Solar filter - what can I expect to see?

[laban77]

I see several threads in the DIY section about building a solar filter for your telescope. It seems pretty easy, but before I give it a try... what can I expect to see with a relatively large reflector and a solar filter?

I imagine that I will be able to see a bright disc with black dots on it. Not saying that it would be entirely uninteresting, but is that it?

[Stephen]

That's pretty much it for white light observation, the sun spots can resemble fried eggs with fine detail visible around the central black spots.

Here's the first image in the solar section I stumbled across to demonstrate roughly what you will be able to see visually.

http://stargazerslounge.com/imaging-solar/186473-white-light-23-04-12-a.html

[sologuitarist61]

Yep, that's it but look on the bright side - it gives you a reason to get the scope out on a sunny day, which will more than double its normal usage

[laban77]

Yep, that's it but look on the bright side - it gives you a reason to get the scope out on a sunny day, which will more than double its normal usage

Yes, that's what I was thinking too... nice to be able to see and handle the scope in daylight for once.

[steelfixer]

I would give anything just to see the sun at the moment. lol

[sologuitarist61]

Bright and sunny in Cornwall - for a change!!

[jflowers]

Yep, that's it but look on the bright side - it gives you a reason to get the scope out on a sunny day, which will more than double its normal usage

Yes thats why I like solar observing, nice to setup in the daylight and good practice for dark setting up.

Now, why cant I find instructions to make my own cloud filter?

[jflowers]

Bright and sunny in Cornwall - for a change!!

Sorry, but it wont be 2nd week of August as we will be in Tintagel for the week and the last 3 years we haven't seen the sun. Always enjoy Cornwall though

[kenmyers]

Sorry, but it wont be 2nd week of August as we will be in Tintagel for the week and the last 3 years we haven't seen the sun. Always enjoy Cornwall though

I think you have just been cursed.

[jflowers]

I think you have just been cursed.

Hopefully with some sun