Imaging the Cosmos: Here Comes the Sun

This stunning image of the Sun was captured using a Hydrogen Alpha solar scope from Deerlick Astronomy Village. Photo Credit: Chris Hetlage / Imaging the Cosmos

While Chris Hetlage’s astrophotography at Imaging the Cosmos is amazing, the imagery he has produced of our nearest star, the Sun, has been nothing short of epic. The sun appears as if painted in these images taken during the recent solar eclipse and transit of the planet Venus.

On May 20, 2012, the Moon eclipsed the Sun and Chris Hetlage captured the moment in a series of incredible shots of this rare occurrence. A month later, a far rarer event took place—the transit of the planet Venus in front of the Sun. Just as he had done a month prior, Imaging the Cosmos’ astrophotographer captured the moment.

The Sun as seen through the sophisticated equipment that Hetlage uses. Photo Credit: Chris Hetlage / Imaging the Cosmos

 

On June 5, 2012, a very rare transit of the Sun by the planet Venus was seen across the globe. This image was captured from North Georgia and was selected as the NASA Astronomy Picture of the Day. Photo Credit: Chris Hetlage / Imaging the Cosmos
This mosaic of the Annular Eclipse of May 20, 2012, shows how the eclipse progressed over its nearly two-hour event. Photo Credit: Chris Hetlage / Imaging the Cosmos
Hetlage snapped this shot of the annular eclipse on May 20, 2012. Photo Credit: Chris Hetlage / Imaging the Cosmos

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