the eye not in the eyepiece...

[Manok101]

something I hadn't thought of when getting a solar filter, was, what to do with my other eye. Right now I am closing it and putting my hand over it so that I don't accidentally open in the sun. Is that safe? Should I get something to cover that eye more than just my hand?

[Digz]

How about an eye patch? Must admit this doesn't bother me as I'm using a newt so I'm always at 90deg to the sun, but is more risky I guess with a refracter.

[nightfisher]

sounds daft but you can get a "pirates" eye patch, some people use these at night for long periods of observing

Edit you beat me to it Digz

[Viv]

I just use a small bath towel, held with a bulldog clip - especially when trying to get sun spots into focus.

[E621Keith]

something I hadn't thought of when getting a solar filter, was, what to do with my other eye.

Buy a binoviewer?

[Digz]

I just use a small bath towel, held with a bulldog clip - especially when trying to get sun spots into focus.

That's not a bad shout, I've done that too, this helps cut down excess glare and brightness.

[Manok101]

The sun kept getting very dark, and I was wondering if I was doing something wrong, or I hadn't quite found it or was something like clouds passing in front of it? It appears to be a very clear day.