Sun filter

[luka]

Hi,

I came across these (http://www.telescopeshop.com.au/Telescope_eye_piece/Solar_filters/)cheap Baader Solar filters (and they are in Perth as well) so I was wondering if anyone knows if they are safe for visual observing.
Considering the price this would be the cheapest astronomy related item I ever bought...

There is not much information on the website and I have found probably the same filters on several other (http://www.myastroshop.com.au/products/details.asp?id=MAS-434)places but could not find more info anywhere.
I am guessing that they use Baader solar film but I am not sure if the one for visual observation or photography.

I could ring up the shop but somehow I don't trust to any salesperson, expecially when my eyesight is in question.
I would rather trust the people (who I never met before) on ice in space forums :D


Thanks in advance

[Dennis]

A full aperture, astronomy industry approved solar filter is the only filter I would trust with my precious eyesight.

I have purchased sheets of Baader AstroSolar Safety Film (http://www.baader-planetarium.com/sofifolie/details_e.htm)for Visual use and Photographic use and made my own full aperture solar filters. Full aperture means that it sits in front of the objective thus blocking the harmful radiation before it reaches the main mirror or lens.

Personally, I would only purchase from a dealer that I trusted and who had a good reputation within the astronomy community.

I’ve gone a bit over the top in my reply as from your post, you certainly seem to understand the issues and be familiar with the dangers, but I thought it worthwhile just in case a beginner stumbles in here one day.

Cheers

Dennis

[Blue Skies]

The Baader solar filter material is quite safe to use, I've used it often. You do need to do the regular safety checks with it - make it doesn't have any holes in it and also make sure it hasn't rubbed against anything and worn thin. I have seen this happen, as the base of the filter is a sheet of plastic or other polymer and if it ends up getting rubbed the layer of filter wears off. Other than that, go for it! It certainly is the cheap way to get a solar filter.