10055 replies to this topic

[Terra Nova]

What a wonderful day!

Attached Thumbnails

• 

[Terra Nova]

With the Intes Wedge.

Attached Thumbnails

• 
• 

[Vesper818]

Yesterday, I cleaned out "observatory shed.

[AllanDystrup]

Did H-alpha, Calcium-K line, Sodium D1 and 2, and white ligt viewing..

 

How do you observe the sun in Ca K and Sodium D1/2 with your refractor,Terra ?

I've just bought a small (1.25") Baader Ca-K DS filter, -- but that's primarily for photographic usage...
Haven't had a chance to try it out yet.

 

Allan

[Terra Nova]

Yes, with the refractor. I have two Calcium-K line filters, one is a Lunt and the other is one I built using several filters from Omega Filters and the Intes wedge, the Sodium-D line filter was also made using Omega narrow line filters and the Intes Wedge. The Sodium filter gives the absolute best views of the photosphere of any filter I have. The Calcium filters give very dark images and are best viewed using a black light hood. Also, I have found it's best to begin a solar viewing session with prior to observing in other bands so that sensitivity of the eye is at maximum. Calcium K and H lines are also nice to view through a video ouptut from a low light video camera.

[AllanDystrup]

Interesting description Terra !

 

So your Lunt Ca is a K-Line module/diagonal ?
I plan to use my Baader Ca/K-line with my Lunt or Baader wedge, and probably a weak/photographic ND (for my webcam -- not visual).

 

Would love to hear how you build that Sodium/D-line from other narrow-band filters :-)

Better view than the Baader Solar Continuum filter ?

 

Allan

Edited by AllanDystrup, 01 April 2015 - 01:42 PM.

[Terra Nova]

Yes the B600 diagonal. I first had the B1200 that I used with my Stellarvue 80/9D which I nolonger have. I sold it, and got the B600 for use with my AT72ED. The one that I made is for use with longer focal length scopes, uses an ERF, and is 1.25". It's a wider band pass and can be switched from the K line to the H line, better for visual. The Lunt is 2" and better for photographic applications. Lunt also makes a straight through version, but I have no experience with it.

The Sodium D line filter was also made with components from Omega filters. I think CN has a rule however on discussion of any solar filter building or modifications. But yes, it is better than the Baader Continuum filter, which I also have and use in conjunction with the Lunt wedge.

Edited by terraclarke, 01 April 2015 - 04:04 PM.

[SpaceNetworks]

I took my vintage Vixen 60mm f/15 out for a "magic hour" photo session.

 

I'm also saying good-bye to my California green lawn-- beautiful in spring, not so much the rest of the year, and now there will be even less water available for irrigation.  So I'm making plans to replace all of it with native grasses, AND a couple of observation pads!

 

 

 

 

 

Edited by SpaceNetworks, 01 April 2015 - 04:38 PM.

[TOM KIEHL]

Is that a LEMON tree ?

[Terra Nova]

Interesting you should mention observation pads. We spent all day yesterday working on a 'realignment' of our garden; cleaning and clearing, building a second retaining wall, levelling, and getting the observing pad in order for the viewing season.

Attached Thumbnails

• 

[Terra Nova]

And,

Attached Thumbnails

• 

[TOM KIEHL]

Is that a Astronomical...... stand ?..............Err ,  I mean Astronomical  Garden     Very nice work Terra and Cindy

Edited by TOM KIEHL, 01 April 2015 - 06:41 PM.

[SpaceNetworks]

Is that a LEMON tree ?

Yes, it's one of two lemon trees in my backyard, along with apple, persimmon, olive, and guava trees.

[TOM KIEHL]

 

Is that a LEMON tree ?

Yes, it's one of two lemon trees in my backyard, along with apple, persimmon, olive, and guava trees.

 

That is so COOL.......We don't have those in Ohio ........BTW the Telescope is very CooL also

[SpaceNetworks]

Is that a Astronomical...... stand ?..............Err ,  I mean Garden

Ha!  Well, my wife is into gardening, I'm into observing.  We're currently working with a landscape architect on a concept plan for our home on Sunnyslope Avenue.  I'm calling it the Sunnyslope Observation Pad and Garden.  I observe the sun in white light and H-alpha, too, so I think the name fits.

Edited by SpaceNetworks, 01 April 2015 - 06:48 PM.

[SpaceNetworks]

And,

Terra, I like your observation pad.  I like the fountain, too.

[drew1]

WOW, pretty work you all do.

 

Liked the pics of the tripods.  That is what I fooled around with today.  Got a used scope for a birthday present for my son .  I would like to get it up and running before he comes home this summer.

 

I brought home a couple of pitch gages and calipers to measure screws.  Want to have him spare hardware when he is in the dark. 

 

I'm missing the tripod brace & although I would like to copy Unitron design, may have to come up with something myself. 

 

Question?  It seems to me that the load is under tension instead of compression, so the brace doesn't have to be ridged?

[BarabinoSr]

Great work, Terra! We've been so cloudy here, but there's a chance for me to look at Sol today. I have a chance to  use the 7TE after the clean up. All my hopes !

[fjs]

I'm missing the tripod brace & although I would like to copy Unitron design, may have to come up with something myself. 

 

Question?  It seems to me that the load is under tension instead of compression, so the brace doesn't have to be ridged?

 

LINK

[Terra Nova]

Great work, Terra! We've been so cloudy here, but there's a chance for me to look at Sol today. I have a chance to  use the 7TE after the clean up. All my hopes !

Thanks Gary! I am going to call my 'observing temple' Ankor Wat West.

I can't wait to see the big Unitron 4" #152 set up there.

Edited by terraclarke, 03 April 2015 - 11:12 AM.

[AstroPhys]

That is a really nice observation platform. I am working on clearing  a bushy location on a small ridge to allow southern observations. No platform probably this year but it will open on a large open area (read cornfield) for a view of almost the entire southern sky.

[AstroPhys]

 

I'm missing the tripod brace & although I would like to copy Unitron design, may have to come up with something myself. 

 

Question?  It seems to me that the load is under tension instead of compression, so the brace doesn't have to be ridged?

 

LINK

 

That's funny. Drew is the OP of that thread. 

[Bomber Bob]

Ole BB polished a brass finderscope, and dissected another one, looking in vain for a maker's mark.  The latter's focuser looks like old (1950's) Unitron, but I can't claim it if I can't name it... dang it!

[SpaceNetworks]

 

Great work, Terra! We've been so cloudy here, but there's a chance for me to look at Sol today. I have a chance to  use the 7TE after the clean up. All my hopes !

Thanks Gary! I am going to call my 'observing temple' Ankor Wat West.

I can't wait to see the big Unitron 4" #152 set up there.

 

 

I found the Buddhist head (in the shade) in the first photo.  Nice touch!

[rcwolpert]

I've spent two weeks completely restoring/reviving every part of my old Mayflower 814.   It's been a slightly upgraded with a Mayflower 816 finder and a 1.25" back end (last photo). I might take this baby out to the club's solar viewing on Sunday.