There is a lot of advice, opinion and some evidence that no form of direct viewing is truly safe. I prefer the aluminized prefilters as they keep the scope cool. The Herschell wedge does nothing specific to reduce the proportion of UV and IR radiation. I modified a color digital camera to have a removable lens replacable by an eyepiece adapter. The LCD display gives incredible images of the sun spots and granulation using just a mylar prefilter. I do not recommend projection on a white sheet if the image is too bright because that can harm the eyes too, but a long projection into a darkened room should be safer. I encourage anyone to explore safer options to direct solar viewing. The damage done today may take twenty to thirty years to manifest itself.

Be Safe, Not sorry...
-Rick

• RE: Safety is the question... - Bill G - May 18, 2000 - 02:24 UTC