Superb new images of the Sun
Following the ITN channel on Youtube I learned that NASA has released new, stunning, pictures of the sun. These are the very first pictures taken by the new Solar Dynamic Observatory.
The Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO) is a NASA mission which will observe the Sun for over five years. Launched on 11th February 2010, the observatory is part of the Living With a Star (LWS) program.
The goal of the LWS program is to develop the scientific understanding necessary to effectively address those aspects of the connected Sun–Earth system that directly affect life and society.
"The Sun performs for SDO-AIA"
AIA stands for Atmospheric Imaging Assembly. AIA provides full-disk imaging of the Sun in several ultraviolet and extreme ultraviolet (EUV) band passes at high spatial and temporal resolution. There are four telescopes that provide the individual light feeds for the instrument.
"Many different views of the Sun - HMI & AIA"
HMI stands for Helioseismic and Magnetic Imager. HMI studies solar variability and characterizes the Sun's interior and the various components of magnetic activity. It produces data to determine the interior sources and mechanisms of solar variability and how the physical processes inside the Sun are related to surface magnetic field and activity. HMI also produces data to enable estimates of the coronal magnetic field for studies of variability in the extended solar atmosphere.
For more videos on the Sun you can follow this link to their official movies page: http://sdo.gsfc.nasa.gov/multimedia/movies.php
Enjoy!
Z.
Amazing views over the Norwegian Sunnmøre mountain peaks
A friend of mine posted this superb video on Facebook and the views are so amazing I just have to share this with everyone.
Cineflex - Norwegian sunrise from Leif Johan Holand on Vimeo.
Helicopter: AS350B3 NORD Helikopter, nordhelikopter.no
Pilot: Bjorn Pilskog
Camera system: Cineflex V14 HD
Arial Photographer: Leif Johan Holand, leif@fuglefjellet.no, fuglefjellet.no
Music: "Call to Beroea" by the composer Luke Richards
This shows that Video is just as amazing as Photography! I'd love to get the chance to do some photography in those parts. But in the meantime I am keeping my fingers crossed for Baden Baden in Germany.
If you got some superb shots you took yourself "up north" and want to share.. please do leave a comment. I'm sure everyone will enjoy your Flickr stream or alternative.
I hope you enjoy!
Z.
Canon firmware update to improve EOS-5D Mark II video recording
According to DCRP, Canon will release later this month a new firmware update for the Canon EOS-5D Mark II. The new firmware, version 2.0.3, will add 24p video acquisition and will lower the frame rate in 30p mode to 29.97 fps. As an extra the user will get manual audio control as well as a higher sampling frequency, also a live histogram and the ability to record movies in shutter and aperture priority modes.
I'm sure the EOS-5D Mark II owners are looking forward to the firmware release.
If you do not know what the Canon EOS-5D Mark II can do in video you can check out the post I had a while ago and view the embedded video: Canon EOS-5D Mark II - Betrayed
Follow this link to get the canon eos 5d mk II firmware