Observing the Sun
WARNING:
Although overlooked by many amateur astronomers, solar observation is both rewarding and fun. However, because the Sun is so bright, special precautions must be taken when observing our star so as not to damage your eyes or your telescope.
Never project an image of the Sun through the telescope. Because of the folded optical design, tremendous heat buildup will result inside the optical tube. This can damage the telescope and/or any accessories attached to the telescope.
For safe solar viewing, use a solar filter. These filters reduce the intensity of the Sun’s light, making it safe to view. With these filters you can see sun- spots as they move across the solar disk and faculae, which are bright patches seen near the Sun’s edge. Be sure to cover the lens of the finder or completely remove the finder when observing the Sun. This will ensure that the finder itself is not damaged and that no one looks through it inadvertently.
SOLAR OBSERVING HINTS
•The best time for observing the Sun is in the early morning or late after- noon when the air is cooler.
•To locate the Sun without a finder, watch the shadow of the optical tele- scope tube until it forms a circular shadow.
•To ensure accurate tracking, be sure to select the solar tracking rate.
44 • Celestial Observing
