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Observation Notes:
I set the scope up outside the front door to have a look at AR0923. I got a chance to show Amanda and the kids the view. Harrison thought it was pretty cool, but sunspots don't easily beg people to linger over the view I don't think. At least not in white light perhaps. In addition to the huge region of AR0923, there was a smaller spot (AR0924) rounding the eastern limb. I sketched a full disc view (above), and then went for a more detailed sketch of the large spot (see below). I also grabbed a few handheld photos and have a closeup of AR0923 for comparison to the sketch. Detecting the boundaries of the fainter portions of the sunspot was not easy. Seeing during the afternoon is pretty horrible, so although the 120X view offered some verification of what I suspected at lower power, the view was pretty foamy and hard to make out. Which probably means that morning solar observations before the air heats up are probably a better way to go.
Detail sketch of AR0923:
Photo of AR0923:
| Subject | Solar: AR0923, 0924 |
| Classification | Solar: Sunspots |
| Date/Time | November 12, 2006, 02:00 - 03:11 PM MST (November 12, 2006, 21:00 - 22:11 UT) |
| Observing Loc. | Flagstaff, AZ - Home |
| Instrument | Orion SVP 6LT Reflector (150 mm dia./1200 mm F/L) |
| Eyepieces/Mag. | 32 mm (37.5X), 25 mm (48X), 10 mm (120X) |
| Conditions | Clear, breezy |
| Seeing | Ant. IV |
Hi Jeremy!
These white-light whole-disk solar sketches have got to be the most aesthetically-pleasing sketches of this type that I've ever seen. I look forward to seeing more of them!
Thanks,
Eric
Thanks Eric!
I'm using Photoshop to add the limb darkening. I think it really gives a good feel for the eyepiece view. But I have to admit it may come across as a bit of a crutch to do that part digitally. Like I mentioned at CN, I'll have to go ahead and roll up my sleeves and blending stumps if I want to do a full-disc drawing that incorporates the lighter plages and faculae. Still, for now, a little digital misting works for me.
I'll certainly be doing more--it sure is nice to sidle up to the scope during normal waking hours!