Talk to me about Solar with my current setup please :)

[AndyThilo]

I have a ES 102 Triplet, ASI 294MC Pro, ASI 290MM (probably best for the solar?) and mount. What do I need to safely photograph the sun? Just solar film? What's the next step up?

Thanks

Andy

[Altocumulus]

I have used, successfully, two white light systems.

 

One involved covering the big end with Baader Film - which I used on a skywatcher reflector.

I now use a Lunt Herschel Wedge at the small end of a 102 refractor.

There are other options, including adding a Daystar Quark which takes you into narrow-band observing/imaging.

Cost-wise, the film is cheaper, then the wedge....

[Altocumulus]

p.s. find the Sun! It's been lacking for a week now, however there's little to be seen using white light (at the moment), though an old sunspot might return soon after its travel around the backside of the Sun. https://www.raben.com/maps suggests it's just about to re-appear.

[AndyThilo]

Hi

Thanks, so film over the object is the cheapest way to start. What kind of quality of images could I expect with that? I was looking at these?

https://www.astroshop.eu/mounted-foil-filters/seymour-solar-helios-solar-film-146mm/p,63283

 

[AndyThilo]

7 minutes ago, Altocumulus said:

p.s. find the Sun! It's been lacking for a week now, however there's little to be seen using white light (at the moment), though an old sunspot might return soon after its travel around the backside of the Sun. https://www.raben.com/maps suggests it's just about to re-appear.

It's been clear here all week, unfortunately I've been ill (not Corona), so going out at night has been out of the question. So I'm now thinking why not do some solar imaging

[Altocumulus]

Having never used one, I don't know the quality. You'll certainly see sunspots and some other activity on the disc, not too sure how much granulation you'll pick up.

 

See this link https://www.rothervalleyoptics.co.uk/seymour-solar-12-x-12-thin-film-solar-sheet.html

[Merlin66]

IMHO the Baader solar film is much better than alternatives.

Unfortunately at the moment there’s not much white light activity.

 

[johninderby]

11 minutes ago, Merlin66 said:

IMHO the Baader solar film is much better than alternatives.

Unfortunately at the moment there’s not much white light activity.

 

Agreed 👍🏻

But just can’t get that interested in using my Badder film filter at the moment. 🙁

Edited March 28, 2020 by johninderby

[AndyThilo]

You'd recommend these then?

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

[johninderby]

1 minute ago, AndyThilo said:

You'd recommend these then?

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

Either the Astrozap or the Kendrick brand are excellent. Or you can make your own using a sheet of the Baader film which is a lot cheaper.

https://www.baader-planetarium.com/en/downloads/dl/file/id/337/product/3007/how_to_make_your_own_solar_filter_for_cameras_binoculars_and_telescope.pdf

[AndyThilo]

Ordered the Astrozap one :), hopefully get to try it next week. 

[AndyThilo]

Just got to figure out how to mount my 290MM to my scope now

[johninderby]

One other really useful bit of kit is a solar filter for your finder. I use one on my 9x50 RACI finder it it makes getting the sun centered so much easier. Also can be used on it’s own for a quick look at the sun to see if it’s worth setting up the scope.

Edited March 28, 2020 by johninderby

[ArmyAirForce]

Here's a white light sun spot group using Baader film. I think this was on my 8 inch reflector, possibly stopped down to a 4 inch opening ( too long ago to remember ).

Daytime seeing can be a challenge, especially on a warm day. I usually try for mid morning, once the Sun has a bit of altitude, but before the heat of the day has built up.

 

[ArmyAirForce]

The Baader Solar Continuum filter will enhance the white light view. Failing that, a green filter is the next best thing.

[johninderby]

2 minutes ago, ArmyAirForce said:

Here's a white light sun spot group using Baader film. I think this was on my 8 inch reflector, possibly stopped down to a 4 inch opening ( too long ago to remember ).

 

Daytime seeing can be a challenge, especially on a warm day. I usually try for mid morning, once the Sun has a bit of altitude, but before the heat of the day has built up.

 

I remeber once upon a time sunspots used to be like that. 😁

Edited March 28, 2020 by johninderby

[Merlin66]

Yeah,

Just waiting on Cycle 25 kicking in........

[AndyThilo]

I've been offered a 2" LUNT wedge for £160, worth it? Any benefit over a 1.25"? 

[AndyThilo]

My reasoning is with a 2" I can put it straight onto my scope as I have a 2" Baader click lock on there for my AP setup. BTW, do I need a flattener for Solar?

[Merlin66]

Can't comment on the Lunt wedge , I use a Baader Cool wedge.

You don't need a flattener, The solar disk is only 1/2 deg in diameter....

 

[AndyThilo]

Ok thanks, I've got my front film arriving today, just wonder if the wedge is worth the the extra. Not sure how much improvement I'd see over the baader film. 

[Merlin66]

I’d stay with a Baader film until activity picks up.

In a few years time there will be probably justification to move up to the wedge.

 

Edited March 31, 2020 by Merlin66

[johninderby]

The wedge is a bit better but not a huge improvement. Just enough better to notice the difference.

I was going to buy a new wedge but just not enough going on to justify the cost at the moment.

[Pete Presland]

I use a Lunt wedge, is it much of an improvement on the Baader film? I wouldn't say it is huge, i certainly like the safety aspect to it.

A Baader Solar Continuum filter on the other hand made a huge difference to the detail, a cheap green filter helps as well.

[AndyThilo]

Thanks guys, I’ll stick with the film for the time being and look at a filter to help improve the image further. Just need to figure out how to fit my 290mm to my scope now lol.