Solar Observation for Beginners

Meet Star Gazers

Michel Deconinck has been an amateur astronomer for more than 50 years. In this episode, I have the privilege of interviewing him on how to observe the Sun safely.

Safety Warning : If you are thinking of viewing the Sun, your first concern should always be eye safety. Serious eye damage can result from even a brief glimpse of our nearest star. Never view the Sun directly with the naked eye or with any unfiltered optical device, such as binoculars or a telescope ! (Source : ESA / Science & Exploration / Space Science)

Only use filters from reputable sources, and never use a "solar filter" that screws into an eyepiece. As Richard Hill states in Observe and Understand the Sun: "Observing the sun is the only inherently dangerous observing an amateur astronomer can do. Be aware of this at all times and take all necessary precautions. If you do not know a filter or procedure is safe then do not use it ! Always err on the side of safety. An eye once damaged is forever damaged. Filters that let too much INFRARED light through can burn an eye if used visually. There is NO PAIN when this happens. Burned retinas can not be repaired. Excessive ULTRAVIOLET light has been shown to cause cataracts. So be very careful." (Source : Sunspotter Observing Program of The Astronomical League)

Time Stamps :

• 05:24 : What is the Sun made of ? How does the Sun work ?
• 07:35 : How hot is the Sun ?
• 08:44 : What colour is the Sun ?
• 10:11 : What are solar prominences (i.e. flares) and sunspots ?
• 16:11 : How to observe the Sun safely ?
• 17:56 : How does a solar filter work ? What is a solar filter made of ?
• 19:27 : What is a Hydrogen alpha filter ?
• 21:27 : Can I look at the Sun with binoculars ?

Useful Links and Resources :

• Aquarellia
• Astronomy - Aquarellia
• Astronomy during Lockdowns - Aquarellia
• Sunspot Index and Long-term Solar Observations
• Solar Section - American Association of Variable Star Observers (AAVSO)
• Solar Dynamics Observatory - Data

If you liked this episode, please consider buying me a coffee.