From Bioengineering to the Sun: A Summer in Solar

Abstract

During my time at the Montana Learning Center (MLC), I gained experience with both astronomy education and research. My primary project involved learning to operate the MLC’s spectroheliograph (SHG) to image the sun in the H-alpha wavelength. With no prior knowledge of solar photography, I studied observing methods, instrument focusing, and image processing using multiple types of software. I successfully captured and processed images throughout the summer, documenting prominences and other activity during the peak of Solar Cycle 25. To support the astronomical community, I compiled a series of guides, now published on the MLAstro website and available soon through the MLC, to help others approach solar imaging and spectroscopy with ease.