- In the post-processing phase, the refinement of solar images extends beyond mere alignment and stacking. Localized enhancement of sharpness near sunspots is achieved using advanced tools in Photoshop. This meticulous process ensures that the intricate details of sunspots are brought to the forefront, adding a layer of precision to the final astrophotographic composition. Subsequent adjustments in hue, saturation, and other parameters contribute to the overall aesthetics of the image, transforming it into a visually appealing and scientifically informative representation of solar activity.
- To standardize the identification of active regions on the sun's surface, a systematic approach is adopted. A globally standarised sequence of 4-digit numbers is assigned to each active region based on its appearance as the sun rotates. This nomenclature and tagging system facilitate the tracking and characterization of sunspots over time, providing a structured framework for analysis.
- Considering the axial tilt of the Sun relative to the plane of Earth's orbit, the center of solar images experiences a periodic shift of approximately 7 degrees throughout the year, known as B0. This sinusoidal angular variation is a critical factor in accurately characterizing solar features. To map the solar surface effectively, Stonyhurst Disks are employed. These disks, when overlaid on the solar image, provide a reference for associating specific latitudinal ranges with each sunspot. This technique significantly aids in tracking sunspots and understanding their dynamics as they traverse the solar surface.
StoneyHurst Disk for a particular month, when the earth is the equatorial plane of sun
- The culmination of this meticulous process involves exporting the final compositions as PNG files. These files, each representing a specific moment in the solar rotation, are then compiled to generate a frame-by-frame video spanning over 30 days. This time-lapse video offers a dynamic perspective on the solar rotation, providing a comprehensive visual record of the evolving patterns and behaviors of sunspots over an extended period. This approach not only contributes to scientific analysis but also allows for a captivating exploration of the ever-changing landscape on the surface of our dynamic Sun.
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