Solar Observing

1. Solar Observing • Don’t look at the Sun without the proper protection • Don’t magnify the Sun’s image without the proper protection • DUH!

2. Ways to safely View the Sun • Projection with a Pinhole device or a redirection through an optics system • Problems - can overheat telescope interiors

4. Solar Filter • Blocks out 99.999% - 99.99% of the light. • Works at all wavelengths, allows photography • Tints color of Sun • Scratch damage possible

6. H-alpha Filter • Blocks out all light except that which corresponds to the alpha line of Hydrogen (6500 Å) • Highlights chromospheric features • 2 parts - energy rejection filter (ERF) to block out most of the light (requires electricity), and another filter to block other light

8. Why Observe the Sun? • Sun Spots! • Solar Flares • Prominences • CME (Coronal Mass ejections)

10. Sun Spot Observations • Number of Spots • Number of Groups • Location of Spots • Types of Spots What may look like many spots to one observer may not to another - equipment dependent values for spot numbers

11. R = k (10 f + g) f = number of Sun spot areas = number of groups g = number of spots k = correction factor - telescope dependent R = relative number of spots Need to determine the k value for your telescope by checking your numbers to the actual number counted

12. Also, need to determine location of spots relative to the Sun’s equator (latitude), limb • Use the motion of the Sun in the telescope to determine the directions of E-W

15. McIntosh Classification System • 3 letters to denote Sunspot group characteristics • First letter, group size/general form • Second letter, main spot characteristic • Third letter, group distribution

20. H-alpha Filter

22. Flares and Prominence and CMEs, Oh my!

24. Normally....

34. Diamond Ring Effect

35. Bailey’s Beads

40. Shadow Bands

46. December 25, 2000