Solar Observing

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Solar Observing

• Dont look at the Sun without the proper
  protection
• Dont magnify the Suns image without the proper
  protection
• DUH!

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Ways to safely View the Sun

• Projection with a Pinhole device or a redirection
  through an optics system
• Problems - can overheat telescope interiors

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Solar Filter

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

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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

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Why Observe the Sun?

• Sun Spots!
• Solar Flares
• Prominences
• CME (Coronal Mass ejections)

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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

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

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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

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H-alpha Filter
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Flares and Prominence and CMEs, Oh my!
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Normally....
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Diamond Ring Effect
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Baileys Beads
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Shadow Bands
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December 25, 2000
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