Summer Sun

Sweating

July was not a good month for solar observing. Almost every day was cloudy, and for weeks hardly any dramatic activity appeared on the Sun. Clouds finally disappeared on the morning of July 31st. Although the Sun had few features, I set up my equipment in the heat and humidity.

The following 16-panel mosaic, made with a 5X Barlow lens, shows the Sun's eastern hemisphere. Only one modest sunspot, 2394, is easily visible. A few filaments and active areas are scattered around. Some nice prominences appear on the limb. (Click on the images for a larger view.)

The Sun's western limb was less interesting as seen in the next 6-panel mosaic. Only two active areas are present and no dramatic prominences.

On days when dramatic sunspots are absent the Sun's swirling chromosphere can still deliver fascinating views. The next mosaic image from near center on the solar disc shows a single filament surrounded by grass-like spicules.

I endured only 40 minutes under the powerful Sun this day. The temperature had risen to 85 degrees. The humidity was 87 percent and there was no breeze. Sweat poured down my arms onto my note paper. It's hard to concentrate or enjoy observing in these conditions.