Solarchat Zoom Sunday 9th October 18:00UTC

[Montana]

Absolutely fantastic meeting, thanks so much Pedro for doing this. I think you have one of the most amazing collections in the world

Alexandra

[rigel123]

Looking forward to watching the tape of the meeting, I might actually be around in November for that one!

[EGRAY_OBSERVATORY]

MANY THANKS PEDRO FOR YOUR VERY INTERESTING PRESENTATION.

YOUR COLLECTION OF ALL THE GEAR YOU HAVE SUCCOMBED TO - OVER SO MANY YEARS, MUST BE UNIQUE.

BEST WISHES
TERRY

[Jordan Konisky]

Not being able to attend the monthly meetings, I so appreciate that the meetings are recorded. Pedro thanks for your wonderful presentation this week.

Jordan

[Rusted]

I watched and enjoyed the second half of the YT video recording yesterday on my 55" TV.
Pedro's incredible memory for detail, his relaxed presentation and his amazing collection were highlights.

The following is absolutely no reflection on Pedro. Or those present at these online meetings:
As an obsessive perfectionist, I feel the online meeting format, of a mass of stranger's faces, is slightly "difficult" to watch.

Basic suggestions: Smaller boxes for those not actively contributing in the moment.
In a TV show the camera would instantly zoom in those actually speaking or reacting.
Of course the TV studios are "pros." But we might try to borrow their skills and practices.
Can the meeting chairman highlight a face or expand their box while they speak?

A sea of faces is very distracting. Even when the subject matter is fascinating and those on screen are respected experts.
In a live meeting everybody would be horizontally arranged around a table. Only sci-fi movies have tiered meetings.
No TV show shares a sea of faces with the audience. TV has well over half a century of practice at this sort of thing.
The compère or chairman is often a skilled pro too. So everything must be done to make their life easier.

Labelling the names of those present on-screen is vital IMO.
I spent most of the time guessing who these "complete strangers" were.
Early introductions are easily missed in the online meeting format.
The online viewer often and effortlessly jumps back and forth during a video.
In a "live" online meeting people will often miss the start altogether.

This name labelling could be as simple as using the online format. If it is available.
If not, then the on-screen individuals could print out the "stage name" they want to use.
Then place their folded card in the foreground. Just like any other physical meeting.
Or, they could print out their names in clear, black on white text, for a lapel name label.
Not the stupid things which can only be read with a magnifying glass if you invade the wearer's personal space leading to an immediate arrest!

I hope this ramble is seen as entirely constructive. Sadly, I have a lifetime of desperately "mending the unbroken."

What does everybody else think about the online meeting format? How could it be improved for the benefit of all?

[Montana]

I must watch the Youtube video, at the Zoom meeting everyone has their name automatically at the bottom of each persons window which is very clear. We see only the speaker and presentation, not lots of audience. Only when someone speaks does the person go on to the main screen.
Perhaps this is the recording set up?

Alexandra

[pedro]

I was wondering Pedro, when and how did you take your first image in h alpha?
You must have a magnificent archive of images which illustrate how solar astrophotography has evolved over the decades as technology has advanced.
It would be wonderful to see a couple of images from each decade for example, if you had any time to share them.
I found your presentation absolutely fascinating,
Thank you
Nic

Thanks a lot Nic. My first "good" h-alpha image was made in 2011 when I acquired the LUNT152. You can check all my solar images in the following link (arranged by year/month)

http://pedroreastrophotography.com/sun_h_alpha.html

fisrt images (october/December 2011)

http://pedroreastrophotography.com/sun_ ... _2011.html

[pedro]

Absolutely fantastic meeting, thanks so much Pedro for doing this. I think you have one of the most amazing collections in the world

Alexandra

Thanks so much Alexandra. I realy enjoyed meeting you all again

[pedro]

I must watch the Youtube video, at the Zoom meeting everyone has their name automatically at the bottom of each persons window which is very clear. We see only the speaker and presentation, not lots of audience. Only when someone speaks does the person go on to the main screen.
Perhaps this is the recording set up?

Alexandra

Thanks again guys

During my presentation I used a second monitor and there were no faces. During our discussion (beginning and end) we had the normal zoom meeting format (maybe we can change that). As Alexandra mentioned everybody had labels with names

[Rusted]

The problems must lie with the YT recording.

I do hope my constructive criticism did not upset anybody.

This is all I saw on YT:

solar chat yt screen.jpg (43.1 KiB) Viewed 1339 times

[pedro]

Maybe. I used a 4 k monitor. The names are not clearly visible

[rigel123]

When I watched it the faces were only on at the beginning and then Pedro’s presentation took up the screen. Having been on two before I like seeing everyone and maybe I was used to it from being on so many Zoom calls during Covid. I see names of everyone when watching on my laptop.

[solarchat]

great job everyone. Sorry I missed this, Was at the Beach for wife's 50th birthday.

[MapleRidge]

All good discussion to help everyone make the most of the sessions!!!

I had the presentation that Pedro made on one screen and the images from the participants on a second screen and the names were present throughout. Now, if someone does not want the individual participant feeds visible, you would be able to minimize them or make the presentation full screen and cover them...would have to confirm this though.

One thing that helps is to have the name used on solar chat included in your zoom profile...especially helpful with new faces. There has been a core group attend the sessions on a regular basis and 'name tags' aren't necessary, but very helpful and a courtesy for all. The sessions are a reunion for me in a way, as I have had the advantage of having meet many of the Solar Chat members in person over the years...but we don't all have the same experience.

Looking forward to the November meeting in a few weeks time.

Brian