The Sun - June 8, 2012

This image was taken shortly before the observatory opened for public viewing around 1:00pm on June 8, 2012. The camera was attached to a hydrogen-alpha telescope, which only collects a certain wavelength of red light – 656.28 nanometers to be precise! As a result, when viewing through the telescope, the sun looks entirely red. 

Several sunspots can be seen on the surface, including sunspot 1494, 1493, and two right next to each other, 1497. Sunspots are magnetic storms on the surface of the Sun, and can be as large as the Earth! Although the sunspots are easily seen, the prominences normally surrounding the outer edges are very minimal today. 

Solar flares are sometimes released from sunspots. Intense radiation from solar flares can interfere with communications and satellites. Associated eruptions of fast-moving gas from the Sun can disrupt power grids, as well as cause enhanced auroras.  

Telescope/filter: Lunt 100mm Hydrogen-alpha telescope

Camera: Lumenera SKYnyx 2-2M