looking at the sun ?

[Dazraz]

Hi just a quick one - can someone tell me what i need to put over the front of my 8" Dob to look at the sun or can this damage the scope at all ?

Regards Daren

[blinky]

You can get solar foil/film from most astro suppliers. Only problem is you need a bigger sheet than A4 so it may be an idea to make some form of cardboard shield for the front of the scope with a smaller aperature hole to be covered up with the foil.

[ONSLOWE]

Keep the covers on the finder to avoid accidents and buy a sheet of

Baader AstroSolar Safety Film ND 5.0 from First Light Optics. You need to use the Dob main tube aperature cap off the scope and just remove the small cover that is offset to the side of centre and from the underside firmly attach a piece of solar film to cover the hole. Replace the large protective cap on the scope and check that no light gets through the solar film or any gaps. If you are 100% sure that all is OK you can point the scope at the Sun and view with a low power eyepiece. NEVER LOOK AT THE SUN WITH THE NAKED EYE OR IF UNSURE THAT THE ASTRO FILM IS ATTACHED CORRECTLY. CHECK BEFORE EVERY USE !! KEEP THE COVERS ON THE FINDER TO AVOID USING IT.

Regards,

Martin

[Dazraz]

on the cover for my scope is a lid that opens a small hole can anyone tell me what this is for also ?

[blinky]

Ah perfect use that!!!! Cover that with the solar film and you are sorted! I think that's what it's for....

[ashenlight]

Daz, I think this is for attaching a solar filter too. You don't need to use your full aperture when solar observing coz the sun is so bright, so the smaller hole does just fine - only make sure there is a filter secured on properly!

[Dazraz]

Many thanks that is my questions answered !

[Sparrow]

The smaller hole in the cap is also useful when looking at the full moon - helps to cut down the intensity a bit.

One inportant reminder - don't forget to cover up or fit a solar filter to the finderscope as well.