Solar Filter

[stargazer]

Guys,

I just got an AstroMaster 130 Newt. Is it safe to look at the sun with it by adding in with a solar filter? Any advice and recommendation?

Thanks!

[Mariner]

First thing first. Do not EVER use those solar filters that screw into the end of the eyepiece. Solar filers are meant to be placed at the opening of the scope to cut down on the light and heat energy entering the scope.

Having said that, as long as you are using right type of solar filters (full aperture or stopped down aperture), you can safely view the sun through your scope.

[stargazer]

Thanks Mariner for your advice!

[Great Red Spot]

http://www.thousandoaksoptical.com/solar.html

[stargazer]

Guys,

Will it work if I get a thousandoasks black polymer film and paste over the hole in my scope's dust cover and use it view the sun? Will the sun appears very dark due to 'insufficient light' into the scope?

[antares2063]

Hi , how big is the hole in the dust cover? Correct me if im wrong... wont the sheet be sold in A4 size? It should be sufficient enough to make one that covers your whole 5" newt

Regards
Junwei

[stargazer]

Hi , how big is the hole in the dust cover? Correct me if im wrong... wont the sheet be sold in A4 size? It should be sufficient enough to make one that covers your whole 5" newt

Regards
Junwei

Hi Jun Wei,

The hole size is ard 3 ~ 4 cm dia. Yes, the sheet is A4 size, just that I thought of needing just a small portion to be used on an existing dust cover. Else, would have to hunt ard for a right size box, cut out a circular shape to replace with the film...