear image larger than a pie-pan. I use a tall video tripod so that the heliostat/graph is high enough that people walking by won't block the sun's image going to the projection screen. With the original heliograph, I turned it into a heliostat by putting it on an old Meade AL/AZ mount. The new model of the heliograph has a stepper motor and controller effectively making it a heliostat. I have also purchased a 100-inch projection screen with a "wind resistant" frame. (the old poster board took off with the slightest gust no matter how much duct tape was used).
I have upgraded my PST to a 90mm Solar Max I and I have a 60mm Solar Max II. I have loaned out the 60mm to a close friend that will be joining me on some of the outreach events. My hope is to use a deep-cycle battery to power the scopes EQ mount and a monitor in an adjacent tent to give a live video in H-alpha and have the 60mm for direct viewing.
Hands-on is important for learning and inspiring so I purchased both a "Sun Spotter" and a "Solar Scope" tabletop projection device. The "Solar Scope" is supposed to give a better image but it is cardboard and a bit wonky. The "Sun Spotter" is nicely fashioned out of wood and should be manageable by children. The most important feature to me is that it will allow someone to sketch the solar projection. Sadly the image is small and with the current sunspots, I am unable to clearly see penumbra.
I doubt I will bring the 90mm Mak to any events in which a dedicated volunteer can not manage it. I have been doing night-time astro outreach for decades and I know how quickly a child can manipulate equipment when you turn your back, sometimes even while the parent looks on, and with solar, the risk is too great.
I have made up some laminated cards with a tiny "earth" in the middle so that relative size can be shown next to or over the solar disk projections and video screen. This has always been a big hit. I have been thinking about expanding this with an "identify this feature" set of cards with prominences, filaments, granules, and types of sunspots.
If you have any ideas or suggestions let me know!
Long live Cycle 25!
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