[Chaos-l] Solar filter safety

[Tony Garcia]

here's a thought.

Just stand outside and holding it above you shade the sun with it, have a
careful peek.

I think in seconds you will get a feel for how well it's working with
minimal risk.

I do this with my solar filters all the time as a sanity check and it's
kind of interesting to see if I can spot a sunspot this way.

I've heard you can use a black sharpie or similar to cover any pinholes
that have developed.


On Mon, Jun 4, 2012 at 12:43 PM, Michael Hrivnak <mhrivnak at hrivnak.org>wrote:

> Five years ago, I bought my first scope: an 8" dob. It came with a solar
> filter that I have never used. The Venus transit seems like an ideal time
> to try it out.
>
> I am slightly hesitant about its safety. How delicate are these things? I
> don't see any scratches or blemishes, but should I be at all hesitant about
> using it? Of course I will aim it at the sun and wait a few minutes before
> looking to make sure nothing catches fire, and let it project onto a piece
> of paper before my eye. Any other precautions worth taking?
>
> Thanks,
> Michael
>
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