The new SSM3 Solar Scintillation Monitor
The measurement of solar scintillations has been used for several years to determine the atmospheric atmospheric turbulence on or near the ground. Such measurements are useful to know the quality of atmospheric ‘seeing’ during high-resolution solar observations.
The SSM3 Solar Scintillation Monitor measures the live seeing during solar observation. The measured values are displayed in real time. The ‘Average Seeing’ during a freely definable time between 1 and 29 minutes is now displayed in a separate numerical field. Of course, the measured values can be saved in a log file during the observation in order to use them for later analyses. The ‘Capture Start’ function is also new. When recording a video or an image sequence, ‘Capture Start’ is pressed and ‘Capture Stop’ is pressed at the end of the video. The numerical display field now shows the percentage of images below a freely definable seeing value. Videos with a high percentage of poor seeing can be deleted immediately.
The SSM3 is a seeing monitor for the discerning amateur astronomer who observes the sun. This device determines the seeing value in ArcSec at your particular location. It supports the amateur astronomer in finding the best observation sites for solar observation and photography.
I would like to briefly explain the idea behind building a solar scintillation monitor. Seeing is largely dependent on three main factors.
1. the atmosphere
2. location
3. time
We cannot change the atmospheric conditions, we have to accept them. Of course, we can decide whether or not to observe in veiling clouds. However, seeing is also significantly influenced by the site conditions. Under certain atmospheric conditions, there are locations where the seeing is much better than at others.
Thirdly, seeing can also be viewed as a wave function. At a given location, moments of very good seeing alternate with moments of poor seeing. With some experience, you can then determine the trigger point for the camera.
Advantages of using an SSM3 Solar Scintillation Monitor :
You get to know the seeing and can decide when to trigger the camera.
Memory management (laptop). Videos with poor seeing can be deleted immediately.
Changes in seeing for long-term sequences.
Seeing analyses of sites over the seasons.
The SSM3 Solar Scintillation Monitor measures the live seeing during solar observation. The measured values are displayed in real time. The ‘Average Seeing’ during a freely definable time between 1 and 29 minutes is now displayed in a separate numerical field. Of course, the measured values can be saved in a log file during the observation in order to use them for later analyses. The ‘Capture Start’ function is also new. When recording a video or an image sequence, ‘Capture Start’ is pressed and ‘Capture Stop’ is pressed at the end of the video. The numerical display field now shows the percentage of images below a freely definable seeing value. Videos with a high percentage of poor seeing can be deleted immediately.