Re: [APML] H-alpha solar photography nightmare

[Chris1011@aol.com]

In a message dated 10/6/2002 3:38:53 PM Central Daylight Time, vega@ulisse.it writes:


> A) Are any structures supposedly visible with an H-alpha filter so 
> difficult to find? I have a hunch we should have used a high magnification 
> (i.e. 100x at least) and should have carefully scanned all the Sun border 
> for something. Am I correct?


With wide band filter, you may see some prominences, but the contrast between them and the background sky will be minimal to non-existent. Som people have made rudimentary occulting discs to help enhance the contrast. Tese discs block the light from the surface of the sun and reduce the glare in your eye and on film.


> B) Is focusing the same as deep-sky of regular solar photography?


Yes.


> C) Are there any special tricks that I am not aware of, or is the filter 
> out of order (which I strongly doubt)?


See occulting disc above.

> D) What can be seen/shot through those filters?



Not much. No disc detail for sure.

> D) How does the Lumicon compare with other competing products (Daystar, 
> Coronado,...) as to usability and performance?


It does not compare at all. To me it's a waste of time and money unless you are willing to mess with it (i.e. add occulting disc etc).

Roland Christen