Starting Solar viewing

[stargazerslivingroom]

I am interested in using my small refractor (Televue Pronto) to view the sun.

Does anyone know about this.....http://www.optcorp.com/product.aspx?pid=1304-11211

Most of what I've read suggests using the Baader film and I haven't found anything on this.

Any advice appreciated.

Steve

[Bizibilder]

You can find Baader film here: http://www.firstlightoptics.com/solar-filters/baader-astrosolar-safety-film-nd-50.html (usual disclaimer) and either buy the flim and make a holder yourself (cardboard and sticky tape engineering!) or buy a ready made one that will cost quite a bit more!

[Steep]

I believe Thousand Oaks is a well respected company in the U.S. but they're not much heard of here in the U.K. Baader film is very good but the filter you link to is a different beast altogether and I've not heard of it before. If you are Europe based I'd suggest starting with the Baader film as it will be cheaper. If U.S. then go for the TO.

[NGC 1502]

Lots of ways to make a DIY filter using Baader film, but here's a Youtube video

As the video says, make certain that the filter cannot dislodge, especially important in breezy weather.

Never leave a scope set up for solar observing unattended, there's no telling what someone could do who doesn't understand the danger to eyesight should the filter fall off or be removed.

About 30x magnification is fine for solar viewing, so a 15mm eyepiece with your Pronto would do the job.

Regards, Ed.

[Steve Ward]

A really easy way of making a filter is to use 'embroidery rings' and three small bolts for securing , they come in a variety of sizes and cost a couple of quid from a haberdasher.

Just sandwich the film between the two rings and do up the screw.

[RikM]

A Pronto is great for solar viewing with Baader film. I made the filter out of a round, lidded box from hobbycraft. I cut holes in the bottom and lid, tapped the film over the hole in the box, then covered it with the lid and double sided tape.