filters for the Sun

[The_PSY3NTIST]

Hi

Was wondering if anyone could point me in the right direction for solar observing. I have a SW 200p.. can you use any scope with the correct filters or do you have to have a special scope?

Thanks

[NickH]

Baader filter would be fine, probably off axis on a 200mm aperture, but people like David Hinds sell these for a range of scopes

That is for white light only, other options not really suitable for your scope (H-A/CaK etc)

[yeti monster]

Full aperture solar film filters (Baader) are the recommended. Screw in sun glass (screws into the EP) are NOT recommended.

[pvaz]

Beware the solar filters available show different things. I believe the white light ones only allow you to see sun spots and the sun will show in a white to blue coulor. Someone correct me if I wrong.

For flares and prominences you need different types of filters that I believe are not available for your scope.

[russ]

The Baader Solar film is the cheapest way of viewing the sun. As Nick says, use the aperture stop that's built into the dustcap on the 200P. Just ensure what ever filter you use on the front is held firmly in place with absolutely no chance of it falling off or being removed easily.

Apart from the Solar Film there is also a number of full aperture glass filters available from Thousand Oaks and Orion USA. You'll be amazed how the view can change between these 'white light' filters. Some give a really clinical white disk of the sun, while others show a 'yellow' disk. But they all show the sunspots in some amazing detail. I love white light solar viewing. Instead of using my 200P i bought a cheap 70mm f10 refractor. For one, you don't need large aperture for viewing the sun and secondly the smaller scope dedicated filters are a lot cheaper.

Russ

[The_PSY3NTIST]

Thanks for the quick response as always I will have a look for the Baader ones then. What scope would be suited best for this area? Anything in the £400-£500 range? and what makes a good solar scope? Thanks

[The_PSY3NTIST]

Thanks Russ, Posted at the same time there

[russ]

If you wanted to treat yourself, then a William Optics SD66 or M72 make a really nice white light scope. But to be honest i couldn't see much difference and sold the 66. Keep an eye on the Buy'n'sell for a cheap 70-80mm refractor.

This is the fitler i bought btw:

Solar Filters - AstroZap Baader Solar Filter

Russ

[The_PSY3NTIST]

Brilliant.. Ill stick an order in for one of them and keep an eye on the forum for a 70-80mm like you say. Thanks Guys Another Astro mystery solved for me

[russ]

There is this 90mm Evostar tube with rings on UK Buy'n'sell, it says still active and make an offer (you could be cheeky):

U.K. Astronomy Buy & Sell

[NickH]

The evostar has lots of potential for "future" solar work too! :-)

Good option!

[russ]

Is that a conversion to Ha Nick? One of your 'Super PSTs'

[NickH]

Indeedy

PST mod tastic!

[russ]

Out of interest how much do you think it would cost to convert?

[NickH]

hacksaw and 10 minutes of your time..just the back focus adjustment. I know people using the 909 precursor to the Evostar and getting superb results.

You'd need the PST etalon.. and ideally a BF10 blocking filter (US sourced I think would be cost effective), plus a 90mm ERF (£200 ish from Baader)...that's about it really..

[russ]

Hmm that sounds very interesting indeed. Could be a project in a year or so time. I miss my PST and this would be much better.