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Solar public observing


moriniboy

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Hi,

This question has just been asked in our local astronomy group - how can you guarantee that a solar scope will not damage the public's eyesight and if damage occurs how is this dealt with public liability insurance wise?

Its not like you can just pop round to Asda and get a certificate of conformity for your erf?

Any comments on this?

Thanks Nigel

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I suggest that the question is unanswerable. It comes over as someone or some people are asking "What if ......" And there is no answer to that.

A now long distant one I attended they perhaps simply wanted to know there was no chance of the filters coming in effect loose and falling off. I used a Herschel Wedge and had a continum filter, and I also added a UV/IR cut filter. As much for myself as others.

If people are in effect saying or asking "But what if ..." in a cyclic manner then do not hold the event. With the number of solar observers within the astronomy hobby I have never heard or read of a single one getting eye damage.

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Bespoke  Ha solar telescopes such as those of Lunt, Coronado and Daystar are inherently safe.  Each contains several specialised components, if either one or all fails then the telescope just doesn't work.  White light solar observing does have a degree of potential danger.  Usual safeguard is to use a front mounted  filter or a rear mounted Herschell wedge, both of these are safe in good condition and used properly but both rely on effectively one layer of protection.  Public involvement  solar observing requires close supervision at all times by competent experienced observers.     🙂 

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Hi I use a wedge with IR/UV cut filter been told it's not needed but I am happier to know they are in place 

is there not a way you could use a camera then project the image on to a screen , then no public need to touch the telescope and more people can see the image at one time ?

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We use Lunt and PST specifically designed Ha solar scopes.  We do not attempt WL observing.  We also give a preamble on never looking at the Sun without properly designed equipment supervised by experienced solar observers.  Never leave the equipment unattended.  We had a great turnout for the Mercury transit.

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