Solar viewing question.

[Jnicholes]

Hi everyone,

So, I received my solar filter in the mail today. Unfortunately, my mount broke last night, so I’m waiting for a new one. Until then, I can’t use my new solar filter or my telescope.

I did test the filter by holding it up to the sun. It works. No damage on it.

I have a concern I would like to ask about. I know solar viewing requires special equipment, which I now have. However, what I’m concerned about is my telescope getting too hot from looking at the sun. I have an 80 mm refractor with a 900 mm focal length.

Is the telescope overheating a problem I should worry about? If it is, how do I prevent it or minimize it?

Any advice would be appreciated.

Jared

[KingNothing13]

I suspect you are more likely to overheat than the telescope, assuming you have the filter on the objective properly.

It is *probably* not an issue - but others who know more may provide a more informed answer.

I have a filter for my AD10, I have not used it much, but have never had a problem when I have.

[KathyNS]

An aperture filter that rejects enough incoming radiation to protect your eye will also protect the scope.

I think that some places still sell eyepiece -mounted solar filters. These are dangerous and their sale should be prosecuted as criminal negligence. In addition to destroying your eyesight, they will allow the scope to overheat and are likely to damage cemented lens combinations.

[Jnicholes]

This is not what you’re talking about, right? I’ve heard about the dangers of using Eyepiece filters, so I got an aperture filter.

Fits over the front of my scope perfectly.

[AstroBee]

This is not what you’re talking about, right? I’ve heard about the dangers of using Eyepiece filters, so I got an aperture filter.

Fits over the front of my scope perfectly.

You're safe with that one. That is an aperture filter that fits over the front element of the scope. The only issue you will have is the tripod,mount and scope getting warm, possibly hot to the touch but not likely to get hot enough to damage anything. I have a dedicated Ha solar scope but use it on my regular mount and tripod. It does get hot enough that I can barely touch the metal legs of the tripod and the mount does get warm, but no damage.

[Thefatkitty]

Hi Jared,

I as well have an 80mm at 900mm f/l, and have been out for upwards of an hour with it, and never a problem. Everything from my DSLR to my eyeballs works great with it and never an overheating issue.

And welcome to the world of solar!

All the best,

[Ylem]

I never had any issues, although I once read a post wondering if excessive heat to an SCT/Mak could hurt it's lubrication.

I never had any issues with mine though.
I have had my Mak at the beach as a spotter during the day many times spotting ships off the horizon.

[Baurice]

WARNING: Solar viewing is very addictive. Victims can spend zillions of pounds/dollars/euros/etc on solar narrowband gear. In extreme cases, victims have been known to lose interest in the night sky.

I have been using filters since 2001 and been OK.

[Ylem]

WARNING: Solar viewing is very addictive. Victims can spend zillions of pounds/dollars/euros/etc on solar narrowband gear. In extreme cases, victims have been known to lose interest in the night sky.

I have been using filters since 2001 and been OK.

So true!

I am out a lot more looking at the Sun than the night sky, yes I am becoming a solar head!