Solar filter

[Plumb71]

Hi

Finally decided to buy a Skywatcher Explorer 150pl on advice from the forums, many thanks for that, what solar filter do i need?

[Dave Lloyd]

Certainly not one that is fitted in the eyepiece. You can make a solar filter out of baader film yourself or buy one to fit but it must cover the full aperture at the front of the tube. 

[johninderby]

Not hard to make your own solar filter and a lot cheaper than buying a ready made one.

https://astrosolar.com/en/information/how-to/how-to-make-your-own-objective-solar-filter-for-your-camera-or-telescope/

But if you want to buy a ready made one.

https://www.firstlightoptics.com/solar-filters/astrozap-baader-solar-filter.html

 

Edited July 29, 2019 by johninderby

[Astro-Geek]

 

I've just started Solar observing this year and I my newly acquired (but still limited 🤓) knowledge on this subject is:

1. Yes, front mounted filters are the only safe method with anything other than Refractor telescopes. (scopes with no mirrors inside)
2. Refractor scopes can use a "Herschell Wedge" instead, at the eyepiece end, which most users say shows more surface detail than front filters. They mustn't  be used with any sort of mirror telescope.
3. Front mounted solar filters come in two types, flimsy looking thin film, and thick glass. Contrary to what one might expect, the thin film ones are reckoned to give a superior sharper view, wrinkles and all.
4. Bitten by the bug. I then bought a used dedicated starter HA solar scope (a Lunt 35) which not only blocks the harmful suns rays, but can be "tuned" to highlight the surface detail, sunspots, and flaring round the edge.
5. I was then a little disappointed to still only be able to see the Sun as a perfectly plain round disc, (albeit now yellow, instead of white), with no spots or flares.  I asked a question about it here on SGL, and got prompt and helpful replies giving me the disappointing news that the Sun's activity is really low this year !

I now keep a regular eye on https://www.spaceweatherlive.com/en/solar-activity      which occasionally shows a sunspot that I can they have a look at.

(So when you get your solar filter, don't be worried if all you can see is a white disc ! 😀)

[Alan64]

For a ready-made, you will need to measure the diameter of the telescope's white cowling there at the front.  Do not rely on the stated aperture of 150mm as a measurement.  It appears to be the "174-184 mm (150mm Newt):  £68" within this listing...

https://www.firstlightoptics.com/solar-filters/astrozap-baader-solar-filter.html

But for peace of mind before placing an order, measure the diameter of the cowling...

You can measure the diameter along the spider-vanes as shown.  Make certain that the diameter is within that of the filter: 174mm to 184mm, and you're good to go.

As I understand now, you're considering a 150mm f/5 rather.  The same applies nonetheless.

Edited August 3, 2019 by Alan64

[Plumb71]

10 hours ago, Alan64 said:

For a ready-made, you will need to measure the diameter of the telescope's white cowling there at the front.  Do not rely on the stated aperture of 150mm as a measurement.  It appears to be the "174-184 mm (150mm Newt):  £68" within this listing...

https://www.firstlightoptics.com/solar-filters/astrozap-baader-solar-filter.html

But for peace of mind before placing an order, measure the diameter of the cowling...

You can measure the diameter along the spider-vanes as shown.  Make certain that the diameter is within that of the filter: 174mm to 184mm, and you're good to go.

As I understand now, you're considering a 150mm f/5 rather.  The same applies nonetheless.

Thanks for the help, yes i finally ordered a Explorer 150p f5

[Alan64]

20 hours ago, Plumb71 said:

Thanks for the help, yes i finally ordered a Explorer 150p f5

Congratulations; you just ordered the one telescope that is the closest to being an all-rounder, with magnifications ranging from a low 19x-23x, and binocular-like, up to 200x and beyond with the aid of 2x and 3x barlows.  I have a 150mm f/5 Newtonian myself.  Keep in mind that for the higher powers the telescope's collimation must be spot-on; and don't fret upon the initial attempts, as you'll get the hang of it in no time.  For all I know, you may already be a whiz at it.