- Posts: 1541
- Thank you received: 0
Can a 3.5" refractor scope see sunspots?
- pj30something
- Topic Author
- Offline
- Super Giant
Less
More
16 years 7 months ago #68538
by pj30something
Paul C
My next scope is going to be a Vixen VMC200L Catadioptric OTA
Replied by pj30something 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.
I always use the limb as a focal point.....................that way i know when i am looking at the surface that my scope is focused correctly.
Good point though..............................ALWAYS USE THE LIMB as a focal point.
I am not looking for "proms"..................just bog standard sunspots.
You won't see prominences with a white light filter (Baader).
I guessed that ...............so i use the orange and red celestron filters that i bought for my scope to try and see spots.
I'm not even trying to see proms........................just spots.
I usually use the limb to get a good focus.
I always use the limb as a focal point.....................that way i know when i am looking at the surface that my scope is focused correctly.
Good point though..............................ALWAYS USE THE LIMB as a focal point.
I am not looking for "proms"..................just bog standard sunspots.
You won't see prominences with a white light filter (Baader).
I guessed that ...............so i use the orange and red celestron filters that i bought for my scope to try and see spots.
I'm not even trying to see proms........................just spots.
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.
- JohnMurphy
- Offline
- Super Giant
16 years 7 months ago #68543
by JohnMurphy
Then a 3.5" is perfect. I wouldn't bother with the colour filters though........
Clear Skies,
John Murphy
Irish Astronomical Society
Check out My Photos
Replied by JohnMurphy on topic Re: Can a 3.5" refractor scope see sunspots?
I'm not even trying to see proms........................just spots.
Then a 3.5" is perfect. I wouldn't bother with the colour filters though........
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
Less
More
- Posts: 1541
- Thank you received: 0
16 years 7 months ago #68546
by pj30something
Paul C
My next scope is going to be a Vixen VMC200L Catadioptric OTA
Replied by pj30something on topic Re: Can a 3.5" refractor scope see sunspots?
Then a 3.5" is perfect. I wouldn't bother with the colour filters though........
I just thought the filters would give contrast.
3.5" scopes are not to be scoffed at....................as most of what we know today was discovered and first seen in scopes of a similar size.
I just thought the filters would give contrast.
3.5" scopes are not to be scoffed at....................as most of what we know today was discovered and first seen in scopes of a similar size.
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.
- TrevorDurity
- Offline
- Red Giant
Less
More
- Posts: 777
- Thank you received: 18
16 years 7 months ago #68547
by TrevorDurity
Replied by TrevorDurity on topic Re: Can a 3.5" refractor scope see sunspots?
Sunspots can look great in a 3.5" scope. When I was doing white light I was using a megrez 90mm & a baader continuum filter + baader film.
I think the continuum is well worth it if you are using astrosolar film. It turns everything green but really brings out the contrast in the features around the spot & I found that the granules more defined. As filters go they are pretty good value too.
I think the continuum is well worth it if you are using astrosolar film. It turns everything green but really brings out the contrast in the features around the spot & I found that the granules more defined. As filters go they are pretty good value too.
Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.
- pj30something
- Topic Author
- Offline
- Super Giant
Less
More
- Posts: 1541
- Thank you received: 0
16 years 7 months ago #68550
by pj30something
Paul C
My next scope is going to be a Vixen VMC200L Catadioptric OTA
Replied by pj30something on topic Re: Can a 3.5" refractor scope see sunspots?
I have a green and light green filter in my case. Have not used them when observing the sun............although i have seen many pics of the sun in green
what's a continuum filter?.
what's a continuum filter?.
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.
- Petermark
- Offline
- Main Sequence
Less
More
- Posts: 324
- Thank you received: 0
16 years 7 months ago #68562
by Petermark
Mark.
Anybody who says that Earthshine is reflected Sunshine is talking Moonshine.
Replied by Petermark on topic Re: Can a 3.5" refractor scope see sunspots?
I've glimpsed sunspots with my naked eye through dense fog with the sun just above the horizon.
NOT a recommended observing practice though!
(The sun can damage the eye even when it looks severely dimmed.)
NOT a recommended observing practice though!
(The sun can damage the eye even when it looks severely dimmed.)
Mark.
Anybody who says that Earthshine is reflected Sunshine is talking Moonshine.
Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.
Time to create page: 0.125 seconds