Thread: Solar Observing
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Old March 23rd 06, 09:37 PM
nytecam[_1_] nytecam[_1_] is offline
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First recorded activity by SpaceBanter: May 2005
Location: london-uk
Posts: 741
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Robbie Mayhem
Hi all, I've never done any solar observing before and I would like to know
if there is a relatively inexpensive way of converting my 5" Newtonian
reflector to allow safe viewing.
Many thanks
Rob
Get an A4 sheet of Baader solar filter material [aluminised Mylar] for ~£14 from Telescope House or other dealer. Make a tight fitting cell from card for the Baader filter to fit over the end of the scope. Check [without an eyepiece] there are no light leaks or pinholes in or around the filter before inserting eyepiece. Cap the finder - use its shadow to aim scope at sun.

You don't necessarily need to the full 5" scope aperture [seeing is frequently poor in daytime] and could make a small off-axis Baader filtered aperture that's clear of the secondary obstruction - I've used an oval mask [long axis parallel to tube wall] in the past to increase the effective aperture slightly. Good luck and safe viewing. Solar pics via URL below.

Nytecam
www.astroman.fsnet.co.uk

Last edited by nytecam : March 23rd 06 at 09:43 PM.