Solar Observation with SE8 or Orion 102T CF - Help needed

[Glimpse111]

Good morning all,

I was wondering if you can please guide me towards observing solar without buying a solar scope. Is Celestron's ECLIPSMART SOLAR FILTER a good option for yellow light or should I go for something else. I have SE 8 and Orion 102. 

thanks in advance.

Asad

[johninderby]

Fitting a white light solar filter to your SCT will give good results. The Baader solar filter film is the best solar filter film available.The thick polymer solar film used in the Celestron branded filter doesn’t have the sharpness and contrast of the Baader. 

You could easily make your own solar filter using the Baader film.

https://astrosolar.com/en/

For the refractor you can also use a solar film filter on the front or use a Herschel Solar Wedge which is better than any solar film but a more expensive option. Note solar wedges can only be used on refractors though. I use a solar wedge on my refractor.

BTW the sun is actually white not yellow.The Celestron filter gives the sun an artificial yellow colour. 

https://www.sciencefocus.com/science/what-colour-is-the-sun/

Edited November 16, 2021 by johninderby

[Starslayer]

I have an Eclipsmart 6" on my Celestron SCT. Probably the more expensive way of doing it but it fits well. Clips on front more securely even than lens cap and has option of velcro double sure tabs too. Money well spent for me. 

Edited November 16, 2021 by Starslayer

[Glimpse111]

3 hours ago, johninderby said:

Fitting a white light solar filter to your SCT will give good results. The Baader solar filter film is the best solar filter film available.The thick polymer solar film used in the Celestron branded filter doesn’t have the sharpness and contrast of the Baader. 

You could easily make your own solar filter using the Baader film.

https://astrosolar.com/en/

For the refractor you can also use a solar film filter on the front or use a Herschel Solar Wedge which is better than any solar film but a more expensive option. Note solar wedges can only be used on refractors though. I use a solar wedge on my refractor.

BTW the sun is actually white not yellow.The Celestron filter gives the sun an artificial yellow colour. 

https://www.sciencefocus.com/science/what-colour-is-the-sun/

Thank you, John. Much appreciated, and thanks for educating me on Sun’s light being white 🙂 
 

I will try to look for Herschel Wedge and Baader film. 
 

Best regards 

Asad

[Glimpse111]

1 hour ago, Starslayer said:

I have an Eclipsmart 6" on my Celestron SCT. Probably the more expensive way of doing it but it fits well. Clips on front more securely even than lens cap and has option of velcro double sure tabs too. Money well spent for me. 

Thank you 😊 

[johninderby]

FLO is a good place to start.

https://www.firstlightoptics.com/solar-filters.html

A Lunt 1.25” wedge is a good option.

They do turn up on SGLs sale section or you could place a wanted ad..