shooting the sun

[troypiggo (Troy)]

Recently I've seen a couple of shots of the sun, both the whole thing and also some details of prominences. Really like them and would like to give it a go. Imaging, not observing.

Had a quick read of the sun filter sticky in this forum too. Understand the dangers of the eyepiece filters. I also don't intend to look directly at the sun. Was thinking of not using my 30D, because without liveview I don't want to have to look into the camera's eyepiece even. Intend to use DSI II and laptop to focus and compose.

But I don't want to damage my gear either. So. What filters do you recommend? And I read something about using "full aperture" filters. Does this mean they go in front of the whole telescope? Like, up where the dew hood is? Or 2" filter as per normal, just as long as it's not an eyepiece type one?

Are there any sun filters that are safe to observe through?

[vindictive666 (John)]

with a PST you can get color shots

can all so use a full aperture baader film type filter (white light Solar filter)

this link will give you instruction on how to make one


http://www.iceinspace.com.au/63-136-0-0-1-0.html

you can all so buy solar filters but they are not cheap


regards john

[DaveM]

For white light viewing (sunspots and granulation) a film or glass filter that fits over the front of your scope is a relatively cheap option that is safe to use visually. This cuts down visible, infra-red and UV light to safe levels.

To view prominences or active regions on the sun you will need a hydrogen-alpha filter, which range in price from hundreds to thousands of dollars, and allow only an extremely narrow wavelength of red light through. These commonly come as front-mounted filters with a separate 'blocking' filter that is incorporated within a diagonal, or as dedicated solar telescopes. Here is a great link that explains the lot http://sungazer.net/

Cheers,
David