Have you ever taken a look at
the Surface of the Sun?
If you have been contemplating investing in a solar telescope, then the time has never been better, as we have been receiving some interesting news reports recently about changes on the surface of the Sun.
It is quite coincidental that we have been discussing the wonders of solar astronomy here on TelescopeHub.com. We have also been reviewing some of the merits of solar astronomy using a dedicated solar telescope, or alternatively adding a solar filter to your night time telescope. And as we have been discussing the interest factor in observing the Sun as a subject of astronomy, there have been some interesting developments right in front of our eyes! And the eyes and telescopes of the astronomers around the world – including NASA!
It is a Coronal Hole!
NASA has observed an enormous black area growing and developing on the surface of the Sun. Now I realise that this is not something that we all worry about every day, and I am sure that there is nothing to worry about here. But if you are interested, the appearance of this mysterious dark region on the surface of the Sun was first spotted by NASA’s Solar Dynamics Observatory spacecraft. As the strange darkened region continued to develop, it eventually became observable even from Earth. Even amateur solar astronomers were able to observe the anomalous region on the Sun, which is clearly a different solar reaction to the usual solar flares and sun spots that we are accustomed to seeing on the surface of the Sun. However, NASA have been quick to point out, that while it looks troubling, the solar disturbance does not represent any significant in terms of the Sun’s enormous output of energy, and the dark region is nothing to fear.
Nothing to fear!
To allay our fears further, NASA has stated that the dark patch on the surface of the Sun was caused by a “Coronal hole”, which can be explained as a much larger occurrence of a fairly common phenomenon on the surface of the Sun.
The development of a Coronal hole is formed by variation of the outer region of the Sun’s atmosphere, whereby the coronal hole is observed to be a slightly lower density than the surrounding area of the sun’s corona.
Because the Coronal hole has a slightly lower density, it can be observed to have a slightly lower temperature than the surrounding surface of the Sun, and hence appears through a solar telescope as a slightly darker region. Although this is a very definite temperature difference, the difference is only relative to the extreme conditions on the surface of the Sun, and the Coronal hole is not really a hole, and is not really much cooler than the surroundings – it is still a very extreme environment!
Interesting to observe the changes on the Surface of the Sun!
Nevertheless, this solar phenomenon is exactly why we at telecsopehub are so excited to bring news and reviews to you of all things astronomical, and here is the proof. The amazing and ever changing surface of the Sun is yet another interesting subject for amateur astronomers to observe. I am certain that even the professionals at NASA got more than a little excited by these recent developments!
The exciting thing is that for all of us, we have the capability and the technology available such that we can experience the very same rush that even the professional astronomers get when they make these types of sensational observations. For a relatively modest investment, you can purchase an extremely powerful and sensitive telescope that you can set up easily, operate with no formal training, and be able to unravel the mysteries of the universe right in your very own backyard.
The sky is the limit, you can start off small and build up your capability as your experience and thirst for knowledge increases. Even with a smaller sized telescope, you will be able to explore most of the solar system, such as our nearby planets, our Moon, as well as the moons around our neighboring planets. Don’t forget, you can use your telescope for night time viewing as well as day time observations of the Sun if you have a solar filter, or you can also explore the world around you, which always looks somehow different through a telescope!
In Summary – keep your telescope skywards!
As you become more experienced, and your astronomical interest begins to expand, you can simply and easily upgrade your telescope technology to larger and more powerful models which will enable you to see deeper and more clearly than you ever thought possible. Being able to observe objects outside of the solar system is a never ending source of amazement, and such things as distant galaxies, globular clusters, comets and asteroids are just a few of the wondrous objects to keep you amused for many late nights!
Keep reading our blog for some bigger and better ideas to keep you motivated!
