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Thursday 13th Another grey, cold and windy day is forecast.
I have made no progress on the modified H-alpha solar telescope. On the rare occasions the sun was out. Then so was I.
A flash of sunshine this morning had me wandering outside looking for clear views. The combination of low sun and all the trees made it impossible until much later. Even then it would be no fun with the wind gusting to 15m/s or over 30mph. Temperatures will peak at 12C/54F at the most this afternoon.
I checked upstairs. There was no chance of setting up a telescope to peer through any of the windows. At least, not until much later. When the sun had moved further to the south. Which meant I could place the tripod on the upstairs landing in anticipation. To see the low sun through the small, south facing, dormer window. I could easily compare the view through the glass. Or with the window open.
Of course it quickly clouded over again. Still well worth setting everything up I think. I could practice my solar imaging in white light. In some comfort and with everything easily to hand. No traipsing back and forth with forgotten items. To the far side of the parking area. Just to see the sun fleetingly over the absent neighbour's trees.
The telescope can be set up and simply left in place. There are months of cold weather ahead. Why not give it a try? I can add the H-alpha components as and when it would be worthwhile. Hopefully with long hours of sunshine to make the adjustments more relaxing.
The afternoon sky was leaden. I had everything set up on the landing. So I captured an ash tree at 100m rocking in the wind. Showing some very fine detail despite the heavy overcast. Then I stacked the video for a bit of practice with the software.
Before closing down I remembered to return the telescope to its parking position. Pointing at the N-pole. Had I left it looking out of the window. The sun could have come out and caused overheating or even a fire. The AM5N mount likes to be sent Home at the end of each session. Before switch off. Press the lower button on the paddle for a few seconds. Then wait for all movement of the mounting and telescope to finish.
Here is my blog post from 2019 showing the use of SharpCap Pro to align the mounting on the sun:
Fullerscopes Telescope Mountings: Whoopee! Polar alignment using SharpCap and the Sun!
Direct link to the YT video:
https://youtu.be/zRT-HsRsftI?si=PXf6JDm0mVVcCONK
A later YouTube guide to drift [Polar] alignment on the sun. Note the use of coloured reticules/reticles for fine adjustment. This is an additional step not show in the first video.
https://youtu.be/pw_xfPW4nYQ?si=Kh74Q_xi0CjsKAne
NOTE: You will need an astro camera attached to the telescope with approved solar filtration.
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