Goldilocks Observing

Three Sunspots

Hurricanes have recently passed near my home. Fortunately, they were all safely distant. After hurricane Maria blew out to sea, skies were left clear and cloudless. The cold front responsible for pushing Maria away provided pleasantly cooler weather for observing on September 29th - not too hot, not too cold, just right! It was wonderful to observe in mild 68-degree sunshine with occasional slight breezes.

The first image below is a 27-panel mosaic showing three sunspots, a few filaments, and many prominences scattered around the solar rim. Sunspot numbers from left to right are: 2683, 2682 and 2681.  (Click on images below for larger views.) Although I recorded images for a full disc mosaic, the software I use to combine the images would not properly construct a whole disc mosaic. I had to discard 9 of the original 36 images to form the mosaic shown. There were no significant features on the missing top portion, so the partial disc displayed here shows all the action.

The two largest sunspots are shown in good detail in the following 6-panel mosaic. Enlarge the image and notice subtle shading in the umbra of sunspot 2683 on the left and filaments near sunspot 2682 on the right.

Finally, here is a close view of small sunspot 2681 with neighboring prominences.

Late September and early October usually offer the best observing opportunities at my location. The observing window is about half closed now. I'm glad I got to look out at least once before it closes completely.