20090926 Sun

My internet connection is still down but the scope is up and running... the room is very hot at 34 degrees, remember that's indoor temperature...

1545 (GMT+8), with reducer:


1546 (GMT+8), with reducer:


1548 (GMT+8), with 2x barlows:-


1549 (GMT+8), with 2x barlows:-


1550 (GMT+8), with 2x barlows:-:-

20090925 Sun

My internet connection is still down, I'm now using something very slow and unstable.

I reached home earlier today and the sun was sinking very low, anyway, I did a few shots since there're some active regions around, rare these days.

First two taken with reducer, 1727 (GMT+8):-


1728 (GMT+8):-


This one taken with a 5x (without reducer) and the seeing/transparency was so poor in that low angle, essentially useless shot, just a record taken at 1733 (GMT+8):-

Problem with my broadband connection

You might already notice that I have not been updating my blog these days. That's because my home broadband connection failed. Actually, I have no access to my home phone, and also my TV.

The service provider has been trying to fix it, but none of the technician made it. I am now planning to switch to another provider, however, I need to make sure that the existing service provider would terminate my contract first or otherwise, they will keep charging me every month. And as you might guess, the existing service provider won't give up so easily and they are still trying to send more people to check the connection out.

Therefore, at the time being, I cannot do anything but wait. Once my existing contract was terminated cleanly, I will subscribe to a new provider and by then, my network connection will become stable again.

Thank you for the wait, and wish that things will get fine soon.

20090912 Sun

It's pretty clear today, I would rate it 6/10 with some cloud floating around, seeing like 3/10, not too bad in day time standard. The sun is extremely silent. Again, all captured with my usual setup: Coronado Solarmax 40 with BF10, DMK 31AF03.AS, Tele Vue Ranger with NGF-CM and 0.5x binoviewer corrector mounted in the nosepiece of the BF10.

1553 (GMT+8):-


1554 (GMT+8):-

Scaling down from 31AF03 to 21AF04

Just wonder if it will fit into the field of view?

With the 31AF03, the solar disc will fit in a square of around 760x760 pixels (including medium sized prominences), and the 31AF03 has a pixel size of 4.65um.

With a 21AF04, the pixel size is 5.6um and thus the pixel will accomodate slightly more field.

By simple calculation, the 21AF04 will be able to fit horizontally, but not vertically with my existing instrument. Therefore, I would rather stay with my 31AF03.

20090907 Sun

The sun is still quiet, transparency 6/10, seeing 2/10. This time, I open the window to capture.

1710 (GMT+8):-


1711 (GMT+8):-

20090906 Sun

I'm breaking the rule. You people probably know that I had been taking solar images indoor with an open window.

It is 33 degree Celcius outside. Guess what?

I dare not even to open the window, yes, I'm shooting through the cheap and dirty window plate glass with my usual setup. I know the quality is going to be bad, but during solar minimum, I can try without missing too much valuable detail hopefully. So, I did it.

First two shots are taken with a 0.5x at the nosepiece of the BF10, of course, the Solarmax 40 is in the front as usual:-

1644 (GMT+8):-


1646 (GMT+8):-


Some small detail were kind of "washed out", and the effect is similar to poor seeing.

Finally, I even did a close up with a 2x, so it means 960mm effective focal length:-

1659 (GMT+8), this one is pretty similar with what I can do with an open window:-

20090905 Sun

Transparency 7/10, seeing 2/10. No sunspots nor active regions, not even big prominence. Solar activity remains low, let's hope when the "stored" energy released, it will deliver a great show.

1427 (GMT+8):-


1429 (GMT+8):-