I finally got to get a look at some sun spots with my ETX-80. When I got home from work today, it was partly cloudy (bordering on mostly), but a break in the clouds gave me a 15 minute observing window.
I brought the scope out, let it go through a fake alignment and aimed it towards the sun (using the scope's shadow as my finder). Baader film filter was in place.
The sunspots stood out boldly, even in the 26mmEP, although the best views were afforded by the 9.7EP and the 6.4EP with the barlow engaged. On the 9.7EP I also added my V-block filter. This seemed to make the image a tad sharper as well as restoring the sun to a natural yellow hue.
The spots were very nice! The main spot was a bit asymmetrical and had a very distinct umbra and penumbra. Leading away from this spot was a trail of smaller spots that arced in a pattern that reminded me of the Hawaiian islands.
I found the 9.7EP to work best, as it was a bit windy and with the 6.4EP the scope was shaking just a bit too much (although when it was steady the views were very nice, with a hint of structure visible in the penumbra).
I continue to be impressed by this little scope! Craig
Nice report Craig. Hope the spots are the first of many more to come. Thanks for sharing
Peter.
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Some of the pleasure I get from life I owe to Astronomy.
Astronomy does not owe me a thing.
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Nexstar 8se
150mm Helios Newton Reflector EQ 3 G.E.M.
6.3mm 10mm Plossls. Celestron 25mm & 40mm E.Ps. 8mm x 24mm Baader Hyperion Zoom. 2x Barlow. 9x50 R.A.C.I Finderscope. G.L.P and Bracket. Dew Shield. Home made Solar filter. Home made H.C Holder.(Great Asset). Maplin's 12V 17ah Auto Start Unit.
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