Observation of the Sun

The observation of the Sun is integral part of the Astronomie, and this although it takes place of day. Though one says some, the Sun remains the star nearest to the Ground.

Interest

The Sun, so close that it can be, remains rather mysterious. The observation of the Sun made it possible (and always allows) to include/understand how this last product so much of Lumière and energy, but also how it evolves/moves, and its effects on the Earth.

Nowadays, the observation of the Sun is directed towards the monitoring of the solar activity, in addition to the scientific work. The solar activity, indeed, is not to take with the light one: sometimes it will give rise to Northern lights (or southern) which makes our amazement, but if a renewal of activity takes place, as at the time of a solar eruption, the effects can be much more dangerous for the Earth, the life, and human civilization.

Risks

Except the risks to be dazzled by full a the Moon observed with the Telescope, the night astronomical observation is overall inoffensive. It is not the case of the solar observation, which can involve serious damage for the eyes of the imprudent observer.

It is very dangerous to observe the Sun directly without protections, whether it is with the naked eye, or with a telescope. The burn of the retina pulled by the solar radiation is painless besides, and you will realize of the damage undergone by your Rétine, only once the destroyed latter!

Material

Like known as higher, it is essential to be protected to observe the Sun.

Several ways of observing exist:

by direct observation: one looks at the solar disk through a protection;
by projection: one looks at the solar disk projected on a screen, less dangerous than the preceding method.

Adapted material

of the glasses of recent eclipses , of too old being able to be damaged, less effective, and thus dangerous;
cousin of the glasses, the Viséclipse , is adapted glass crimped in a disc out of paperboard, practice and of quasi-unlimited lifespan (unless glass does not break, it will serve several years to you);
of the filters, to go up on all kinds of instruments of astronomy. It can be flexible (sheets AstroSolar Baader ) and thus to assemble oneself even in a filter, or treated glass, and already loans (best, but also the most expensive, is say Hα, they are the only ones to allow the vision of the solar eruptions);
of glasses of welder, but at least rank 14.

; For the indirect observation

device of projection using a telescope, and a screen of paperboard;
simplest: a hole of needle in a paperboard (principle of the Pinhole);
surest: the Solarscope , apparatus out of paperboard presenting a whole optical system allowing to project an image of the solar disk on a screen in the case. Useful for the observations of group.

Unsuited material

the photographic films, even in great number superimposed, are ineffective;
glass blackened with the flame of candle is dangerous, because does not filter uniformly;
old glasses of eclipse (more few months).

Do not take risks ill-considered, even if it means to pay glasses of eclipses or a filter. Your eyes are worth more than a few euros.

Events

The observation of the Sun acquired a great success near the public in particular at the time of events such as the eclipses of the sun, or the transits of planets (Transit of Venus for example).

See too

Observation of the sky

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