Automated Detection of Filaments and Their Disappearance Using Full-Disc H-alpha Images
Dr Nandita Srivastava - Udaipur Solar Observatory, Physical Research Laboratory (India)
2010/04/28
In this talk, the newly developed algorithm that automatically detects filaments on the Sun in full-disc H-alpha images is presented. After applying pre-processing techniques on the H-alpha images for limb darkening and foreshortening corrections, we apply suitable intensity and size thresholds to extract disc filaments, while other solar features, e.g. sunspots and plages, are removed. Filament attributes such as their position on the solar disc, total area, length, and number of fragments are also determined. In addition, every filament is also labeled with a unique number for identification. The algorithm is capable of following a particular filament through successive H-alpha images, which allows us to detect their changes and disappearance. We have analyzed several cases of activated/eruptive filament from different observatories, and the results obtained will be presented. The algorithm will eventually be integrated with an upcoming telescope at the Udaipur Solar Observatory for real-time monitoring of activated/eruptive filaments. This aspect should prove to be of particular importance in studies pertaining to space weather.

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