Mark at Beaufort

I would not recommend doing this. I had a work colleague whose Daughter went to observe the total eclipse in Africa and the organisers gave out solar glasses. They were not the best quality which resulted in her 'burning' the retina causing blindness. Quality solar sheets are not that expensive so I would not take the risk.

A very enjoyable report John - some of my favourite objects. I set up my Skywatcher 150P to use after the Admin debrief session last night but was too tired. I really fancy using a 120mm APO frac at some time especially on doubles.

John now that the secondary is at 90 degrees due East the view in A Newtonian will be the same - although South will be at the top. I think I am correct?

Welcome Sousa to SGL. My Heritage 130P OTA weighs about 3 kgs and a mount just over 3 kgs so the Heitage 130P is cabin bag acceptable. The new scope both OTA and mount weigh 7.5 kgs so I am guessing that the new OTA will weigh about 3.5+ kgs.

I look forward to your review Chris. It would be nice if you could purchase an Astrozap light shroud to fit this 150 flextube OTA. The number of users that made their own light shroud for the Heritage 130P is quite large.

Thanks Don for that historical information. I am not sure of the date of my Lumicon UHC although I know it was manufactured in Livermore CA. My Son lives in Livermore CA and I was a guest of the Tri valley Stargazers and was able to use the 17.5 inch Newt donated by Dr Jack Marling the original owner and founder of Lumicon.

The short answer is No. I have had various other UHC filters - Skywatcher, Sky's the Limit and Baader UHC-S but found that the Lumicon and TeleVue gave better contrast. There has been a great deal of debate on Lumicon filters because the company was originally started in Livermore, CA then was sold out and the next batch was not as good. Since then stage 3 has provided a new series which I understand is good. Perhaps @Don Pensackin the States can confirm this situation.

Just to add to the discussion I have used a number of UHC, O-III and Hb filters. I currently use an original Lumicon UHC made in Livermore, CA, TeleVue Nebustar Type 2 UHC, Astonomik O-III and a Sky's the Limit Hb - all these are 1.25" which I sometimes use with a 2"/1.25" adapter. I also have some 2" filters - Skywatcher UHC (rarely use) and a Castell O-III which I really rate even though not that expensive - https://www.365astronomy.com/Castell-OIII-Deepsky-Filter-for-2-Inch-Eyepieces.html

Yes I agree Alan. I often take my Heritage 130P on the Canal Boat for the same reason.

Yes it is a new model and its on sale through - https://www.harrisontelescopes.co.uk/acatalog/skywatcher-heritage-150p.html#SID=54 I imagine it will go on the @FLO website shortly. I use the Heritage 130P quite often as a quick grab and go - its a brilliant little scope although I have undertaken a lot of modifications. The Helical focuser is not the best but you can improve it. If I did not have the Heritage 130P and a Skywatcher 150P Newt I would buy one.

Had a very quick look in between racing cloud cover. As stated there is the main sunspot showing umbra and preumbra nice and sharp. Plus the 4 smaller spots although had difficulty getting a longer look to see anything else. The best view was using the Baader 10mm Classic Ortho with the 1.3x bottom part of the Baader barlow mag - 97x. Totally clouded out at the moment but scope left out just in case.

I am hoping it will clear for a short while to allow a quick look. I have set up the Skywatcher 150P complete with front solar filter + IR/UV filter in the focuser + Baader 0.9 neutral density screwed into a Celestron Ultima Duo 10mm EP. If the cloud ever clears I will give it ago. Yesterday I had a good view in Ha with lots of Plage, a good Filament plus some Proms. So White Light today.

Both sets are brilliant. In the second set you have picked up more detail in Plato and the Alpine Valley - stunning. Really pleased you posted your images.

Well done Neil on your solar photo. I used my 6" Newt this morning and did not notice the extra small sunspots. Added to which I can also see faculae in your image. I might have another attempt if it stays clear.

That a great photo Neil - was it taken with your small frac and HW?. The forecast for tomorrow morning is sunny so hopefully I will catch the active region in both white light and Ha.

Gina I suppose you could take a long exposure using a Herschel Wedge. I guess you would need to use a goto system on your mount and try and make a judgement on exposure time.

This brilliant photo and article appeared today on SpaceWeather.com. I know a few members have tried and succeeded but you need to be a very experienced observer to try and produce an image.

Steve - hope this is useful - https://www.astroleague.org/content/hydrogen-alpha-solar-observing-program

Steve that is a very good report on these filters. I enjoyed the read and your conclusions. I assume that someone with a 120mm or 150mm Achro, having gained more light, should consider the contrast booster above the others.

This has been a very interesting and informative thread. When I first saw this advert I thought that it might be a useful scope for planetary and double star observing. However, I also enjoy solar white light observing and if I own a refractor again I would purchase a Herschel Wedge. I assume that because this scope has some plastic it would not be suitable for direct solar viewing with a HW.

Well i checked the alt/az of the Sun which at 4pm was approx 244 degree Az and 45 degree Alt and set the setting circles with the Sun in the centre of the eyepiece. I then went to Venus which was 238 degrees Az and 50 degrees Alt. I then removed the solar filter and replaced it straight away - the Sun appeared to be still slightly shining into the objective. I never took the risk. I might try this again to view Venus or Mercury in daylight but not so close to the Sun.

That is very good Kerry. I sometimes wish I had a small goto mount for this type of occasion. I don't fancy trying to guess the position of Venus with the 6" Newt although I could attempt the setting circles on my Heritage 130P.

Thanks for that website Neil - not seen it before. I suppose at mag 8 then taking in the twilight, low sky position and the Moon perhaps we can forget seeing this Comet.

Sky was clear to the horizon. Found the star patterns BUT no Comet. Its either gone very dim or the position on Stellarium is not correct.

Well Paul at least you got an image which shows the Comet. I decide that tonight was my last attempt so I have placed the 12" Dob in the best location at the end of the garden. I have checked out its position and there are some good stars to compare the area. Fingers crossed although I might fall asleep!!!