Images of the sun (October/November 2003)

fig. 1 Sunspot group, 2003 Oct. 26 at 09h 52m UT: 152 mm refractor f/13, Daystar ATM 0.7A H-alpha filter, 1/60 sec: M J Hendrie (Colchester).

fig. 2 Sunspot group featured in fig., 2003 Oct. 28 at 11h 39m UT: 100 mm refractor f/10 Baader AstroSolar filter, 1/1000 sec: J C Vetterlein (Rousay, Orkney).

One of the great sunspot groups which appeared on the Sun in October and November 2003 during a time of intense solar activity is shown in visual light (fig. 2 - see archives for full disc) and in Ha light (fig. 1).

Although the two photographs were taken two days apart (it was not possible to photograph the Sun from Rousay on the 26th), this group showed remarkably little change in overall appearance for many days.

Aurora - November 22/23

The aurora of November 22/23 lasted throughout the dark hours, though rather more sporadically than the last (November 20/21).

The display also contrasted with the previous two in that most of the activity was in the northern part of the hemisphere and feature those elements more frequently associated with the "Merry Dancers" - moving and pulsating patches and rays. "Curtain" effects were also apparent at times. The corona, likewise, was less pre-eminent and transitory. The deep red colour of the previous displays was almost absent throughout.

Further displays are likely over the next few nights.

Display comparisons
November 20

Fig 1 - Exp. 4 sec (ISO 800) 24mm f/2.8. Click the image for a larger view.

Very similar to the great display of October 29/30 with most of the activity in the southern sector of the sky. Red and blue were strong in most of the features. A notable absence of fast moving patches and curtains.

Figure 1 shows a picture looking SSE, 20 Nov. at 17h 31m. The Square of Pegasus occupies the centre right; at the bottom left may be seen the Pleiades cluster and just above this the short trail of a meteor.

November 22

Fig 2 - Exp. 5 sec (ISO 400) 24mm f/2.8. Click the image for a larger view.

In complete contrast to the two previous displays, the activity was almost entirely restricted to the northern sector, featured very little red, and exhibited fast moving patches, multiple arcs and some "curtains".

Figure 2 is looking NE, 22 Nov. at 18h 55m. The double lower arcs (the two stars are Castor and Pollux with Saturn "in the trees") and the much broader and more diffuse arc above. The Pleiades are again present, far middle right.

Again auroral activity continued into the the following day's morning twilight.

JV 24/11/04

Observation 2003 November 21 19h 00m

Visible in a good clear sky from Rousay. A diffuse patch about 4 arc minutes in diameter just visible in 7x50 binoculars. A relatively easy object in 30x100 telescope.

Despite its short period, conditions are seldom favourable for this comet.

Visbile in a good clear sky from Rousay, 21,22, 23 Nov. A diffuse patch about 7-8 arc minutes in diameter just visible in 7x50 binoculars. A relatively easy object in 30x100 telescope. Despite its short period, conditions are seldom favourable for this comet.

JV 24/11/03

Review of the naked eye planets for the remainder of 2003

fig. 1: The sky looking south at 22h 30m on November 30th. Click the images for an enlargement

Mars is the most conspicuous planet in the early evening low in the south east. Its brightness has more than halved since early September and will continue to fade quite rapidly. On November 30 Mars will be the same brightness as Saturn (fig 1); by the end of the year it will be slightly outshone by Saturn.

Jupiter rises at 00h 47m on November 15 and at 00h 03m on the 30th. Although down in brightness from three years back, it is still unmistakable in the east as it tracks eastward a little below the principal stars of Leo.

Both Mercury and Venus are in close attendance on the Sun and will not be visible to the unaided eye until the middle part of December. Thereafter Venus will become more noticeable in the evening sky but Mercury will be a much greater challenge - more later.