Is using a telescope solar filter to observe the sun with our naked eyes safe?

Mark.Tanner (Mark) · #1 30-10-2022, 09:32 AM

I have a Celestron solar filter for my NexStar 8se. Is it safe to use this solar filter to look at the sun through my naked eyes? I've done this a few times and it seems fine. However, I want to allow my students to observe the sun through the filter with their naked eyes. Is this safe?

I'm 99.99% sure it is safe barring any holes in the filter or students doing something dumb, but I do want to run it past more experienced astronomers first.

Mark.Tanner (Mark) · #2 30-10-2022, 10:02 AM

To clarify, this will be literally just holding the filter in front of my face and my student's faces. Not using a telescope, but just looking through the filter at the sun.

Merlin66 (Ken) · #3 30-10-2022, 11:38 AM

Looking through the filter will be 100% safe.
Having said that I would not recommend using it randomly with students.
As you know anything can happen…..
Solar glasses are very cheap and 100% safe, that would be a better option.
I’ve been observing the Sun for over fifty years with various filters and telescopes- if you observe safely then you will be OK

LonelySpoon (Neville) · #4 31-10-2022, 09:12 AM

Use eyepiece projection from binoculars onto a card, much safer.

Easily rigged up, cover unused eyepiece with tape to avoid inadvertent use.

best part is several students can look at once, and they're facing away from sun.

40 years of doing this with students, it's only way I'd recommend.

Too many irreversible things can go wrong with any other method when working with students...

Neville
LSO