Tag sun

A busy night, and day, of looking up

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Saturn late the night of October 5 (local time).

We had a busy astronomical night and morning: Last night (October 5) we went for Saturn once again. Sky forecasts called for Average seeing with poor transparency; what we got was Fair to Poor seeing and poor transparency. Still, we imaged ’cause you’ve got to keep trying! Here’s Saturn from about 11:15 PM EDT Monday.

Earth’s Moon imaged during daylight hours October 6, 2026.

While we were unable to image the October 6 occultation of Jupiter, we did image both Moon and Jupiter in the bright morning sky. Here’s the waning crescent Moon as it appeared around 9:00 AM EDT. Still nearby following the end of occultation was planet Jupiter, so we went for that as well.

Jupiter with Ganymede, one of its four Galilean Moons, imaged during daytime, October 6, 2026.

The bright dot on the left is Jupiter’s moon Ganymede, and the black dot on the planet’s right-hand limb is Ganymede’s shadow!

Viewing a bright planet like Jupiter by eye is possible during the daylight hours, IF you can find it with your telescope! Our image was recorded with an emphasis on infrared light which increased contrast, turning the bright blue sky black.

The Sun, imaged in hydrogen-alpha light showing our star’s chromosphere and numerous prominences, as they appeared October 6, 2026. False color added.

Later, around 11:30 AM, it being a sunny day, we set up for solar imaging. While our nearest star is officially at low activity levels, there was plenty to see. A number of impressive prominences lined the Solar limb, and close-up views of the surface revealed a maelstrom of plasma shaped by intense magnetic fields. The bright patch near the center of the Solar disk is active region 4549 which, today, issued a full-halo CME toward Earth. There may be auroras October 9. Yep, a busy day. 

A closeup view of the Solar chromosphere, imaged in hydrogen-alpha light, as it appeared October 6, 2026. False color added.

Solar imaging: we’re getting there

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Sun via hydrogen-alpha light displays the roiling plasma of the chromosphere, dark filament structures floating in several areas, and prominences large and small along the limb. False color added during processing. September 18, 2026, by James Guilford.

A clear morning sky, a rarity lately, allowed solar observing and experimentation with new settings for image capture. While the quieting Sun in white light showed no sunspots in the photosphere, the chromosphere, viewed via hydrogen-alpha (Ha) light, was a busy place. Prominances large and small were visible around the Solar limb, filaments floated above the roiling plasma surface, and despite shaky seeing conditions, spicules were recorded all along the limb.

We started out, some time ago, employing the lucky imaging technique via .AVI video recordings and using exposures in the double-digit millisecond range, and video gain set at zero or at very low single-digit levels; early experience seemed to indicate that was the way. Listening to how others approach imaging, we tried reducing the exposure/shutter speed to mid or low single-digits, and boosting video gain into low triple-digits. We saw improvements in both image quality and ease of processing! We still have much to learn and to refine, and working with Ohio’s less-than-optimal sky conditions is … challenging … but we’re getting there.

Tech Info: Telescope – Sky-Watcher Heliostar 76Ha, Camera – ZWO ASI183MM Pro, UV/IR Cut Filter, Exposure – 5ms, Gain – 117. Video frames stacked in ASI VideoStack. Color image processed in PixInsight + Solar Toolbox. Monochrome processed in Pixelmator Pro.

Sun via hydrogen-alpha light displays the roiling plasma of the chromosphere, dark filament structures floating in several areas, and prominences large and small along the limb. This image was processed via a different workflow from that of the duplicate image at the top of this article. No false color added. September 18, 2026, by James Guilford.

August 27 brings deep partial lunar eclipse

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Late on the night of August 27, Moon will resemble this view of the March 14, 2025 lunar eclipse. Photo by James Guilford

The night of August 27 – 28, 2026 brings an opportunity for eclipse viewing: a deep partial lunar eclipse. Just shy of a total lunar eclipse, the night’s Full Moon will be deep within Earth’s shadow, 96 percent covered by Earth’s dark inner shadow or umbra.

Given clear skies, we are in a favorable position to see the eclipse in its entirety. In Northeast Ohio, the eclipse begins at 9:24 PM as Moon edges into Earth’s soft outer shadow or penumbra. At 10:34 PM the show really begins with Earth’s deep umbra visibly darkening the edge of the lunar disk. Maximum eclipse begins at 12:13 AM, August 28 with the southern portion of Moon very dark and its northern edge relatively bright; hopefully, coppery coloration will be visible on areas of the lunar disk between.

Moon continues its movement through Earth’s shadow, reversing the eclipse process. The partial eclipse ends at 1:52 AM, and the penumbral eclipse ends at 3:02 as the bright Full Moon shines. If you are eclipse watching from a location other than ours, you can check out TimeAndDate.com which can calculate event timings for your spot on the map.

Partial eclipse timings and projected appearances are giving in this graphic, with time expressed as UTC. Graphic Credit: NASA Scientific Visualization Studio

A lunar eclipse occurs when the moon’s orbit carries it through the shadow cast into space by Earth. A solar eclipse occurs when the moon’s orbit carries it between Earth and Sun and Moon’s shadow falls upon Earth’s surface. Unlike solar eclipses, lunar eclipses are perfectly safe to view with no special precautions needed — it’s moonlight — and no telescope is required. Binoculars may add to the experience but are also not required for lunar eclipse watching.

A little flip helps a lot

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We observed several active regions, all in the western hemisphere, no sunspots in the eastern hemisphere, and all were confined to the solar equatorial area. This solar cycle appears to be fading away. White light Baader film solar filter, with false color applied in processing. August 18, 2026.

Skies, time, and tech finally aligned allowing us to observe Sun this morning. With mid-summer behind us, Sun clears the trees later these days meaning we observe later with more turbulent air — only fair seeing today! Still, we imaged four active regions with spots, all headed toward the western horizon. There were no sunspots in the eastern hemisphere, and the active regions were confined to the solar equatorial area. This solar cycle appears to be fading away.

Aiding the day’s observations, and the equipment’s first light, was the addition of our new Baader Planetarium FlipMirror 2. We found that the flip mirror we used with the Vixen Cassegrain telescope had too much extension — we needed something more compact to achieve focus and have a little room for adjustment. Setting up the Baader FlipMirror was a challenge. The main component, containing the mirror, is shipped with adapter rings only — no nosepiece, eyepiece holders, or anything else. While the bare-bones component is versatile, selecting the correct set of add-ons was a worrisome exercise (components are not cheap) and the retailer offered no assistance when asked. After a good deal of shuffling between the owner’s guide, the product box illustrations, and the Baader and retailer’s websites, we made our selections. Happily our purchases were correct. The FlipMirror really is a well-made and even superior product.

The Baader FlipMirror 2 connected to the telescope focuser. Clicklock eyepiece holder/clamp, and focusing eyepiece holder are sold separately

Why a flip mirror? Those devices allow two, or more, observation or imaging pieces to be attached to the telescope at once: a camera and an eyepiece, two eyepieces and differing angles, two cameras (we suppose), with only the twist of a mirror-flipping knob to switch between them. In fact, the Baader device has a third connection place, located on the underside of the mirror box, for addition of a guide camera! The mirror never covers the light path for an attached off-axis guide camera … an interesting feature.

The Baader FlipMirror 2 installed and in use with eyepiece and camera connected.

At any rate, we were able to easily center Sun in the field of view using the eyepiece, flip the mirror out of the way to allow a direct light path to the camera, and image. Centering the sun was no big deal but using an eyepiece to center distant stars, planets, etc. is made much easier through its use. It’s also nice to just take a look, observing directly with one’s own eyes!

Sun and Moon

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The northwestern Solar quadrant shown via hydrogen-alpha light, false color applied, shows the chaotic surface of the chromosphere, with several filaments visible. Along the rim are prominences contrasted against the blackness of space.

The morning presented an excellent opportunity for Solar observing and imaging — the sky was clear and, these days, Sun is rising between trees instead of behind them! While we have been following our star’s singular large sunspot for a few days, it turned out our best image from the morning was of the northwest Solar quadrant. Details in the chromosphere were beautifully rendered and several interesting prominences of various shapes and sizer graced the rim.

During one of the Solar imaging runs, we looked up and out through the dome aperture at the deep blue morning sky. There, floating on the denim background, was the Last Quarter Moon. Once finished with Sun, we aimed the scope at Moon, removed the solar gear from the white light telescope, and did a portrait of old Luna. We’ve done this not so long ago but still get a kick out of our daytime Moon.

Earth’s Moon in its Last Quarter phase is shown in this two-panel image made at 9:15 AM EDT, July 8, 2026.

By the way, the latest addition to our setup is a rig by ADM that allows two scopes to be held simultaneously on a single mount; that has been a wonderful way to quickly change between Solar wavelengths, and to use the individual telescopes without swapping out and rebalancing the system. The ADM rack is very well made, fully adjustable, and we have no fear of equipment coming loose and crashing to the ground — possibly the most important feature!

Multi-telescope rack by ADM allows two telescopes to ride the pier mount at the same time, delivering flexibility and efficiency to our setup.

Three (very) active regions mark the sun’s surface

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Whole-disk view of Sun as it appeared late morning July 2, 2026. The sunspots are nearing Sun’s western horizon (right) but still pose a threat of geomagnetic storms from their flares. This image was captured using our Canon EOS 5D Mk. 4 DSLR, 400mm telephoto lens with 2X extender, and white light Baader film solar filter. False color added.

Three active regions nearing the western solar horizon have been busy, exploding with multiple flares and coronal mass ejections (CMEs). That solar material is expected to reach Earth beginning July 3 and continuing into the U.S. Independence Day weekend. The CMEs impacting Earth’s magnetosphere could produce auroras. Those blessed with clear night skies should be alert for a possible *quiet* fireworks display! Respect.

A closeup view of the three active regions mentioned in this post was recorded using our Askar 103APO telescope, and Baader Planetarium Herschel safety wedge. The image was recorded the morning of July 2, 2026 in monochrome and is reproduced here in that state. Photosphere granulation, faculae, and sunspot details are visible here.

Impressive sunspot commands attention in midday heat

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Sunspots at Solar Active Region 4478 imaged with an Askar 103APO telescope, Herschel wedge, and Tele Vue Powermate 5X under poor seeing conditions. Credit: James Guilford

June 29, 2026 — Morning clouds and the usual trees kept us from working in the cooler, quieter air today so, nearing local (EDT) noon in heat and roiling atmosphere, we took our first shot at Solar Active Region 4478. The region featured a pair of massive sunspots that have been exciting observers lately. Using the Askar 103APO telescope with Baader Planetarium Herschel wedge in white light, we caught the impressive sight. Now aimed squarely at Earth, both AR4478 and 4479 pose a threat of powerful X-Class flares.

Several of the sunspots in Solar active regions as imaged via Askar 103APO telescope, Herschel wedge, and Tele Vue Powermate 2X under poor seeing conditions. Credit: James Guilford

Afternoon sunshine enjoyed side-by-side

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The morning was filled and, though it is best to observe Sun before the heat of the day sets in, the skies were still clear this afternoon so we opened the dome. Happily, there were points of interest, particularly the two plumes of prominences on the northwest rim!

Just emerging over the eastern limb (left edge, above) is a large sunspot which should prove interesting to observe, the next time we enjoy clear skies here!

This was also our first use of a new bracket that allows side-by-side mounting and simultaneous use of two telescopes on the pier. The apparatus, made by ADM Accessories, and purchased from High Point Scientific, is sturdily-built and not excessive in weight. Presently we have the Askar 103APO and the Sky-Watcher 76Ha scopes up but will likely experiment with other configurations.

Two telescopes are installed side-by-side on the observatory mount and pier employing an ADM Accessories mounting system purchase from High Point Scientific. The arrangement allows use of two telescopes simultaneously or separately without the need for rebalancing or alignment when switching between them.

Our Sun has a flare, or two, for drama

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Active Region 4455 as it appeared at 13:55 UTC on June 2, 2026. Viewed via hydrogen-alpha light, the chromosphere has a mottled appearance due to magnetic field lines affecting the distribution of Solar plasma. Image by James Guilford

June 3, 2026 — Multiple flares with associated coronal mass ejections (CMEs) have been observed over the past 24 hours, originating from Solar Active Region 4455, shown here. “Closely-spaced impacts on June 5th could produce strong G3-class geomagnetic storms,” reports SpaceWeather .com, “with auroras in Europe and the USA at mid-latitudes.” Of course, we are expecting cloudy skies, here in Northeast Ohio, when the aurora may occur. #spaceweather #aurora #sun #sunspot #solarastronomy #astronomy

A little scare, a quick fix

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Our Sky-Watcher HelioStar 76Ha Solar telescope mounted on the observatory’s permanent mount. The focuser, for those new to these things, is operated via the silver knob seen at the lower end of the telescope. Photo by James Guilford.

A couple of days ago, during a rather ambitious solar imaging session, the focuser on our Sky-Watcher HelioStar 76Ha telescope failed. And by failure, we mean the specialized diagonal that holds an eyepiece or camera would not stay put! The focuser would barely move the assembly and, once released, the diagonal plus camera would … zzzzzzip! … slide outward as far as it could. As one might expect, that sort of thing makes the telescope worthless. Disappointment? Disaster?

Contacting Agena Astro, the telescope’s seller, their rep. reminded us that the unit was still under warranty and supplied contact information for Sky-Watcher USA’s Support. Sending off an email describing the issue we waited a reply. “Sounds like the focuser might need to be adjusted,” came the reply a short time later. “Don’t worry we have a lot of adjustment with this focuser.” Adjusting three screws on the telescope, as instructed, and within five minutes the system was working good as new!

The Sun as it appeared via hydrogen-alpha light on April 24, 2026; as imaged using the Sky-Watcher HelioStar 76Ha Solar telescope, and a ZWO ASI monochrome camera. False color applied. Image by James Guilford.

So there was a little scare. Excellent support provided by the retailer and the manufacturer. A quick fix. And we were able to take advantage of excellent conditions today, making images of our local star! Thanks go out to Agena Astro and Sky-Watcher USA!