2011 06 30 – Solar h-alpha, SW prominence
At first glance, this SW prominence only showed a clear view of its northern leading edge and part of its upper arch. To the south, there was a very bright, segmented area of prominence. Transparency was very poor, but on moments of clearing up, I was able to bump up the magnification to show the very light detailed structure of plasma holding it all together. Then yet further to the south, a tall slender area of prominence forked at the tip and its filament reached into the solar disk in three areas, with the northern one being the longest. Again, I could see faint structures of prominence reaching southward from the segmented prominence.
There were three prominent plage areas reaching east to west, hinting at three active regions, although currently only NOAAs 11243 and 11242 are listed. A very bright segmented prominence to the NW resembling a caterpillar was accompanied by a similar looking filament about 40 degrees off the limb on the solar disk. Paul is headed out now with his imaging gear. I’m looking forward to seeing the results.
Sketches created scope-side with black Strathmore Artagain paper, white Conte’ crayon and pencil, Derwent charcoal pencil, black oil pencil.
PCW Memorial Observatory - Erika Rix 