Solar Preparation

After 18 months of research I finally decided on a Lunt Solar Scope.  Not much information out there for a complete novice so I hope this blog helps. Read as much as you can, join forums like Stargazers lounge, Solarchat or Cloudy nights, they have a lot of expertise that they are willing to share and read equipment reviews

The Kit should be ordered soon, just checking prices again as there is £200 difference with a few suppliers

Could have done with it now with the sun shinning for the past three days and very little wind about. Having retired last Friday i will have more flexibility as to when I can photograph and have set about clearing an observation spot.

While we might not have a lot of sunshine hours in Shetland we do have wide open spaces. At our last two houses it was very enclosed but here in Sandwick we have a southerly view uninterrupted across from east to west.

The spot is small but having moved three large bushes it will give good views, just got to sort out a windshield to block out the wind coming from the west which can be very strong, even on a calm day

To sort out the problem of a tempory wind break I ordered some large poles and a ground sheet. All the `proper wind breaks' seemed either too large or too flimsy. I needed one that could be erected and taken down quickly. Any permanent type would probably blown away, we regular have sever gales or Hurricanes and have experienced winds up to 120mph.

Any protection is good, especially blocking off westerly winds, as we are up on a hill. Will let you know if this works. Total cost from Amazon is £38 for all the items. 

Tried to order the Solar scope today but didn't have any joy as everyone was out of stock in the UK and Europe, however might be able to get single stacked scope and then second Etalon filter later. 

Don't forget to join Shetland Aurora Hunter on facebook and shetlandsky.blogspot.co.uk