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Old 19-11-2011, 05:14 PM
legoman_iac (Daniel)
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legoman_iac is offline
 
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Sydney
Posts: 53
Solar Viewing - Tips/Advice (very cautious)

Hey all,

Still relatively new to this all, starting to setup and guide now with some successful-ish imaging but wanting to get into some solar viewing and imaging but very scared and cautious of using my scope during daytime. Have read a few things online and just purchased an 'Orion Solar Filter' for my scope but thought it wise to ask a few questions before I go outside with it as I'm a little nervous about it all.

I've read this is safe but just want to make sure I'm not missing anything.

Things I know so far:

- check the filter before use, if it has pinholes of light, use a permanent black marker to fill it in (should not have more than 20)
- never have the scope outside without the solar filter
- always have it well secured, should not fall off with wind or gravity
- always supervise the scope and not let anyone astro-clueless near it
- ONLY look through it if the solar filter is securely ON
- allow 10-15mins for the scope to adjust to the temperature before using it

Some questions ...

Q- Can I use my normal eye pieces, for 30x and 120x magnification?

Q- Can I just attach my camera as per normal astro imaging or will my DSLR suffer from over heating?

Q- Can I use this filter safely on normal telephoto lenses with my DSLR?

What am I missing? Want to be doubly sure as I'm very cautious with this all, any feedback/other tips greatly appreciated?!?

Many thanks,
Daniel

p.s. And of course lots of sunscreen, hahaha.
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