Best Solar observing equipment for beginners?

[twin-kle1007]

Hi all,

I have a Celestron Astromaster 130eq and I want to start observing our very own star. Any ideas on what I'd need or what filters etc would be best?

Many thanks,

Paul !

[Revs]

All you need to get started is some Baader Solar Filter film. This will allow you to see sunspots and some granulation

Or you could get a purpose made one like this.. http://www.firstlightoptics.com/proddetail.php?prod=AZsolarfilter

[John]

I think a filter made from Baader solar film would be worth thinking about. You buy a sheet of the film:

Solar Filters - Baader AstroSolar Safety Film ND 5.0

and then make a filter that goes over the front end of your scope so that the filtering happens before the light gets onto your mirrors. If the filter is held firmly in place and is completely "light tight" then it's a safe way to see sun spots, faculae and granulation in white light.

You can get these filters ready made but that costs more of course.

If you want to explore flares, prominences etc then you need to move into H-alpha light viewing which needs a special scope with some very special filters in it.

[John]

Paul and I typing at the same time there

[twin-kle1007]

Thanks guys, sounds like these Baader filters are the right place to start.

Many thanks !

[Revs]

I have to stress, as always, the importance of checking the condition of the film before use, and never remove the filter while the scope is pointing anywhere near the Sun

[brantuk]

Don't forget to keep the finder covered up (caps on) whilst using solar film on the ota

[Revs]

I do the same nowadays, but in the past I've tried a solar filtered finder, which worked well. I made a cardboard shield to go round the outside of the finder for extra eye safety.