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Here comes the Sun (in H-alpha)

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In the early afternoon of November 3, 2023 I imaged the Sun in H-alpha using a Coronado PST and a ZWO ASI533MC camera.

The Coronado PST is an entry-level solar scope with a 40mm diameter that can observe details of the Sun’s “surface”, prominences, and flares. However, this little scope is not designed to image the Sun. Finding the right back focus can be challenging, and my ZWO ASI533MC one-shot color camera may not be the best choice (a monochrome camera performs much better).

I found my sweet spot by adding a PowerMate 2.5x to my OSC camera and the solar scope, resulting in some successful imaging sessions.

To read more about the scope and camera setup, I remind you to my previous article here.

You can also learn more about my solar imaging processing technique on YouTube. 

Target name: Sun
Date: 2023-11-03
Location: My driveway in Richmond Hill (ON)
Gain: 247
Exposure: 25.9ms
Scope: Coronado PST
Mount: Skywatcher AZ-GTi in Equatorial Mode
Camera: ZWO ASI533MC PRO, Televue Powermate 2.5x
Software: FireCapture (best 30% from 30 seconds videos), AS!3, Registax, imPPG, Astrosuface, GIMP

Here you can see the final processed image, in false-color.

In addition to FireCapture, AS!3, and GIMP, I also used Astrosurface. I was able to increase the contrast and show both surface details (sunspots, granules, filaments) and prominences in the same image.

The Sun in H-Alpha (2023-11-03)
NOTE: never look directly at the sun!!! Permanent and irreversible eye damage may result.
 
Only look at the Sun with an ISO certified solar telescope filter which complies with the ISO 12312-2 international safety standard for filters for direct viewing of the Sun. 

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