modest shore
‼️ NEVER LOOK AT THE SUN WITHOUT PROPER FILTERING‼️
The Sun, being our own star, is quite the interesting object in our sky. However, it is dangerous. If you want to observe or photograph it, it is crucial that you do it safely to avoid permanent damage to YOU and your equipment.
What NOT to do
- ❌ NEVER look at the sun without a proper filter. I can't state this enough.
- ❌Do NOT attempt to make any kind of DIY film out of foil or whatever material. It will not work.
- ❌ Sunglasses, regardless of how many you may put on, will never be safe to view the Sun with.
- ❌ Do NOT use a filter at the eyepiece (typically labeled as "SUN" filters. These are not safe, and should not be sold in the first place. Do not use them.
- ❌ It is not safe to use eclipse glasses at the eyepiece of a telescope.
What equipment do I need?(and other advice) - ✅ If you want to see the Sun without a telescope, you'll need solar glasses in compliance with the ISO 12312-2 standard. A list of trusted suppliers can be found here.
- ✅ If you'd like to see the Sun through a telescope, you'll need a solar filter that goes OVER THE FRONT OF THE TELESCOPE. I will once again state that you can't use eclipse glasses at the eyepiece. I recommend solar film over glass solar filters, film is much more durable and will generally be safer. I recommend Baader AstroSolar OD5.0 film. This film is ONLY safe for viewing through a telescope, not held up to your eyes. For extended periods of viewing, I strongly recommend a UV/IR cut filter at the eyepiece for safety. Make sure the filter is securely attached. I recommend velcro or tape. Velcro is the neatest option, but I would use tape at any public places, just incase
- ⚠️ If you want to find the sun through your telescope, you can't look at the sun to do so. The method to find the sun is to use the shadow of your telescope, and align it. That should get you close enough.
- ⚠️ Always inspect your filter before use. I use the flashlight method: Place the filter in front of your eyes, and point a bright flashlight at the filter. You shouldn't find any holes in the filter. If you do, the filter is trash.
Eclipse Safety
- Filters must be used for the entirety of all partial phases, and under no circumstances can you remove them. Annular Eclipses cannot be viewed without a filter
- Even if the Sun may appear dimmer during late partial phases, it is not safe to view. Do not look.
- You may remove filters/glasses only during totality
- Viewing totality through a telescope can be dangerous.
If you forget to put the filter back on at the end of totality, you're cooked. Set an alarm for around 30 seconds until the end of totality, and put it back on. You can use an app like Solar Eclipse Timer and it will walk you through the eclipse with audio cues. It is $2. However, unless your totality is 4 minutes or above, don't bother. Just enjoy the moment. It goes by so fast. - You may see images of the Diamond Ring or Bailey's Beads online and wonder how/if you can capture them.
❌ Bailey's Beads/Diamond Ring cannot be safely observed visually.
If you wish to PHOTOGRAPH Bailey's Beads/Diamond Ring, you may remove your camera's solar filter 15 seconds before totality, and place it back on 15 seconds after.
ENJOY THE MOMENT
Automate your imaging entirely. If you can't automate your rig, don't attempt to take photos. Trust me on this one, the sight and experience of a total solar eclipse is worth much more than the photos. Don't waste time stressing about other things.
If you have any questions, or maybe something I missed, you can mention it in the thread. Stay safe! 
forest pollen
cursive stream
olive ruin
stoic jay
