The Sun

WARNING

When observing the Sun DO NOT rely on eyepiece filters for protection. They should always be considered to be inadequate. The heat concentrated on the eyepiece by the objective is intense. You may not have any warning between the cracking of the filter and the loss of eyesight in one eye. Solar observers NEVER use eyepiece filters.

High-resolution hydrogen alpha photograph of a sunspot group. J. Dragesco EDT refractor f/30 with 0.6 Angstrom H-alpha filter.

The Solar Section studies the largest body in our solar system, the Sun. Favorite targets are sunspots, white-light flares and solar eclipses. All types of observations are needed to supplement professional data in order to give a more complete picture of how the Sun changes over time.

These observations include photographs, drawings, and CCD images. The white-light data is collected using filters (glass or Mylar), or by eyepiece projection (use an old eyepiece as heat damage is possible). This allows study of the Sun's photosphere, the visible "bright" layer of the Sun. Other observations can be made using special narrow-bandpass filters such as the Daystar hydrogen alpha or calcium K filters. These allow the observer to isolate the Sun's chromosphere, the layer just above the more easily visible photosphere.

The solar section is host to the white light flare patrol, which follows and observes sunspot regions that produce solar flares in white light. There is also a radio solar astronomy group that collects observations of the Sun in the radio-wave band of the spectrum.

The Solar Section has an e-mail distribution list named Solnet, which is distributed regularly, Topics discussed include current observations and reports of solar observations. Warnings of special events needing attention, such as potential flare producing regions are also posted. Information on Solnet can be obtained from the ALPO web page. Soon observing forms will be available for downloading directly from the web.

More information about the Solar Section, including observing forms, can be obtained from the solar section coordinator.