4298, 4294, and 4296 were captured on paper. 13:50 UT – 14:35 UT Killadoon Co Mayo Ireland. 200 mm Dob Telescope, 14mm eyepiece/ 1,200 mm FL / 85X. 200 mm White Light Filter / Pencil on textured paper.
Drawing Active Regions
The extensive train of active regions on the solar disc caught my interest. On December 4th, I got my first view (see below). As the weather was unstable, I opted to draw in pencil with my 8-inch Dob using a white-light filter. I wasn’t expecting to see the sun at all. The forecast was dismal with a dollop of no hope on top. A surprising sunny spell that morning got me outside, eager to observe the view. Pencil on textured paper (the only white sketch pad handy). The drawing of this active region wasn’t finished because dark grey clouds arriving quickly from the Atlantic brought rain. However, I did capture 90% of the available details.
Shapes
My pencils were a 7B for the umbra and an HB for the penumbra.
I was delighted to capture some of this action on the solar disc. However, I lamented not being able to capture all that I could see. The umbra in this particular sunspot was shaped a bit like a tadpole. For me, drawing the umbra correctly helps to shape the penumbra. Sometimes the outer edge of the penumbra appears to look curved around the umbra; sometimes it seems linear. My advice is to spend time observing the shape of both the umbra and the outer penumbra before drawing anything.
December 7th Active Regions
I decided to try another drawing of active region 4294 to see how much it had morphed since my first drawing on December 4th. As you can see at the top of this page, the active region had altered dramatically. The tadpole-shaped umbra had elongated, as if stretched under tremendous magnetic pressure. To my eye, it reminded me of that game Minecraft, little blocks on top of each other. The weather window allowed me to draw the other two active regions in this extensive system. Looked like a nice light bridge was dividing the umbra in the active region. 4296
Observing
When I’m observing solar activity, I’m very relaxed and focused. At the same time, I’m particularly conscious of the dynamics of interacting with our star. Both the Dobsonion telescope with its white-light filter and my PST H-alpha telescope show me so much detail. I learn by observing and drawing exactly what I see. What I don’t recognise, I look up and absorb afterwards. It truly amazes me that, with my small telescopes, I can see detail on our sun, 93 million miles away from my eye. If you have never seen the sun in a solar telescope, do contact your local astronomy club and have a look.
Observing the solar disc needs patience, time and concentration. Always best when our atmosphere is steady, there is no wind, and you have a clear sky. But it’s wonderful that a person with the right equipment can look at this star in tremendous detail. This sun that gives us so much across our lifetimes. Interacts with each of us, whether we realise it or not. Makes it possible for humans and all the other living things on Earth to exist—our star, truly a magnificent, benevolent champion.
You can learn more about the actions on the solar disc and other wonders here on Spaceweather. Check their Real Time Spaceweather page for images from all over the world. These active regions are still heading to the solar limb. One wonders if they will rotate around again or break up.
Never look at the sun without proper equipment, as it is dangerous.
