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