I use a full cover orion glass filter with covers on both sides while in
storage. Plus the filter is velcro to the scope when in use. No spotter
used.

Keith
-----Original Message-----
From: amastro@yahoogroups.com [mailto:amastro@yahoogroups.com]On Behalf Of
Mark Ost
Sent: Saturday, July 04, 2009 9:58 AM
To: amastro@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [amastro] Very close call solar viewing





Just a half hour ago I was viewing the emerging sunspot through my 5 inch
Takahashi using a Herschel wedge. As I brought the finder scope to bear on
the sun I immediately suspected something was not right with the Mylar
objective filter I use over the finder. There was more light than usual in
the field of view and a strange reflected image of the sun in the scope. I
immediately pulled away from the finder as it seemed more intense than
usual. I had inspected the filter form the outside as I usually do but
something was wrong. Upon further inspection I found a flaw on the interior
of the filter material, no evidence of damage on the other side. I have been
solar observing for quite a while and regard myself as safe and qualified
but this one time I was not critical enough of my inspection of the filter.
Now, one half hour later as I write this my left eye feels like it has been
exposed to a welders flash. Not bad but definitely there. The filter blocked
most of the energy so I suspect that no permanent damage has been done but
it was close. The effect was very rapid.

In light of our recent discussion on solar observing this has been a
remarkable wake up call. Please look hard at all solar filters before use on
BOTH sides.

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