Viewing The Sun

[panspermian]

Hi people, this is my first post here and just need a quick question answered.
Is it safe to view the sun (venus's transit) with a welding mask?

Last transit '04(?) I viewed it with this method, it didn't seem dangerous, my eyes weren't affected at all.

Currently having small dissagreement with someone I need cleared up, Thanks :)

[JB80]

It would depend on what density the welders glass is, if it's a low grade it wouldn't be all that safe I'd imagine.

NASA suggests that number 14 welders glass would be acceptable but at the same time unless it has been specifically designed for solar viewing then it cannot be regarded as %100 safe.
http://eclipse.gsfc.nasa.gov/SEhelp/safety.html

You could always try these if stuck for a safe option.
http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/showthread.php?t=90481

[panspermian]

Thanks for that :) I bought 8 glasses for everyone in my TAFE class, it's my teacher I had the disagreement with. We're also going to project a
telescopic image onto cardboard thing.

Also been searching the web for solar filters, but not only are the 3 shops I looked at out of stock, Bosslady(wife) says NO!

[Paul Haese]

Not recommended. Yes number 14 can be used but standard welding shields are not up to it. Number 14 is the highest rating glasses and many people would not have these. If you used a standard version last time you would have some minor damage that you would not be able to detect, but a scan of your retina would reveal.

Eclipse glasses or solar film is the recommended equipment. Please do not use welding glasses, your eye sight is too precious.

[brian nordstrom]

:eyepop: Yes , I am a Boilermaker welder / fitter turner and yes as said , a #14 is as dark as standard welding lenses go , but #15 and 16 are avaliable on special order :).
Personally I would not bother with using these as the sun is small ( and an ugly shade of green ) and Venus beeing 100x smaller than the sun , so you wont see much . :thumbsup:, only a tiny spot on the surface .
Google " Pin hole Camera " and use this method, its much safer and
you will then see a sun's image at 1 metre in Dia ( bigger or smaller its up to you ) , and venus will be easy to see in its transit for the long period .:).
Brian

[traveller]

Yep, pinhole is the way to go. I was backpacking in France in Aug 1999 during a total solar eclipse. I quickly made a pinhole using two pieces of paper and enjoyed the show. A very erry sight during the totality. One can see stars, all the seagulls (I was in Normandy) all went quiet and confused.
The other option is to get one (or more!) of those solar shades that's from the IIS shop, or you can knock one up easily if you have some spare Baader film.
Bo