The Sun today - 9 July 2017 - nice spot group

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the observation of sunspot group AR2665, noted for being the largest spot group in some time. Participants share their experiences, observations, and challenges related to photographing and viewing the sunspot, as well as discussing its potential activity, such as solar flares. The conversation includes both technical aspects of solar observation and personal anecdotes about the difficulties of focusing on sunspots.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested
  • Experimental/applied

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants note that the largest spot in the group is comparable in size to Jupiter.
  • There are mentions of difficulties in achieving sharp manual focus due to eyesight issues and atmospheric conditions.
  • One participant inquires about the potential for solar flares from the sunspot, referencing a previous M 1.2 flare.
  • Technical discussions arise regarding the settings of cameras and lenses used for solar photography, including concerns about diffraction and exposure times.
  • Participants share links to live updates and articles related to solar activity and sunspots.
  • There are varying reports on the visibility of the sunspot, with some claiming it can be seen with the naked eye using solar glasses, while others express skepticism about this claim.
  • One participant expresses frustration over the diminishing visibility of the sunspot, describing it as reduced to a small dot.
  • Discussions include comparisons of different observational equipment, such as binoculars and telescopes, and the challenges associated with using them.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a mix of agreement and disagreement regarding the visibility and significance of the sunspot. While some find it noteworthy, others consider it less interesting as it diminishes in size. There is no consensus on the best methods for observing or photographing the sunspot, nor on its current activity level.

Contextual Notes

Some participants mention the influence of atmospheric conditions on visibility and focus, as well as the limitations of their equipment. There are unresolved questions about the sunspot's activity and the specifics of solar flare occurrences.

Who May Find This Useful

Astronomy enthusiasts, amateur astrophotographers, and individuals interested in solar activity may find this discussion relevant.

  • #31
Oh, awesome - this will help with focus and give something else to look at during partial.
 
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  • #32
russ_watters said:
Oh, awesome - this will help with focus and give something else to look at during partial.
Indeed!
 
  • #33
Stavros Kiri said:
Also, minor G1 geomagnetic storm is expected to reach Earth tomorrow Thu, due to the initial flare last Mon.

actually, no, that isn't the reason :smile:
the predicted auroral activity for the 16th and 17th will be due to the huge coronal hole that became geo-effective 2-3 days ago

ch.JPG
cheers
Dave
 
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  • #34
davenn said:
actually, no, that isn't the reason :smile:
the predicted auroral activity for the 16th and 17th will be due to the huge coronal hole that became geo-effective 2-3 days ago ...
...
You're right of course. My mistake. Thanks for correcting.

"
logo.png

Coronal hole faces Earth

Monday, 14 August 2017 - 18:56 UTC

294-header.jpg


A southern extension of the northern hemisphere polar coronal hole is now facing Earth. It extended far enough towards the south to trigger our automated coronal hole detection system.

It is hard to say how much of the coronal hole solar wind stream is going to arrive at Earth but the NOAA SWPC believes we will see the solar wind stream at our planet as they issued a minor G1 geomagnetic storm watch for this Thursday which would be 17 August, 2017."

Source: https://www.spaceweatherlive.com/en/news/view/294/20170814-coronal-hole-faces-earth

The solar wind is expected to arrive today Thu Aug. 17, 2017. To monitor and for updates see also:
https://www.spaceweatherlive.com/

http://www.swpc.noaa.gov/
 
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  • #35
Today:
G1 - Minor geomagnetic storm
Observed Kp: 5+ (earlier today) - currently 4
[Predicted Kp: 5, or 5+]
(Today Thu Aug 17, 2017)

https://www.spaceweatherlive.com/en/auroral-activity/the-kp-index

https://www.spaceweatherlive.com/
 
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  • #36
Another (2nd) sun spot group has just rotated into view (right on time for the eclipse), region 2672. So currently there are two groups: 2671, 2672.
SDO_HMIIF_512.jpg


That and more might make the eclipse today more interesting! For more details see e.g.

https://www.physicsforums.com/threads/u-s-solar-eclipse-of-aug-21-2017.866521/page-15#post-5825228

https://www.physicsforums.com/threads/u-s-solar-eclipse-of-aug-21-2017.866521/page-16#post-5825230

Note: further updates of solar activity will continue on a separate thread, coming up.
 
Last edited:
  • #37
Acquired this image yesterday during equipment check-out for today (Monday). IIRC, 800/8, 1/125s ISO 200, using an ND 6 filter.

aDSC_8659_zpskpxgckov.jpg
 
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