24/29.09.2025 Solar images and new plans.

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  Sun: I captured some images of the sun in H-alpha but couldn't download them. Because of a lack of Internet outside. In the absence of a wireless connection I need a 10m network cable. Duly obtained.

  Here are a couple of whole disk examples until later. When I can produce a proper post. The Lunt 60MT seems to be able to provide fairly even brightness and detail across the disk.Though both images are a little over-sharpened. 

 I have been monitoring the autumn sunshine. Where it falls and when. A position just outside the lean-to greenhouse enjoys the most sunshine. Except for early morning and evening.  

 I have heavily trimmed the front [southern] boundary hedge and the shrubs in the front garden.  Beyond the hedge is a large paddock. With my neighbours' house to the south over 100m away. So there should be no solar heating effects in that direction. I live in a small, rural hamlet. Surrounded by miles of fields and woods in all directions.

 If the absent neighbours, to the southeast, trim their trees and hugely overgrown hedges. I would enjoy even earlier sunshine. They have the builders in to renovate the place. At very irregular intervals. This after years of complete absence and destructive neglect. The renewed interest in restoring the property to accommodation. Suggests the soaring, larch hedges will soon history.

 Slow progress is also being made on the empty house to my east. They both share large trees. Literally trapped between the buildings.  This is all happening in an arc to my east and south east. So it all directly affects my morning views of the sun. 

 My raised observatory once offered clear skies to the east. I could see over their hedges. Until they grew into mature trees. The best seeing conditions were usually early in the morning. Then conditions worsened throughout the day. As my own house roof always lay just below the track of the sun. If the sun shone then the roof was hot.   

 I now foresee a new setting for my solar imaging. Just outside the greenhouse doors. Beside the gravel drive. Which runs north-south for 100m. Starting just east of the house. Some more shrub trimming would provide plenty of room for a tripod and more modest telescope. A space of at least a four meters square. Perhaps add a few paving slabs. To provide fixed locations for the tripod feet. Unless I build or buy a weatherproof cover to go out out there. I will have to carry the imaging rig in and out. Best avoided. Though I do not want a solid building darkening the greenhouse. 

 I am assuming that I will set up a computer desk inside the eastern corner of the greenhouse. Just my 28" monitor, keyboard and mouse. I have several outdoor tables to choose from. Any of which can easily be pressed into service. 

 The greenhouse will provide shelter from the wind. Though not the sun. Local shade is easily provided. Using black, gardening, weed suppression cloth suspended from the greenhouse roof. Temperatures can be adjusted by opening doors and skylights. It will usually be far more comfortable than sitting outside. Or in an open observatory. I will be able to easily monitor the telescope through the glass walls of the greenhouse. The AVX tripod is easily solid enough to allow raised legs. So the telescope will be well off the ground without needing to be visible beyond the hedge. Mass loading of the tripod is easily possible if needed in a gale.

 

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