5 replies to this topic

[ubcastro]

I attempted my first solar outreach this past Sunday, a beautiful, clear, hot day, using the UBC Astronomy Club's new APM 140 refractor and Daystar Quark. 

I don't yet have a solar finder, so finding the sun took me far too long, but thankfully once found, my mount was gracious enough to track

 

Great prominences and lots of detail in the chromosphere to admire. Around ~70 or so people came by and some people were very impressed. 

Attached Thumbnails

• 
• 

[Paul Sweeney]

To center the sun quickly, look at the shadow of the scope. When the shadow is almost round, you should see what looks like a single diffaction ring on the ground. Center it around the shadow, and the sun should be in or close to the fov of a low power eyepiece.

[ubcastro]

I tried using the shadow, but it still took a while to centre. At 129X magnification (980mm focal length, 4.2X barlow, 32mm plossl), it's not so easy to find the sun. Ordered a solar finder though!

[Paul Sweeney]

I use a 40mm eyepiece. Another option is to make a small filter for your finder. I used to have one, but some kid stole it.

[fizicksteacher]

I use a 40mm eyepiece. Another option is to make a small filter for your finder. I used to have one, but some kid stole it.

That is a great idea. Thank you.

[Ron-Fr]

I use a 40mm eyepiece. Another option is to make a small filter for your finder. I used to have one, but some kid stole it.

That's scary. If a kid can steal it, it means that a kid can remove it.