FINALLY! My dewshield has arrived, one month less a day from when I paid
for it. So no more hokey toilet paper carton dewshields for me!
While I was at it, I treated myself to a Kendrick solar filter too, since
that big sunspot from a few weeks ago (NOAA sunspot region 9433) has made
another appearance. It is visible naked-eye again, although somewhat less
prominent than the last time.
Since we had a clear late afternoon, I set up in the driveway and feasted on
the first telescopic view I'd had of sunspots in just under three decades!
Sure took me back! I even made a couple of sketches, although my detailed
sketch of 9433 was cut off by haze. My 32mm Erfle gives a really nice,
crisp full-disk image. The 10mm Lanthanum was a little soft for my liking.
My wife Janet had a couple of looks too. I don't think she was impressed,
unfortunately. She took a look, and then started raking the lawn. When I
started sketching, she told me "Since I'm working and you're PLAYING {my
emphasis}, you can make dinner". So unfortunately, there was no observing
for me at FLO tonight. Too bad, looks like a wonderful evening.
Bruce McGlashan
