For serious observers/imagers who do not wish to compromise image quality, I strongly recommend a Baader Neutral Density (ND) Solar Filter. The bigger one (green frame) is an ND 5.0 for visual use, while the smaller one is an ND 3.8 intended for photographic use only. These are available locally and abroad. Got my ND 5.0 in 2010 and the ND 3.8 early this year.
My Baader Neutral Density (ND) solar filters
#14 and # 13 are the only shades of welding glass considered safe for viewing the Sun
Got myself a #14 welder’s goggles :) I think I am all set for the upcoming eclipse and Venus transit. This one costs 99 Php (approx 2 USD) at a local hardware store. You may also take pictures of the transit by mounting this filter in front of the lens of your camera. Note that #14 is the only shade of welder’s glass considered safe for viewing the Sun (as per NASA safety precaution).
Updates and real-time photos of the Venus transit will be posted on this page. Clear skies!
Wide-field image of the Veil Nebula taken with a 50 mm kit lens equipped with an OIII filter using a Canon 450D DSLR, 2 x 180 sec exp, IS0 1600, Kenko NES mount. April 15, 2012. Photo Credit: Anthony Urbano
A 30-minute exposure with an OIII filter shows the fine thread-like structure of the Veil Nebula, a supernova remnant in the constellation Cygnus. The narrow-band filter helps cut through the severe light pollution in the city. Sky-Watcher 100 ED 4 in f/9 refractor, Kenko NES mount, Canon 450D DSLR, 4 x 480 sec exp, IS0 1600. April 15, 2012. Photo Credit: Anthony Urbano. For more images of nebula, click here.
Image of the active region (AR) 1450 sunspot group on April 6, 2012. Sky-Watcher 4-in f/9 refractor fitted with a Baader Neutral Density (ND) 5.0 solar filter, Kenko NES mount, Canon 450D DSLR,1/4000 sec exp, IS0 200. Camarines Norte, Philippines. Photo Credit: Anthony Urbano
I am heading to the province tonight for some DSO hunting: diffused and planetary nebula! Hope it will be as productive as last December’s deep-sky hunt. It will be a long 8-hour trip.
With an OIII narrow-band filter which is particularly useful in improving contrast in diffused and planetary nebula, I might actually have a chance to finally have a glimpse of the elusive Veil nebula :)
Join me in exploring the wonders of the night sky!
