Solar Imaging -Safety

[RichardK]

I am considering purchasing a CCD camera and thinking about its uses (and the 2012 eclipse in my backyard - FNQ).

My question is - how safe is the use of a solar filter. Is there any risk to a persons eye sight.

Secondly - I believe a solar filter is fitted to the telescope so this is presumably safe. What happens with the findersope?

Thanks

Richard

East Feluga - FNQ :shrug:

[KenNo2658]

Don't even take the caps off the finderscope!! Aim the scope by watching its shadow. When the scope is aimed directly at the sun, its shadow will be smallest. And ALWAYS! check your filter to make sure it doesn't have any holes!! Safety first, always!!

Ken

[jjjnettie]

If you're making your own solar filter, using eg Baader solar film, you can easily knock up a filter for your finder scope.
I used the cap off a tin of spray paint, cut a 2cm hole in it, and taped the film onto the inside. It's a perfect fit.
I always check that the filters are in good order EVERY TIME, before use.

[Merlin66]

The Baader Solar Film when attached properly and securely is 200% safe!
I've been using the same filter for almost five years with no issues at all.
Strongly recommended!

[casstony]

The greatest risk is in forgetting to put the solar filter on before looking through the scope. It's a good idea to use a little checksheet and tick off the set-up steps; eg. #1: scope assembled, #2: solar filter fitted, #3 solar filter fitted to finder or finder removed. This might sound silly but it's all too easy to get distracted during set-up by the dog, the kids, a phone call, etc and return to look through the scope having forgotten to put the filter on.

[jjjnettie]

Another point to bring up, if you're making your own filter.
You don't have to use so much film that it covers the full aperture of your scope.
For my ed80, I just taped a square of film over the hole in my dust cap (2" in diameter) This is quite sufficient for visual and for imaging.
Again, I'd like to emphasise the need to check your filters before using them. Make sure the sticky tape is still sticking, no tears in the film etc

[RichardK]

Thankyou all for your replies.

Richard