MikeyB
13-08-2007, 09:31 PM
The Sun provides amateur astronomers with a wide range of observational activities and a wealth of detail that cannot be obtained by viewing other stars. However, the nearness and apparent brightness of the Sun presents the observer with hazards not associated with stars in the night sky, the greatest being permanent eye damage if safe solar observing practices are not followed. The photosphere of the Sun should not be viewed directly by naked eye at any time. It can only be safely viewed by the use of specialist filters specifically designed for solar observing, that intercept and greatly reduce the intensity of the sunlight before it enters the observing instrument.
NB: Never use an eyepiece filter for solar viewing - they are prone to rapid breakdown, endangering your eyesight.
Glass Solar Filter:
Multiple layers of metal are deposited on to a strong glass substrate to produce a mirrorlike finish that eliminates ultraviolet and infrared radiation, while reducing the brightness of the Sun to a safe level for visual or photographic observation. The inner rim (push-fit) diameter is 115mm and three nylon screws allow precise adjustment and secure fitment to telescope barrel/dew shield sizes down to 100mm.
In superb condition and original box for $75, includes careful packing and registered postage to anywhere in Australia.
Tele Vue Sol-Searcher sun finder:
The Sun is tricky to find in a properly filtered telescope and you don't ever want to chance a direct gaze, let alone a magnified image of it. Sol-Searcher is the safe and easy way to find the Sun. It is absolutely safe since you don't look through Sol-Searcher, you look at it. The front aperture acts as a "pinhole" which projects an image of the Sun on to the rear translucent "screen." This screen can be viewed from either side. Simply move your scope until the Sun's image is centered on the screen and the Sun will be in the eyepiece's field of view. You can mount the Sol-Searcher using #10-32 screws, or attach it with double-sided tape or Velcro (not supplied).
In superb condition and original box for $30, includes careful packing and registered postage to anywhere in Australia.
Buy them both for $100, including careful packing and registered postage to anywhere in Australia. Inquiries by PM, please.
Interested in solar astronomy? See also my For Sale advertisements for a Coronado Cemax eyepiece set (under ‘Eyepieces’), and three different solar astronomy books (under ‘Accessories’).
NB: Never use an eyepiece filter for solar viewing - they are prone to rapid breakdown, endangering your eyesight.
Glass Solar Filter:
Multiple layers of metal are deposited on to a strong glass substrate to produce a mirrorlike finish that eliminates ultraviolet and infrared radiation, while reducing the brightness of the Sun to a safe level for visual or photographic observation. The inner rim (push-fit) diameter is 115mm and three nylon screws allow precise adjustment and secure fitment to telescope barrel/dew shield sizes down to 100mm.
In superb condition and original box for $75, includes careful packing and registered postage to anywhere in Australia.
Tele Vue Sol-Searcher sun finder:
The Sun is tricky to find in a properly filtered telescope and you don't ever want to chance a direct gaze, let alone a magnified image of it. Sol-Searcher is the safe and easy way to find the Sun. It is absolutely safe since you don't look through Sol-Searcher, you look at it. The front aperture acts as a "pinhole" which projects an image of the Sun on to the rear translucent "screen." This screen can be viewed from either side. Simply move your scope until the Sun's image is centered on the screen and the Sun will be in the eyepiece's field of view. You can mount the Sol-Searcher using #10-32 screws, or attach it with double-sided tape or Velcro (not supplied).
In superb condition and original box for $30, includes careful packing and registered postage to anywhere in Australia.
Buy them both for $100, including careful packing and registered postage to anywhere in Australia. Inquiries by PM, please.
Interested in solar astronomy? See also my For Sale advertisements for a Coronado Cemax eyepiece set (under ‘Eyepieces’), and three different solar astronomy books (under ‘Accessories’).