Solar Safety for Solar
Observers
As with any potentially
dangerous activity, observing the sun through a telescope should be
performed with the utmost seriousness and attention to detail.
Check your equipment every time you
setup. Filters should be in perfect working condition and securely
mounted to the telescope. Read the owners manual and understand the
operation of the equipment.
Some rear mounted filters can degrade
over time and will need to be sent back to the manufacturer to have the
blocking filters replaced. Oxygen and moisture will separate exposed coating from glass. This will first be evident as a mottled
degradation around the outer edge of the field of view under high
power.
Conducting public outreach with solar
scopes can also be tricky. Everyone loves to grab the scope when they
first take a look. Any loose equipment will be shaken over and over.
Also, I always include a statement about "never looking at the sun
without using my special telescope" when observing with kids.
Remember to point the scope away from the sun when setting up the
telescope or changing out equipment. Also, don't forget to cover any
finder scopes.
Finally, if your looking at the sun
it's probably sunny! Remember to use sun screen, long sleeves (even in
summer) and a good opaque hat. SPF sun protective clothing can be
obtained from
Sun Precautions.
Also see these solar safety sites for more info:
http://www.coronadofilters.com/safety/index.htm
http://www.telescopesales.co.uk/solsafe.htm
http://www.mreclipse.com/Special/filters.html
http://www.daystarfilters.com/Irreparable.shtml
Why Ha?
|
The View |
What you see |
The Chromos |
Ha Emission |
Bandwidth |
Main Designs |
Ha Components |
Rear Filters |
The Etalon |
Front Filters |
Coronado filters |
DayStar Filters |
Solar Spectrum Filters
| Safety
