Celestial Observing • 35
Although overlooked by many amateur astronomers, solar observation is both
rewarding and fun. However, because the Sun is so bright, special precautions
must be taken when observing our star so as not to damage your eyes or your
telescope.
WARNING:WARNING:
WARNING:WARNING:
WARNING:
Never project an image of the Sun through the telescope. Because ofNever project an image of the Sun through the telescope. Because of
Never project an image of the Sun through the telescope. Because ofNever project an image of the Sun through the telescope. Because of
Never project an image of the Sun through the telescope. Because of
the folded optical design, tremendous heat build-up will result insidethe folded optical design, tremendous heat build-up will result inside
the folded optical design, tremendous heat build-up will result insidethe folded optical design, tremendous heat build-up will result inside
the folded optical design, tremendous heat build-up will result inside
the optical tube. This can damage the telescope and/or any accesso-the optical tube. This can damage the telescope and/or any accesso-
the optical tube. This can damage the telescope and/or any accesso-the optical tube. This can damage the telescope and/or any accesso-
the optical tube. This can damage the telescope and/or any accesso-
ries attached to the telescope.ries attached to the telescope.
ries attached to the telescope.ries attached to the telescope.
ries attached to the telescope.
For safe solar viewing, use a solar filter . Solar filters reduce the intensity of the
Sun’s light, making it safe to view. With a solar filter you can see sunspots as they
move across the solar disk and faculae, which are bright patches seen near the
Sun’s edge.
Be sure to cover the objective lens of the finder or com-
pletely remove the finder when observing the Sun. This will ensure
that the finder itself is not damaged and that no one looks through it
inadvertently.
SOLAR OBSERVING HINTSSOLAR OBSERVING HINTS
SOLAR OBSERVING HINTSSOLAR OBSERVING HINTS
SOLAR OBSERVING HINTS
• The best time to observe the Sun is in the early morning or late afternoon
when the air is cooler.
• To locate the Sun without a finder, watch the shadow of the telescope tube
until it forms a circular shadow.
Observing theObserving the
Observing theObserving the
Observing the
SunSun
SunSun
Sun
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