Second Saturday Sungazing
Become an astronomer and observe the Sun safely with a filtered telescope. Join us outside the Museum entrance to view a variety of features on the Sun. Knowledgeable staff will be there to answer questions and guide observing. This program takes place on the second Saturday of each month.
If clouds are blocking the view of the sky, find us inside the Museum’s Space Hangar to see images of the Sun taken by a satellite.
Accessibility: Written and touchable explanatory materials are available for learners of all types.
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This image of the Sun was taken on December 28, 2011 at 12:35 pm EST. Two hydrogen-alpha filters were used, increasing the contrast between the bright plages (typically found near sunspot groups) and dark filaments. The double-stacked filters do not cast even illumination, however, causing the bright stripe across the bottom of the Sun.
There is significant sunspot activity on the Sun today. The filaments and prominences, particularly the bright prominence to the upper right, are sites of other magnetic activity.
The bright prominence erupted and dissipated about 24 hours later, as seen by the Solar Dynamics Observatory.
Telescope: 60mm Hydrogen-alpha telescope with double-stacked filter.
Camera: Lumenera SKYnyx 2-2M
Otto Haas Charitable Trust
The Waterman Trust
Wyncote Foundation
Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center
14390 Air and Space Museum Parkway Chantilly, VA 20151
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