Hastings Museum of Natural and Cultural History

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Solar Observing

Solar observing on the front patio.

From our earliest childhood we are told that looking at the Sun is dangerous. And it is dangerous, if done incorrectly. But if safe methods are used, the Sun makes for some wonderful viewing - and not just during an eclipse. After all, the Sun is the only star we can see from close range, the only star which reveals rich, rewarding detail - particularly when a properly-equipped telescope is used.

Two Saturdays per month from March through October, the planetarium staff sets up telescopes for safe solar viewing. If you look through those telescopes, what will you see? And what does the Sun look like without a telescope, using only a filter? If you're like most people, you'll be quite pleasantly surprised.

Solar Observing is offered two Saturday per month from 11:00 a.m. - Noon. The same Saturdays that the Sachtleben Observatory of Hastings College is open during the evening. No admission required.

Solar Observing Dates 2008 - Weather permitting and subject to change
March 15 May 10 July 12 September 6
March 29 May 24 July 26 September 20
April 12 June 14 August 9 October 11
April 26 June 28 August 23 October 25

 

Photo of Sun seen through a red (hydrogen-alpha) filter.

This composite image of the Sun was taken through the museum's telescope equipped with a red (hydrogen-alpha) filter. It approximates what the viewer would see looking through the telescope. Yes, you can see the prominences (flame-like projections of hot gas) arching thousands of miles above the Sun's surface!

Close up of prominence.