Solar Observation choices -UPDATED with Image

[peeb61]

Hi All,

I am thinking of doing a bit of solar observation leading to taking images, I have seen some great images posted and it has encouraged me to give it a go.

There are a number of choices to choose from and my questions are:

Do I purchase the Mylar type filter, solar cap or the glass type filter?

Is there any difference or benefit to purchasing one for my 200mm scope or Skywatcher 102 Refractor?

Many thanks in advance.

Paul

[h0ughy]

start cheap - then get hooked and move on to other viewing and imaging choices. the mylar should be a great start

[peeb61]

Thanks David for being so quick off the mark! I will look into it, do I buy the sheets and build one or purchase off the shelf? Suppliers?

Many thanks

Paul

[PeterEde]

I made my own. Not hard to do. Sheet of film $35ish

[h0ughy]

JJJ made one up and posted up a plan on how to do one on IIS - must find - i got my mylar from Steve from Astroshop. with the offcut you can make one for the finderscope


http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/showthread.php?t=86579&highlight=solar+filter

[Shiraz]

if it is installed with reasonable care, the Baader film is actually optically better than a glass filter and should give higher contrast. http://www.astro-physics.com/index.htm?products/accessories/solar_acc/astrosolar

[peeb61]

Thanks all,

I am well on the way to put something together, thanks for looking up JJJ's tutorial David, I think this is the way I am going to go.

This is the way to use the scope more instead of waiting for those clear nights...I will now be able to wait for those clear days as well!

Many thanks all.

Paul

[peeb61]

Myla sheet ordered from MyAstroShop and its on it way, I should have it by Friday.

Made my filter holder from the lid of a hat box, fits nice and snug on the end of the scope, might need a couple pieces of velco to hold it in place just to be on the safe side.

[peeb61]

Ooh well,

The Mylar arrived and it was quickly put to use.

This is the first light, I know the focus is off a bit and the Sun was setting but what are the streaks? On the first image? Is it because the Mylar is not flat enough in its housing? I read here somewhere it doesn't actually need to be perfectly flat? Or am I wrong? I have uploaded a second image and with a little bit of processing the streaks are fainter? Should I be capturing at a slower rate?

Anyway your thoughts would be a great help.

Both images taken at 1/200 sec.

Many thanks

Paul