How to Observe the Sun Safely

The Sun is the brightest and most accessible object in the sky, and it has much to offer the amateur astronom er with modest equipment. On most days it shows sunspots and other features that displaya wealth of fine detail and change their appearance strikingly from day to day. But observing the Sun can be dangerous. NEVER look at the Sun through a telescope or other optical aid, even for a brief instant. The Sun's intense radiation, amplified and focused by a telescope, will almost certainly cause eye injury and could weIl lead to complete blindness. Do not attempt any solar observing until you have read and understood the safety precautions and observing advice set out in Chapter 2 of this book - even if you think you have the correct equipment. Be especially wary about using filters to observe the Sun. If you have a filter that makes the Sun look dark, it is not necessarily safe, as it is largely the Sun's invisible radiation that is harmful to the eye. But provided you use the correct techniques, such as projecting the solar image onto a screen or using a specially designed, quality solar filter that fits over the telescope aperture, it is quite easy to observe the Sun safely.

From the reviews:

"Good practical advice as to how to observe the Sun, safely. Recommended for all current and potential solar observers." (Richard Taylor, Spaceflight, Vol. 45 (11), 2003)

"The author’s own enthusiasm for solar astronomy is made quite clear as he introduces the Sun as an object, guides the reader on the types of telescope that might be used for solar astronomy and the different methods of observing the Sun in safety. … he reveals how best to record solar observations. … This manual would be a suitable addition to any bookshelf that is regularly used by keen observers." (Brian Halls, Astronomy Now, October, 2003)

"This will be a hard book to beat as a comprehensive practical guide to solar observing. … Lee’s book fully and very clearly describes, and illustrates, the best ways to produce accurate and useful observations … . He writes in a very readable way: the advice and guidance given is easily absorbed. … This book will provide the novice solar observer with clear guidance on all aspects of observation and recording. The experienced observer will find food for thought and action too." (Richard Bailey, Popular Astronomy, Vol. 50 (3), 2003)

"Here is a book that is ideally suited to someone who has recently begun solar observing or who is contemplating observing our nearest star. Lee Macdonald … gives his expertise on solar observing in this easy to read book. … there is sufficient information to enable readers to make their own useful solar observations. I think that the book successfully describes how to observe the Sun safely and how to make the most of any observation." (Peter Meadows, Journal of the British Astronomical Association, Vol. 113 (3), 2003)