Observing sunspots

[cosmosboy]

Guys is it safe to point binocular at sun when sun is just risen or just about to set ? I have done so twice within a couple of days . both times i saw 2 black spots ( dots ) on its surface . i assume they are sunspots .
 

But websites say it is not safe to do so  even during sunrise or sunset , but i did not feel any trouble or harm to eyes . so i need to know the true fact . please help
 

binocular used - celestron skymaster 15x70

[Steve Ward]

Very , very dangerous indeed ... 

Buy yourself a sheet of Baader ND5.0 Solar film for £20 and make a couple of simple filters for the binocular and eliminate all the danger once and for all .

[Steve Ward]

You will also get a much better view of the surface detail later in the day , after the Sun has risen well above the horizon eliminating the worst of the atmospheric disturbance that spoils the view at sunrise/sunset ... 

[cosmosboy]

Well i did so when sun was at 2 degree or 3 degree altitude . it was damn red , so beautiful .  and the sky was not totally transparent as it is winter .

and i liked the fact that those spots were at different positions both times . yeah i am considering to get a solar filter .

[Steve Ward]

Please do , it only takes a moment of ill judgment and a sudden break in the cloud and you will be permanently damaged.

Also the amount of IR light getting to your eyes is undiminished by the atmosphere and will be damaging without you even realising it.

[cosmosboy]

You will also get a much better view of the surface detail later in the day , after the Sun has risen well above the horizon eliminating the worst of the atmospheric disturbance that spoils the view at sunrise/sunset ... 

yeah but i do not own a solar filter now and i was not using any type of filter . i just wanted to peek at sun through bino out of curiosity . so i ensured to point it at the sun when it is much less bright .

[Steve Ward]

Try here for Solar film ... http://www.tejraj.com/astrosolar.html

[James B]

NEVER, NEVER and NEVER LOOK AT THE SUN WITHOUT A FILTER. If you do you could be blinded for life!

[Ptarmigan]

Wot Steve and James said,,

Dont do it again!

You've only got two, to risk them both at the same time is not advisable, if you really must do this again use a monocular !!!!

[TieFighter8114]

Here is some information regarding Solor Viewing. http://eclipse.gsfc.nasa.gov/SEhelp/safety2.html

[David Smith]

If you really don't want to spend on the filter use projection