Solar observing July 7th 212.

I had another clear break in the clouds, and weather. So I was lucky enough to get out again, with my Nikon RA65 spotting scope.

The Sun is still very active, with many groups still visible.

We have a new group visible that is slowly rotating, onto the earth facing disk. This is AR 1519 and looks quite big.

AR's 1515 and 1513 are slowly disappearing of the Southern limb. There is considerable limb darkening visible, together with visible faculae.

The drawing was made as I say, in white light. I use a home made Baader solar filter attached to this little ED APO. And it works very well. This little set up is now my dedicated grab and go solar telescope.

I made this drawing under reasonable skies, between 1600 and 1605UT.

North is upper most, with East to the left. 

The Sun in White light.

This evening I have been very lucky to get out and look at the active Sun. I'm using a Nikon RA65 birding scope fitted with a white light Baader solar filter.

The Sun is once again, very active, with five AR's or active regions visible.

Sunspot AR1515 has grown into a behemoth. and it is now more than 10 times wider than Earth. Can you imagine that!
The active region is crackling with M-class solar flares and seems poised to produce even stronger X-flares in the days ahead.  At least one CME is en route to Earth, and ham radio operators are reporting shortwave solar radio bursts, roaring from the loudspeakers of their receivers. For more information. Stay tuned to http://spaceweather.com for updates.

There could very well be, an increase in auroral activity this week-end, and is it possible. That more NLC will be visible? Their still isn't evidence for a link between an increase in NLC and higher than normal Solar activity. And the jury is still out.

The drawing's I made. Were made between 1800 and 1810UT under very good skies, with excellent seeing.
As I am typing this. It is now pouring with rain. So I was very, very, lucky.