Solar Filter for 200p

[Javert]

Hi,

Having barely touched my telescope in the last couple of years, I thought I'd give daytime solar a go.

Before I dive head first into buying a H-Alpha scope, I thought I'd better have a go at white light with a filter to see if it's going to be of interest to me.

I currently have a Skywatcher 200p reflector on an EQ5 mount and wanted to make sure that this Orion 8" filter would be ok to use.

http://uk.telescope.com/Accessories/Telescope-Eyepiece-Filters/Orion-Safety-Film-Solar-Filter-for-8-Reflector-Telescopes/pc/-1/c/1308/sc/1374/p/109869.uts

I can't see any reason why not, I presume it's just a standard 'fit all 8" scopes'.

I've also contemplated buying a sheet of the film myself but as it's £20+ anyway, I'd probably prefer to buy something already made.

Thanks,

Also, if anyone has any other thoughts or ideas about starting observing the sun, I'm all ears.

[Gazabone]

Personally I wouldn't judge how interesting you think you'll find H alpha by looking in white light, I find them two very different propositions. I have a Herschell wedge which I use on a SW startravel 102 and it's great for looking at sunspots. However I don't seem to use that much these days as most of my solar observing is now with a coronado PST. For my taste, I find Ha really interesting and have a bigger Ha scope on my wish list. I find promenences, filaments, plages and so on well worth the specialist scope.

If you get the opportunity to try before you buy, I would recommend it, I think you'll see what I mean.

[Pig]

Javert,

I find both Ha and white light interesting, the spots can be quite large at times and show some excellent close up detail.

The film is not a bad way to start proceedings, but as Gaz mentioned Ha does take some beating and you would not be able to judge solar observing based simply on white light, unfortunately you are restricted to just using film with your type of scope. You have nothing to loose for £35 and you will re-coup most of that should you decide it isn't for you. 

I find all observing worthwhile and the more options you create for yourself the more opportunities you have to get out there and enjoy it.

[Javert]

Cheers guys.

I'm definitely more interested in H-Alpha but thought that if I still don't use my telescope with a solar filter my wife probably wouldn't approve of me spending a hefty sum on a Lunt or Coronado.

Opticstar aren't too far from me in the Gtr Manchester area and I have considered going there to see if I can try a Ha telescope. Will have to see what funds are left over as we're having a lot of work done on the house at present.

Will no doubt give white light a try to start with. Might even get the Mrs to have a try.

[Dave In Vermont]

I have an Orion glass solar-filter for my 200mm F/4 Newt. Works well for the white-light views. But the Baader-film does fine, too. You might also consider a Continuum-Filter for teasing out more details from the surface of the Sun and sunspots:

http://www.telescope.com/925-ID-Orion-Full-Aperture-Solar-Filter/p/7722.uts?keyword=Solar%20Filter

http://www.adorama.com/AA2458390.html?gclid=CKirl4m14sQCFegF7AodfxIA_g

And it does turn the Sun green, alas, but I got accustomed to this.

Clear Skies Night & Day,

Dave

[Luke]

White light sounds a good plan, the value for money is superb. I remember being underwhelmed by my first white light view. I saw a tiny spot and wondered what all the fuss was about. I didn't realise I was looking at a tiddler on a fairly blank sun at the time.

When you see a bit sunspot group it's a real thrill, I think it will give you an idea if solar is for you.

I was lucky to see some views through h-alpha scopes for a few years before I got one. I used to think "Really nice, I would love one, but it's a lot of money for one object, when a regular scope can show you so many objects..."

When I finally got one, it turned out to be a great value scope, I used it so much more than any other telescope. Depends whether you can see the sun all year round from home and if you have a chance during lunch in the week too, if you get hooked, it will get a ton of use

[Solar_observer]

If you get hooked it CAN cost you a ton of money too; )