The idea for a day of observing the Sun
through solar filters and having a picnic arose from a discussion I had in May with
Fawzia Muradali Kane, a fellow Irregular of the Baker Street Astronomers.
I decided that the best date for the first
of its kind would be Sunday 30th June. Floating the suggestion on
various social media gathered a sufficient positive response so all was set. We
just needed clear skies and a suitable site. Following our tradition of meeting
in Regent’s Park for our regular BSIA events it seemed natural to hold the
solar viewing with the park. It was suggested that close to the amenities
around Hanover Gate would be the best location.
The day before the event I had my last
recce of the spot; it looked quite deserted at noon and offering ample
opportunity to track the sun as it moved across the sky from morning to late
afternoon. No trees would impede any observation.
The weather for the planned day looked
promising: warm temperatures with light variable clouds and at 09:30 on the
Sunday I picked up my kit and walked from home to Hanover Gate, Regent’s Park
and was delighted to find the spot was deserted.
I set up my 81 mm refractor with its Baader solar film filter on its dew shield and being obvious in an otherwise deserted field soon attracted the curious attention of
early morning dog walkers, joggers and the regular patrol of an armed
policeman. I began observing at 24x three obvious active regions; AR11777, 1778, and 1781.
Soon other Irregulars joined me, pitching
their dedicated hydrogen-alpha Lunt solar ‘scopes, telescopes sporting white light solar
filters and tripod mounted binoculars. Pretty quickly a score of us were
observing our closest star and showing interested passers-by their first view
of sunspots.
The day progressed by comparing the view seen
through the two Lunt solar scopes kindly brought my Chris and Simon with those
seen through white light solar filters, chatting to friends old and new about astro
and non-astro subjects; snacking on our picnic victuals.Through the H-alpha filters of the Lunts we saw spectacular examples of prominences, filaments and plages
The temperatures soared to 26°C tempting
many to the park so by 3pm we were surrounded by a collection of picnickers,
sunbathers, footballers determined to strike a telescope with a ball, energetic
young children running around and one kite-flier, so it was time to declare the
day a success, break down our equipment pack up our bags and head home.
My thanks go to all who attended particularly those who brought the scopes and binoculars. We shall return for another AstroPicnic in Regent's Park next Summer.
My thanks go to all who attended particularly those who brought the scopes and binoculars. We shall return for another AstroPicnic in Regent's Park next Summer.
