ETX-80 Tracking the sun for beginners?

[derek1943]

Hi Everbody, My name is Derek and I have just bought a Meade ETX-80 scope. As a beginner, I hope to pick your brains regarding tracking the sun (with a solar filter). Many thanks, Derek

[JamesM]

Hi Derek and welcome to the forum

Clear skies

James

[Telrad]

Hi Derek, welcome to SGL.

[MikeWilson]

What solar filter are you using and do you know how to check it for safety?

Hold it up to the sun and check it for pinholes. It fits over the front objective lens (the wide bit that points at the sun) and you've got your finderscope removed or covered?

Just checking :-)

Welcome to SGL!

[John]

Welcome Derek,

Make sure you use a full aperture filter over the front end of the scope rather than the dangerous eyepiece solar filters.

Apologies if you know that already but better safe than sorry

[Quark]

Hello Derek, Welcome to Stargazers Lounge and all the best with the solar observing.

[ScubaMike]

Hi Derek,

Welcome to the forums.

[Rusty Strings]

Hi and welcome

[Charon]

Welcome to the forum Derek from another Derek, I hope you get more joy from your ETX 80 than I did with mine.

[Nosivad]

Hello Derek and welcome to the forum.

[Mr Spock]

Hi Derek, welcome to SGL

[damnut]

Hi Derek1943,

Warm welcome to SGL.

Cheers

[todd8137]

hi and welcome from me

[Tinker1947]

Hi and welcome to SGL.

[Bizibilder]

Hello Derek and welcome to SGL!!

[Astro Imp]

Hi Derek,

Welcome to the forum.

[derek1943]

Thanks for the welcome! I promise that I am using a full aperture solar filter and have no finder scope with the ETX-80. Derek

[Orion_the_Hunter]

Hi & welcome Derek!