Solar Observing

[Glenhuon]

I'm new to Solar Observing and need some advice on filters. What would I need to be able to see prominences on the suns limb. Setup at the moment is 80mm F5 refractor and Thousand Oaks White glass filter. Is it possible to add an eyepiece filter to bring out more detail or am I limited to sunspots with this type filter.

[iceman]

Hi Glen,

You need a h-a scope to see prominences. The best and cheapest option is to get a PST. They'll fit onto your existing mount and use existing eyepieces.

[citivolus]

You could get an HA filter for your refractor, but it would likely be more expensive than getting a PST or some other purpose built scope.

[Glenhuon]

Thanks for the info guys. Just had a look at the price of dedicated solar scopes, think I can live without seeing prominences for a while yet :)

[rumples riot]

Thousand oaks have a prominence ha filter that is very affordable. You can fit it to your existing scope and you would also need the ERF.

[rumples riot]

Here is the link (http://www.thousandoaksoptical.com/www/Products/halpha.html)

[Terry B]

[quote=Glenhuon;269807]I'm new to Solar Observing and need some advice on filters.

Currently the most important filter would be a "cloud" filter :lol: Good luck trying :thumbsup:

[Glenhuon]

Just checked out the link rumples, my scope is only F5, wouldn't work with it. Needs long FL scope to function. Thanks anyway :)

[rumples riot]

Glen you can increase your focal length by either using a Barlow or a telecentric (spelling) unit. They extend your focal length to suit your scope. Using a 3x barlow will get you in.