"nytecam" wrote in message
...

Robbie Mayhem Wrote:
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


--
nytecam

First up, thanks for the replies.
Baader solar film looks like the route for me as I don't have a couple of
grand free for a solarscope.
My newtonian aperture cover looks like it has a small removable lens cap
just off centre (must have been designed with solar observing in mind).
Is this solar film ok to cut?

Nice pics by the way!

Rob