"How to Observe the Sun Safely, 2nd Edition" gives all the basic
information and advice the amateur astronomer needs to get started in
observing our own ever-fascinating star. Unlike many other astronomical
objects, you do not need a large telescope or expensive equipment to
observe the Sun. And it is possible to take excellent pictures of the
Sun with today's low-cost digital cameras!
This title concentrates on providing practical, on-the-spot advice to
the amateur astronomer who is interested in observing the Sun, using
commercially available equipment. This book surveys what is visible on
the Sun, before describing how to record solar features and measure
solar activity levels. There is also an account of how to use H-alpha
and Calcium-K filters to observe and record prominences and other
features of the solar chromosphere, the Sun's inner atmosphere. Because
we are just entering a period of high activity on the Sun, following a
long, quiet period, many more amateur astronomers will become interested
in observing it.
The second edition includes an update of Chapter 2 to reflect advances
in solar observing equipment since 2002, and a section on building a
solar projection box, originally included in the main body of this
chapter has been moved to Appendix A. Also Chapter 6 thru 8 have been
completely revised to give amateur astronomers advice on how to use film
to photograph the Sun, and how to use digital cameras. This new edition
also includes more than twice as many illustrations as the first and
almost half of them new images.