Affiliation
None
Wed, 06/06/2012 - 14:14
Thought I'd try sending a post to the new Solar forum.
Attached is a graph showing the last two years of daily observations as they are calculated using Matt's new Compsol program. These data are stored in the MySQL database Sara Beck has built.
It's nice to be able to post graphs and images.
R.
File Upload
cleandata_soldata_1005-1204.jpg115.1 KB
Well, my first
Folks:
Well, my first "members" forum posting (I'm wearing my Member's Hat on top of my Staff Hat). :-)
I'm quite happy with some of the additions and changes that have been made to the Solar area. It has been exciting. When I moved to Boston 4 years ago people told me to sell my 15cm Newtonian since I wouldn't use it due to the horrible light pollution in Somerville (in the Greater Boston area). We have a limiting magnitude of 3.8 in Somerville!
I didn't sell it, and finally brought it out after four years last week. With all the new activity, both here in the Solar area, and on the Sun itself, it looks like I may have to get active again!
Bravo, everyone!
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Doc Kinne, KQR
AAVSO & ALPO Member
Hi HRHA
Interesting graph. I had made a graph of my solar observations for the last ten years for Cycle 23, perhaps I should do this for my observations for the beginning of Cycle 24.
KHY(KHAY)
Hi Doc,
Perhaps you can find a 150 mm Baader filter for your Newtonian?
http://agenaastro.com/optical-accessories/filters/solar-filters.html?gclid=CMe1ws3dvrACFSdeTAodXHpnDA
Counting sunspots can be fun. I think, one of the best books on the subject is this one written by Peter O. Taylor (previous Solar Chair, early 1990s):
http://books.google.com/books?id=wAq-Cdo6tK4C&printsec=frontcover&source=gbs_ge_summary_r&cad=0#v=onepage&q&f=false
R.
Rodney:
Wonderfully, I have a Baader filter for the 15cm Newtonian. I cut a 5cm circular hole in the lens cap several years ago and fitted that with Baader filter material that someone wonderfully gave me during my first Stellafane conference. I actually was active several years ago in the Solar Group. I have to re-find my Solar Observer's Code, but this morning, while I am waiting for the Vet to call back about my cat, Pollux's, ultrasound, I took the scope out and made my first solar observation in years: R=62. 5G, 12f, 1517hrs, 8 June 2012. I'm looking forward to using Sara's new Solar Obs program to upload the data!
I'll have to take a look at that book. I don't remember it, and it looks intriguing. :-)
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Doc Kinne, KQR
AAVSO & ALPO Member
I always liked graphs. Here is a question to ponder that probably has been beaten to death at other Solar Maximum cycles. Does the extreme weather on earth like now have any correlation to the Maximum Solar Cycle. I saw some papers a while ago at the last Max in 2000.
Also, I have a graph from a 1897 Book Called "The Sun" I assume that it probably OK to copy and post somewhere like HERE. I am careful about Data extracted from other places. HNL
Dear Matt: Thanks for the link to the NSO. I was blown away. Actually, pictures of sunspots.
I had considered taking off to Sacremento peak. There is a conference in which I saw that someone I know was attending. However,It is one of things I just have to put on the back burner. Dream on and thoughts of the Eclipse of 2017. GAAAH. So, we trudged through life hoping we will be able to enjoy.
Anyhow if anyone is interesting in other aspects of the Sun nearer home. Like Sundials. There is a Conference coming to Cambridge, Mass. U.S.A. The North American Sundial Society is doing a great tour and talks(some in Harvard College, Cambridge, Mass. U.S.A.) and the convention Hotel near-by
Think Spring and more SUN. Have a good Day. HNL
The conference sounds interesting. Has it happened already?
Hi: The Sundial Conference is on August of this year. It is on the NASS website. That is the North American Sundial Society. The conference is local to Cambridge Massachusetts. It will include a visit to The Harvard Museum of Historic Instruments. Harvard University. I have always enjoyed sundials of all sorts. The site is extensive and pictures of a lot of sundials located in a lot of places. The site hasn't listed the cost or other presentations by members. Lots of time to think about it. Hope this helps. Best HNL