6A70.22 - Solar Telescope

Code Number:
6A70.22
Demo Title:
Solar Telescope
Condition:
Excellent
Principle:
Solar Observations
Area of Study:
Optics
Equipment:
Solar Telescope with Lenses and Heavy Tripod.
Procedure:

See also 8D20.45 in Astronomy.

Place the solar telescope on the heavy tripod and aim at the sun using the internal sighting mechanism as a guide.  Insert the desired eye piece and look at the sun.  The telescope has a special filter integrated into the mechanism that allows you to look at the sun safely in the H-Alpha region of the spectrum.  This gives you a very clear view of the solar surface and sunspots, solar granulation, prominences, and other phenomenon when the filter is adjusted properly.

References:
  • Jay M. Pasachoff, "Resource Letter SPh-1: Solar Physics", AJP, Vol. 78, #9, Sept. 2010, p. 890.
  • Wallace A. Filton, "A Solar Telescope for the Classroom", AJP, Vol. 38, #3, Mar. 1970, p. 391. 

Disclaimer: These demonstrations are provided only for illustrative use by persons affiliated with The University of Iowa and only under the direction of a trained instructor or physicist.  The University of Iowa is not responsible for demonstrations performed by those using their own equipment or who choose to use this reference material for their own purpose.  The demonstrations included here are within the public domain and can be found in materials contained in libraries, bookstores, and through electronic sources.  Performing all or any portion of any of these demonstrations, with or without revisions not depicted here entails inherent risks.  These risks include, without limitation, bodily injury (and possibly death), including risks to health that may be temporary or permanent and that may exacerbate a pre-existing medical condition; and property loss or damage.  Anyone performing any part of these demonstrations, even with revisions, knowingly and voluntarily assumes all risks associated with them.