I'm an amateur among amateur astronomers and had some observing questions. I have a Celestron white solar filter (http://www.celestron.com/c3/product.php?CatID=45&ProdID=475) which I thought would allow me to view prominences. However, I found out the other day that I would need a red filter for that. . .like the Coronado telescopes. What type of filter will I need, and does one exist that will fit my C9.25" OTA?
Help Observing Solar Prominences
Started by paulko85, 03/15/2011 01:11AM
Posted 03/15/2011 01:11AM
Opening Post
Posted 03/18/2011 02:49AM
#1
Paul,
You will be able to see the suns photosphere with your white light filter. There is much to see and learn when observing the photosphere. If you wish to see the chromosphere where the hydrogen gas is you will need a narrowband filter like a Lunt H-alpha filter or better yet a Daystar. I suggest before you dive into solar observing you read up on the internet and find out what your options are and what you can expect to see with your telescope both day and night. Often newcomers become discouraged because they have very high expectations about what they can see and I blame the glossy ads in S&T and Astronomy. Once you have the knowledge you will be able to enjoy solar observing in a safe manner. Best of luck and enjoy.
Martin
You will be able to see the suns photosphere with your white light filter. There is much to see and learn when observing the photosphere. If you wish to see the chromosphere where the hydrogen gas is you will need a narrowband filter like a Lunt H-alpha filter or better yet a Daystar. I suggest before you dive into solar observing you read up on the internet and find out what your options are and what you can expect to see with your telescope both day and night. Often newcomers become discouraged because they have very high expectations about what they can see and I blame the glossy ads in S&T and Astronomy. Once you have the knowledge you will be able to enjoy solar observing in a safe manner. Best of luck and enjoy.
Martin
"In the beginner's mind there are many possibilities, but in the expert's there are few." Shunryu Suzuki[COLOR="Blue"][/COLOR]
Posted 03/18/2011 10:39AM
| Edited 03/18/2011 10:39AM
#2
To outfit your SCT for prominence viewing you would need an expensive DayStar unit. Although worth every penny, I would suggest you buy a dedicated solar scope. I lean toward the Lunt over the Meade (Coronado) products. The Meade PST has limited flexibility and can be difficult to use for taking photos. But works fine for visual use. Lunt is made in Arizona and have become very popular. Start with a simple 35mm or 40mm aperture and see how you like it. You can always sell it and upgrade to something larger later on.
There is a lesser expensive Lumicon solar prom filter, but it is a higher bandwidth and limits surface details. It is for proms only. The Lunt or Meade will show you way more detail.
There is a lesser expensive Lumicon solar prom filter, but it is a higher bandwidth and limits surface details. It is for proms only. The Lunt or Meade will show you way more detail.
Paul Ko said:
I'm an amateur among amateur astronomers and had some observing questions. I have a Celestron white solar filter (http://www.celestron.com/c3/product.php?CatID=45&ProdID=475) which I thought would allow me to view prominences. However, I found out the other day that I would need a red filter for that. . .like the Coronado telescopes. What type of filter will I need, and does one exist that will fit my C9.25" OTA?
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