observingthesun

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Observing the Sun

Equipment Needed for
Observing the Sun

How to Study the Sun

Ever wondered what the stars look like ?
Well take a close look at our Sun, the stars you see in the sky at night, most look like our Sun. That's right, the stars in the sky are just like our star "The SUN".
It's a normal G2 standard star, like most of the star in the sky. I like to observe the sun myself. You can see sun spots, prominences (flares) on the sun with as little as a small telescope and a good filter. If you use a white light filter you are going to spend about $20.00 or less for a filter, just have to know where to buy one. Once you get you a small telescope and start observing the sun, you will want to get to et to www.astroleague.org/observing/html. If you want to click on the link below you can download a PDF file and print out the observing the sun sheet, which will help you out while trying to draw the Sun. Look on the link above to get more information about how to fill out the form. There you will be able to recieve a certificate after you meet the guide lines about observing the Sun or any of the other many objects that they have for you to observe. I have started on my way to recieve the Sun Observers Certificate, and I am two objects away from recieving my Messier Certificate. And I am also working on my binocular certificate and my Caldwell Object Certificate at the same time.

Here you can learn what equipment you need to really study the Sun. You can start with an inexpensive telescope. Any type , as long as you have a Sun Filter on it. You can purchase a Sun filter almost anywhere. I found one at Fry's Electronics that fit an ETX for $20.00. I used tape to tape it to the end of the telescope so that it wouldn't fall off. REMEMBER NEVER LOOK DIRECTLY AT THE SUN, IT WILL CAUSE PERMANANT EYE DAMAGE.AND THIS WILL HAPPEN INSTANTLY. NO CHANCE TO SAY I ONLY LOOKED FOR A SECOND. THAT'S ALL IT TAKES. AND PERMANENT INSTANT SCOPE DAMAGE ALSO.SO REMEMBER THE NEXT LINE   PERMANENT EYE DAMAGE FOREVER.   So never look directly at the Sun. Make sure when you get a telescope you leave the finder scope caps on, or better yet remove the finder so that someone won't remove the caps and use it. It is your responsibility to make sure that ever time you look at the Sun you do it safely.
     If you have a pair of binoculars you can purchase filter for your binoculars at most telescope stores. If you have trouble finding filters check here. www.OrionTelescopes.com
   If you would like more information or have a question e-mail me and I will see if I can help.
Be safe observing the Sun.

PDF Sun Spot Drawing Sheet

Remember, Never Look at the Sun. You will damage your eyes for life. Permanetly.

To the left you can see a picture of a Cornado PST. Personal Solar Telescope.
If you want to view the Sun, this is one of the best ways to do it. You would be suprised at the views you can get in one of the scopes. The view below is just one picture of many that you can get. The picture is almost like you would get but not as much detail. The picture on the lower left is what you would see if you order the PST K. For further info go to
www.starizona.com then do a search for coronado.

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