[AZ-Observing] Re: [AZ-Observing]Sun Spot

Jack wrote:
>
>Observing Sunspot 564 at 66x and 125x, it is an extremely complex grouping
>of four large spots and a lot is going on in the area between them. The 2nd
>group preceding to the east is a nice group also. The main group is plainly
>visible naked eye thru the Baader filter.

While I didn't try it naked eye, I have been peeking at it when it's been 
clear.  I first saw it, or actually Rosie did, on Sunday as a disturbance.  
Clouds, rain, Tuesday got some sucker holes and there it was!  Today was 
even better through the H-Alpha and 1K Oaks from Stone Haven.  I spent a 
couple hours observing and practicing with a video camera.  Results at SAC 
next week, if they're any good.
AR 564 showed two large flares in H-Alpha, curving in opposite directions 
between a complex of 3 major spots.  You could make out the orientation of 
the magnetic fields in them for about an hour around 9:45 MST.  Slight 
twists in the center of the southern one was interesting.  I almost ran 
inside to check the SOHO magnetogram, but stayed for more imaging.
AR 561 to the south has grown considerably since yesterday, Tuesday.  It's 
showing lots of nice complexity in white light, but not much in H-Alpha.
But the first thing I noticed was the prominences around the north and 
eastern limbs.  Close to 90º of the northern edge was covered by a complex 
prominence that included loops and fans and prominences resembling 
thunderhead clouds.  Two loops on the eastern edge and one fan just south of 
the equator made for some interesting photo ops.  The two eastern edge 
events were there yesterday, but the north was clear.
You figure, these prominences are 50 to 60,000 miles high, it gets you 
thinking...
Hope I didn't ramble too much.

Steve and Rosie Dodder
sdodder@xxxxxxxxxxx
Visit my web site at http://www.stargazing.net/Astroman

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