Solar viewing possible?

[Stargazer Jack]

Hello, I am starting to get to grips with my telescope and was hoping to buy a baader solar filter (the A4 one) but will it work and what will it be like with my telescope?

[rowan46]

It will work work you cover the whole of the apparture and gives a white light view you should see sunspots in it. have a look in the solar imaging section theres some good snaps there taken with white light filters

[Stargazer Jack]

Thanks for the quick reply To see flares and other stuff like that, I will need a solar scope wouldn't I?

[Stargazer Jack]

Just been on FLO and would the second one be worth the £40 (for my size scope) because it seems a lot easier than the first and I think it is just like another dust/dew cap. http://www.firstlightoptics.com/products.php?cat=140

[rowan46]

it will certainly save you the bother, whether it's value or not is your call as you are the best placed to judge your diy skills and no it won't show flares

[Stargazer Jack]

Thanks for the help. Just one last question which is how does the top one stay on the front of the scope and not fall off?

[rowan46]

it gives instructions basically you cut out the circle and make your own frame

[Stargazer Jack]

OK and if I get the £40 one, is that all I need or do I need something else?

[John]

OK and if I get the £40 one, is that all I need or do I need something else?

I'd just check with the First Light people that it would fit your scope but the filter is all you need for white light. You use your normal eyepieces. Remember to cover your finder if it is an optical one (not the red dot type) as those can be dangerous too.

For flares, prominences etc in H-alpha light you need something like the Coronado Personal Solar Telescope (PST) which costs something in the region of £450 new.