July 7th, Sunspots!

[brianb]

The Sun actually shone here today - OK not for very long, and there was some interference from thin high cloud, but the seeing was reasonably steady & I got a good view of the Sun.

There is little activity except for the prominent active area (AR1024) which is the most active one of the new cycle so far.

Solar disc & atmosphere in hydrogen alpha

2009 July 07, 1418 UT

AR 1024 in hydrogen alpha

2009 July 07, 1420 UT

AR 1024 in calcium K

2009 July 07, 1358 UT

AR 1024 in white light

2009 July 07, 1408 UT

[brianb]

July 9th: The active area is now approaching the limb, there are faculae associated with the spot group which are clearly visible against the limb darkening.

1140 UT

July 10th: Closer still:

0912 UT

There is also a large but faint prominence detached from the north west limb, visible in hydrogen alpha

0932 UT