Solar filters.

I know a solar filter is something i will purchase in the not so distant future. I have researched them online and i'm thinking...........couldnt i just use a sheet of tin-foil as a solar filter?

Just kidding.

The sun is something i really want to observe and study (who said astronomy was just a night time hobby).

It would be so cool to see sun spots and prems.................

They are pretty cheap..............do you think (given the fact that they may rip or scratch) that i would be better off buying a roll rather then a single sheet?

I already know the answer but would like opinions.

I'm new to astonomy (so to speak) so as a "so to speak beginner" i want to kit myself out in the early stages with the BASICS rather then find myself in a position where i want something right now but dont have it.

Let's just say that i am assembling a "beginners kit". In time i will learn what works best for what and my understanding of equipment will grow and i will invest more. But for now i am just obtaining the basics.

My friend has a soligor 3.7 scope an has a solar filter for it i saw sun spots before but even to look at the sun is excellent definatey get one

PJ,

You will certainly see sunspots with a standard solar filter (like astrosolar etc) but you won't see prominences . To see these you will need a dedicated SOLAR H_ALPHA filter. The is very different from the type of H-Alpha filter you see some of us talking about in the astrophotography forum. Unfortunately solar h-alpha filters are hugely expensive. If it is something you are *really* interested in then you need to look at a dedicated solar scope like the coranado pst range.

Astrosolar is not all that cheap either so you won't be buying a roll of it! As long as you treat it with care it should last you a long while. Just take care to test it every single time, before you put your eye to the scope. I test mine by putting my hand in front of the eyepiece. Much better burn your hand than your eye if the filter managed to get damaged!

Thanks for that Dave. I'll be happy just to see sun spots. Would the same solar filter allow me to also see solar eclipses safely?

Hey if they dont use a welders mask thats what i used the lastime!!!

Paul: Yep perfect for viewing partial eclipse and naked eye sunspots too.

Tony: I have heard that welders glass is not the safest to use since it doesn't block all of the Sun's harmful rays. I'm no expert on solar filters. I'm sure some of the guys can be more specific.