Behold: the very first images of the sun taken by the new Inouye Solar Telescope at the 3050m summit of Haleakalā in Hawaii. Three times more detailed than any previous image of the sun, each of the cells you see is around the size of Texas.
It’s hot work, ogling that fiery ball:
Focusing 13 kilowatts of solar power generates enormous amounts of heat — heat that must be contained or removed. A specialized cooling system provides crucial heat protection for the telescope and its optics. More than seven miles of piping distribute coolant throughout the observatory, partially chilled by ice created on site during the night.
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I have always been amazed at the granular look of the sun’s surface. Seems almost to defy ordinary logic, but it it beautiful!
@Chompsky: I love the astronomical series of posts! Thank you :)
My pleasure, SB.
It’s a good sun as suns go.
It’s a truly magical thing