MarvinMartian Posted March 12, 2012 Share Posted March 12, 2012 Hi AllI wonder if you could help please. I have a SkyWatcher 200P and happily stargaze. I would now like to try to view the Sun but need some advice on filters, etc. that I should buy so that I don't damage my scope (and eyes).Any advice is very welcome. Thank you. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John Posted March 12, 2012 Share Posted March 12, 2012 You can observe the Sun safely in white light using a full aperture solar filter like this:First Light Optics - AstroZap Baader Solar FilterA lower cost alternative is to buy a sheet of the Baader solar film and cover the small hole in the dust cap of your scope with it. You can then view the Sun when the dust cover is firmly over the aperture of the scope and the small cap is removed.It's worth capping or removing your finder before you observe the Sun as that is enough to damage your eyes as well. Make sure any filters are firmly attached to the scope and that every part of your scopes aperture is covered either by filter material or the dust cap before observing. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RikM Posted March 12, 2012 Share Posted March 12, 2012 It's quite easy to make an off axis filter for a larger scope using Baader solar film. Just make sure there are no light leaks and it fits securely on the front of the scope. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MarvinMartian Posted March 15, 2012 Author Share Posted March 15, 2012 These are really helpful, thanks for your help guys. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LukeSkywatcher Posted March 15, 2012 Share Posted March 15, 2012 You can observe the Sun safely in white light using a full aperture solar filter like this:First Light Optics - AstroZap Baader Solar FilterA lower cost alternative is to buy a sheet of the Baader solar film and cover the small hole in the dust cap of your scope with it. You can then view the Sun when the dust cover is firmly over the aperture of the scope and the small cap is removed.It's worth capping or removing your finder before you observe the Sun as that is enough to damage your eyes as well. Make sure any filters are firmly attached to the scope and that every part of your scopes aperture is covered either by filter material or the dust cap before observing.I have tried and failed terrible to make a solar filter in the past. I would go for a ready made one for my scope (as per the link above). But to be honest...................seeing sunspots in "white light" just really does not excite me. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SeedyF Posted March 15, 2012 Share Posted March 15, 2012 Here's mine - I like to think it's a bit more upmarket than a shreddies box you can see I made a filter for the finder as well, added safety. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RikM Posted March 15, 2012 Share Posted March 15, 2012 Here's mine - I like to think it's a bit more upmarket than a shreddies box you can see I made a filter for the finder as well, added safety.Looks very nice. It's good that you put it directly over the secondary to avoid all the contrast and sharp detail you get from an off-aperture axis mask Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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