solar with a Schmidt

[sparkyjon]

can you view solar with a sct, i can't for the life of me remember were i read it but i seem to recall reading that a schmidt isn't a good idea for solar due to the correcting lens , if you used a solar filter on the top wouldn't this stop any damage that the correcting lens could cause....??

and is there any tips and tricks or how to's on making a solar filter from the a4 paper sheets you can buy for an 8" ..

is it possible to drill a hole say 70mm in the lens cover of my scope and stick the solar filter paper to the back of it.. as a permanent solar filter and view through that..

[Sammyb]

I see no reason why an SCT wouldn't work for solar. In fact the sky at night magazine once had instructiona for making a solar filter for an SCT using Baader solar paper.

I wouldn't drill your lens cover. the cover would have a permanent solar filter on t which might get damaged. They are easy to make using Baader paper - and a bit of Blue Peter skills with card etc. I made a reduced aperture one for my Newt using Baader paper, plywood, card and gaffer tape. Worked a treat. You just need to be very careful you have fully sealed it so light cannot leak through and it is sturdy enough that it won't blow/fall off while observing.

[DirkSteele]

I have a full aperture Thousand Oaks Optical Glass Solar Filter for my C11 (purchased to view the 2004 Venus Transit). It sits in front of all optical components of the scope as would be expected and produces a fine view of the solar disc.

[michael.h.f.wilkinson]

I have shot a few pics through my SCT

First one with Thousand Oaks full aperture. Single image on film

Second without filter (safe during totality), single shot on slide film, scan of print (hence loss of quality).

[The Sailor]

My 6" SCT was my first venture into solar viewing and still remains the mainstay of viewing and AP

Jim

[rowan46]

I used to use baader film for my c5 no problems

[sparkyjon]

cool i must of dreamt reading that a SCT was dangerous for solar imaging , unless they meant dont leave it out in the day without a solar filter on .. ok thanks guys i'll have a look into making my own filter as i think it's cheaper slightly lol..