TheSkySearchers

I’m a little late starting this now, but here goes!

So far my February has been filled with clouds.

I did start playing with GIMP to use for combining my prom/surface images.

We'll see how my WO 61mm with Baader 5.0 ND works out with the Televue Powermate 2.5X and my camera. According to my calculations, I should have a F/L of 910mm, much like my 80mm Celestrons.

I won't be using this mount (display purposes only); there's a beefier WIP in my shed



No clear skies in sight yet for the next bit

Some clear daytime skies are forecast for the next few days so I will be able to get out with the Herschel wedge for some viewing.

Here's the latest attempt at GIMP processing.

That is really well done! Not over-processed; it all looks very "natural". Thumbs up on that!

Nice inversion Gordon. I prefer these they show the Filaments.
Keith.

We're in for a rather large winter storm here. According to Environment Canada, my area will probably get 25cm's (10 inches) of snow this afternoon/tonight, followed by 5-10cm's of freezing rain tomorrow morning.
This morning I received a very nice email from the local hydro company stating we could expect to get blackouts tomorrow so be prepared. Good times

I left early today as the areas I was going to were already getting the white fluffies, and I wanted to get home before the mess started. That I did; I was home at a bit before 2PM. Had a coffee, got on here, and started shopping...

I've wanted a Solar Wedge for a while, but most of the scopes I have come with 1.25" focusers. I'm thinking about buying a Lunt because I can get one in that size. Not available in Canada, but AgenaAstro has one left for $329 with shipping, which would be for me almost $450.

Visually it's stunning (I've looked through one before a few years ago; I was amazed at the difference in visual compared to my Baader film) but I'd also like to use it with my DSLR and if needed my 2.5X Powermate. I'm thinking it might go well with my SC and UV/IR filters.

The scopes I'd like to use it on would be my WO 61mm at f/5.9 and my C80-HD at f/11.4. Even one or the other; doesn't have to be both. Thoughts or opinions on this?

Thanks in advance and all the best,

well process , thx .

The more I play with GIMP the better I like it.

Very nice image Gordon.
Keith.

Those two images are fantastic !

It looks like you are getting the hang of GIMP quite quickly Gordon.
Both really nice images.

Trial and a few errors !

Thanks Mark, it worked.
This was taken sometime during the last Solar Cycle. I've found a few " oldies " that have been compressed by Facebook if anyone is interested.
Keith,

Nice image Keith! Your welcome and good luck today

That is a really nice image Keith, lots of details.

The same image from the last cycle, one mono and one coloured. Which do you prefer and why ?

It depends. I like posting color images just because they give a 'realistic' view. However, if I want to show some of the contrasting detail, black and white seem to work better for me.

I agree with Gordon; they're both good for their own different reasons. Nicely done Keith!

Exactly my thoughts, as with filaments, there are times when I try to ^ bring more out ^with an inverted image,

Getting ready to wrap up the February 2023 Solar chat.

Judging on todays sky, it appears this will be my last Feb image.

Taken with my ES80ed, EQ5pro, Quark Chromosphere and ZWO ASI174mm-c.
Processed with Astrosurface for stacking and preliminary processing, then stacked colorized and final touches with photoGIMP.