Post by Chicago Astronomer - Astro Joe on Feb 24, 2013 15:19:00 GMT -6
Solar Imaging and Daylight Venus spotting
24 February 2013
24 February 2013
The glare was overpowering, with the snow reflecting the bright sunshine back up to my face. So, using a hoodie, I made myself a make-shift darkroom. Much more comfortable and the well appreciated darkness made focusing the camera screen much much easier...
The major sunspot grouping of days past are now gone, but little ones are developing...
The center two sunspot group #1676 is the most defined now on the Earth side of the solar face...
There are some sunspot I observed that are not listed at Spaceweather.com...Hmmmm
The Sun's disk slipped behind a chimney and I wondered if I could spot the daytime Venus while the Sun was blocked. My tablet showed that Venus was in a good far away distance to try...
Slipping a widefield 40mm 2" Eyepiece I started scanning the general area with a slow grid pattern - there...like a diamond - popped into view....
The familiar glow of Venus is quite evident even in low contrast bright daylight...
Astro programs show Venus as nearly full and it does appear to be so in the eyepiece as well. Some Chromatic Aberration is evident, but it's good.
(Now, I don't recommend doing this kids, the danger of accidentally sweeping across the Sun is always a danger....but really, if you are careful...Venus is a snap to find!)
Finishing off of the session....I pop in the binoviewers and enjoy stereoscopic views of the solar face....with great granulation, faculae and sunspot details that two eyes can bring. A wonderful experience...and before you know it...this three hour session was over.
Time just flew...
