PAST THE HEART OF WINTER ?

It was such a change to have a non-cold day w/ sun, couldn't resist imaging it.  At left is the Three-Tree (1403 tree) at Mt. Pollux.  That tree reflects the effect of mid-winter.  Am predicting that we are past the Heart of Winter - beyond the freezing mid day weather of recent.  It's New England so we'll see.  Kevin says there's prognosis for a cold March & possibly April (will see).

Attached solar filters to my 50mm RSB (Russian Stabilized Binoculars) and viewed new Sun Spot # 1049.  Am thinking we're on the upslope of Sunspot activity of Sunspot Cycle 24.  Noted this group is in the Southern Hemisphere of the Sun.  Previous SSs were in the N. Hemi.

At left is a TW-CAD (computer aided drawing) of what I saw.  Think the Binos are 20 > 30 x.  No disignations on them.  They're from when the Soviet Union disolved and the Russian Army sold lots of it's equipment to maintain costs.  Have had them for 20+ yrs.  If anyone would like to view Sunspots, call me - Tom Whitney at 256-6234 and I'll set up a Solar Scope for Saturday afternoon, if it's clear.  Been so long since there's been active visible Sunspot Groups.  Kevin does a great job inserting Space Weather's Sun image, my CADs are a poor duplication - but they're what I think I see with what optics I use.

Again, at left is one of the Con-Trails I imaged (not drawn) in the crisp blue sky.  The Con-Trails were straight, short, and unbroken.  That indicates the air movement at that altitude (20,000 > 30,000 ft. ?) was relatively calm.  Also indicates the air at that altitude was dry.  If Friday and/or Satruday Nite are Clear, if anyone wants to view Asteroid (Minor Planet) Vesta, I'll point it out.  Moon will be at 1st Quarter, so 50 mm binos. will bearly show it.  If not, will up aperature.  If interested in seeing Sunspots, Vesta, or Moon (Clavius possible) feel free to call me and I'll set up for it.  Hoping we're past the worst of winter and in to high sunspot activity.

Hope you can take advantage - Tom Whitney