K-Tec

Can a 3.5" refractor scope see sunspots?

  • pj30something
  • Topic Author
  • Offline
  • Super Giant
  • Super Giant
More
16 years 7 months ago #68525 by pj30something
Can a 3.5" refractor scope see sunspots? was created by pj30something
Is it possible using any EP? (highest i have is 6mm and with a 2X barlow=3mm).

I've seen the amazing images posted of sun spots and really i just want to know if it is worth the time and effort searching the sun surface for spots using a 3.5" scope?. I know i will not see what you guys see.............but anything would be great.

Should i bother or or just forget it?

Paul C
My next scope is going to be a Vixen VMC200L Catadioptric OTA

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

More
16 years 7 months ago #68528 by JohnMurphy
Replied by JohnMurphy on topic Re: Can a 3.5" refractor scope see sunspots?
No problem. Just be sure to use proper filters on the objective. (Baader Solar film is cheap, and you can make your own filter for abou €25.

A 3" is actually ideal, as you don't need to gather buckets of photons - I actually stop down my 4" to less than 3" when viewing sunspots.

A 9mm eyepiece will show plenty of detail with a barlow.

Clear Skies,
John Murphy
Irish Astronomical Society
Check out My Photos

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

  • pj30something
  • Topic Author
  • Offline
  • Super Giant
  • Super Giant
More
16 years 7 months ago #68530 by pj30something
Replied by pj30something on topic Re: Can a 3.5" refractor scope see sunspots?
I have a solar filter made with Baader Solar film. I also have a 9mm EP and a 2X barlow.....................so i'm good to go?

Dont know why i am not catching them when i know they are there.

Paul C
My next scope is going to be a Vixen VMC200L Catadioptric OTA

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

More
16 years 7 months ago #68531 by lunartic_old
Replied by lunartic_old on topic Re: Can a 3.5" refractor scope see sunspots?
I have often used my 80mm refractor to observe the sun with plenty of spots seen.

Programming today is a race between software engineers striving to build bigger and better programs, and the universe trying to produce bigger and better idiots. So far, the universe is winning.

Rich Cook

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

  • pj30something
  • Topic Author
  • Offline
  • Super Giant
  • Super Giant
More
16 years 7 months ago #68532 by pj30something
Replied by pj30something on topic Re: Can a 3.5" refractor scope see sunspots?
Thanks lads this is all encouraging news.

Paul C
My next scope is going to be a Vixen VMC200L Catadioptric OTA

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

More
16 years 7 months ago #68535 by JohnMurphy
Replied by JohnMurphy on topic Re: Can a 3.5" refractor scope see sunspots?
Focusing may be the problem.
I usually use the limb to get a good focus. Make sure that the limb is sharp and you'll be close enough - focus wise - to see any spots on show. The sun has been pretty quiet of late - and just because you see shots of prominences on these boards does not mean you'll se any spots. You won't see prominences with a white light filter (Baader).

Clear Skies,
John Murphy
Irish Astronomical Society
Check out My Photos

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

Time to create page: 0.123 seconds
Powered by Kunena Forum