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Subscribe to RSSAmateur astrophotographer Alan Friedman has done it again. Adding to an already impressive collection of outer space images, he just published two more magnificent photos of the sun. First, here's a view of a gassy prominence flaring off the sun like a cloud:
Alan Friedman
This section of the solar disk was imaged at the Winter Star Party on West Summerland Key in Florida, in the midst of 30 mph winds. The massive detached solar prominence was visible for hours. Skies were quite steady, despite the wind.
To add some perspective on the sheer magnitude of what Friedman is documenting, look at the dark spot below the prominence. That spot is roughly twice the size of the Earth.
Using the same specialized equipment he used in October 2010 to produce the last set of breathtaking images, Friedman looks at the deep red end of the light spectrum to capture the emissions given off by hydrogen gas in the sun's atmosphere.
He also came away with a historic glimpse of Discovery as it was docked to the International Space Station, during the space shuttle's final mission.
Friedman said he captured the event, lasting just a fifth of a second, after making an 1,800-mile drive from Buffalo, N.Y., to the Winter Star Party in West Summerland Key, Fla.
He went to the Florida gathering "for the steady skies, warm temperatures and the company of good astronomy friends." But when he learned that the International Space Station would cross paths with the sun, and that the sight would be visible 20 miles north of where the star party was being held, he felt compelled to document the flyover.
"I jumped into the car with solar imaging gear, and we got set up just in time to catch it." he said. "I underestimated the narrowness of this event. We were about 5,000 feet south of the centerline in a good location... another 500 feet and we would have missed it entirely. Lucky day!"
Alan Friedman
Silhouetted by the sun, the space shuttle Discovery can be seen docked to the International Space Station during its final mission.
Friedman talks with TODAY.com's Dara Brown about his latest work:
More imagery of the sun and the shuttle:
Leave a Comment:
wow. just wow!
wow. just wow.
That is the most beautiful picture of the Sun that I have ever seen. Wow is right! Outstanding.
The article calls Friedman an "amateur astrophotographer", but I think we can just call him "astrophotographer" after this. There's nothing "amateur" about these images. They are magnificent.
Ditto!
Actually, astronomy is one of the last sciences where amateurs get their due. It's not a degrading term like it is in most other areas.
@Lilyrp - I couldn't have said it any more forcefully or better. Kudos, Mr. Friedman!
Stunning, absolutly stunning!!!
Priceless!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
wonderful picture, gives a whole look of the sun from what i have seen before.
incredible photo....should make everyone a little humble.....all of us...little specs of sand...we should know that we should be able to somehow live together.
if this star blew up, we could all just forget about our petty differences!
I just had to pause
Somebody hire this guy!
Great picture the universe is abound with some many amazing things.
While these photos are absolutely incredible, I'd like to suggest that he take pictures of the moon. After all, we only need photos showing things left by the Apollo missions to clear up, once and for all, whether or not man has actually been there. :)
I agree with you.
Amazing. Beautiful. Humbling.
I was actually thinking Boring. How many amateurs have better equipment than NASA..... I don't buy it at all.... he even says it's not the true color, he added it after the fact, blah blah blah....
Well, if you can do better, lets see it!
How comes and in every post in every forum etc there are always people that have nothing to say except of "boring", "fake", "gay" just to mention some of their comments. Bryan, you dont even know what means the term true or false color in astro photography and you make a comment like an expert. Good on you! Move now to another site to make an intellectual comment.
didn't say I could "do it better", I said It's boring.... most likely fake too....oh yeah, blah blah blah....
Your Comments are boring, and pointless too, time to get a hobbie maybe?
This is truly remarkable photography from earth, kudos are earned.
For those interested in other solar images, go to nasa's website and checkout the SDO project and the ultra high resolution real time images of the sun
Is this a Van Gogh?
Wonderful pictures!
I wonder how long before The Republican's cut funding for NASA? Planned Parenthood, NPR, Unions, etc.
We chuckled after our 15 year old asked "he was there?" and then cleared up that she meant "in space" to get that image. I appreciate those who inspire questions and discussions so we can have that level of relationship with folks around us. I applaud and thank you Mr Friedman, whether it was your intention or not....oh, and ... and what must the dinner conversations and art be like in that home?
The guy should sell his pics if he doesn't already. And amateur astronomer is applied to anyone that
lacks a Phd in astronomy or astrophysics. Astronomers do actual research on the cosmos whereas this guy takes great pictures and probably low level reseach like look for threatening space rocks maybe or search for comets. As good as backyard astronomers are, they don't do the academic science necessary to be a professional astronomer. I feel they should include the Masters level if they don't already. If you have a B.Sc. in it, sorry chump, it won't measure up.
Very neat.