Leave it to an astrophotographer in Buffalo, NY to show the world a different viewpoint of the sun. This incredible shot, and others (see below), are being featured in myriad magazines at the moment, ranging from Wired.com, Discover Magazine and Telegraph. Alan Friedman, president of Buffalo Astronomical Association Inc, shot the images from his backyard, and those images are making the world-wide media rounds. I spoke to Alan moments ago regarding the publicity and he was rather excited that the images were creating such a stir. From Alan:
There are a lot great astrophotographers, and I am fairly well known in the field. What makes my images so different is that I'm also a graphic designer (Great Arrow Graphics) by trade and have an art sensibility that is not purely scientific. I do all my work about 50' from my backyard in the city, somewhere between Elmwood and Delaware. For that reason I concentrate on capturing the planets, the moon and the sun - they are bright enough that they can be captured in the city. This time of year is pretty tough, as I need to shoot before the sun hits the telephone lines in the morning. Solar imaging is better earlier in the day because the images are too turbulent after that. I titled the image of the sun on my website, "It's not the Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown."
These days there are 150 members who belong to the Buffalo Astronomical Association. The members are from all walks of life - hobbyists who share the love of nature and the night sky. At this time, there is an upgrade being made to the communal telescope at Beaver Meadows, while public programming continues at the Museum of Science. On occasion, members can be seen stargazing along Elmwood Avenue and also at Canalside. The group's meetings are open to the public.
Click photos to enlarge:
View image
There are a lot great astrophotographers, and I am fairly well known in the field. What makes my images so different is that I'm also a graphic designer (Great Arrow Graphics) by trade and have an art sensibility that is not purely scientific. I do all my work about 50' from my backyard in the city, somewhere between Elmwood and Delaware. For that reason I concentrate on capturing the planets, the moon and the sun - they are bright enough that they can be captured in the city. This time of year is pretty tough, as I need to shoot before the sun hits the telephone lines in the morning. Solar imaging is better earlier in the day because the images are too turbulent after that. I titled the image of the sun on my website, "It's not the Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown."
These days there are 150 members who belong to the Buffalo Astronomical Association. The members are from all walks of life - hobbyists who share the love of nature and the night sky. At this time, there is an upgrade being made to the communal telescope at Beaver Meadows, while public programming continues at the Museum of Science. On occasion, members can be seen stargazing along Elmwood Avenue and also at Canalside. The group's meetings are open to the public.
Click photos to enlarge:
all I can say is.............wow.