Astrophotographer Mark Johnston has captured stunning images of the sun from his backyard in Scottsdale, Arizona. With the sun approaching solar maximum, its activity has been intense, with sunspots, solar flares, and auroras on display. Johnston finds the sun fascinating because it is ever-changing and always offers something new to see.
In Johnston’s images from July 2, he captured the sun’s chromosphere in great detail, showcasing solar prominences, filaments, and sunspots. The images reveal the dynamic nature of the sun, with features that change rapidly. Johnston’s close-up shots highlight the intricate details of the sun’s surface, including spicules that can reach impressive lengths before collapsing.
Solar prominences, which are seen as filaments against the solar disk, are anchored to the sun’s photosphere and extend towards the corona. These features consist of plasma, a hot gas made up of charged hydrogen and helium. Johnston’s images show a huge prominence arching across the sun, with millions of tons of plasma detached and floating above the surface.
To capture these detailed images, Johnston used a hydrogen alpha-modified refractor telescope and a high-speed monochrome camera. He stacked multiple frames to create a single image and applied enhancements to sharpen the final result. Johnston’s expertise as a NASA Solar System Ambassador and Vice President of the Phoenix Astronomical Society shines through in his astrophotography.
In addition to his work as an astrophotographer, Johnston is active on social media as @azastroguy, where he shares his passion for space and astronomy. His dedication to capturing the beauty and complexity of the sun provides valuable insights into our closest star. As we continue to explore and study the sun, astrophotographers like Johnston play a crucial role in sharing the wonders of our solar system with the world.
Daisy Dobrijevic, a space enthusiast and science communicator, joined Space.com in February 2022. With a background in plant physiology and environmental science, Daisy brings a unique perspective to her coverage of space science. Her interest in solar activity and space weather adds depth to her reporting on astrophotography and solar phenomena. Based in Nottingham, U.K., Daisy is an advocate for astrotourism and enjoys chasing the northern lights.
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