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About LinkBacksTotally new to solar viewing here. I want to see the Mercury transit this November. My question: is a filter for the front of one of my scopes a good way to do so? Which scope would you recommend? I am guessing the 6SE? Would the filter linked below work? Other recommendations? Thanks for your advice!
https://www.highpointscientific.com/...escopes-az1016
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- 07-19-2019, 01:49 PM #1
White Dwarf
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Which scope and which filter to view Mercury transit
yobbo89 likes this.Skyline 8 inch dob, ES AR102, Celestron 6SE, Celestron 90 mm f/10 GT refractor, Meade 80 mm f/5 Adventure Scope; ES Twilight I
EPs: 30, 18 mm ES 82, 12, 9, 7, 5 mm X-Cel LX, 2X Barlow
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- 07-19-2019, 04:06 PM #2
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Re: Which scope and which filter to view Mercury transit
Baader solar film can be used to do solar viewing and it is easy to make a filter cell for your telescope.
The last transit I used a 80mm refractor so a 150mm will show it.Refractors: Antares 105 f/15, Celestron 150 f/8, Stellarvue NHNG 80 f/6.9, TAL 100RS f/10, TS 102 f/11, UR 70 f/10, Vixen SD115s f/7.7
Mounts: Celestron SLT w/ pier mod & EQ-3 tripod, Celestron hypertuned CG-5 w/ tracking motor & Argo Navis, Manfrotto 028B w/ Stellarvue M2C, Manfrotto 055PRO w/ 128RC, TAL-1 HD EQ, Vixen SXP w/ HAL-130 SXG & half pier
Diagonals: 2" Astro-Physics MaxBright, 2" Zeiss/ Baader prism, 2" Baader Herschel Wedge (Photo Version), 2"
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Amici prism, 2" Stellarvue Dielectric, 2" TeleVue Everbrite
Eyepieces: A-Z
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The weakest link in the optical chain is the large nut located directly behind the
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/ camera. - Gabrielle
Ya gotta keep this Apo/
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thing in some balance of perspective. Apos are awesome, but long focus Achros aren't that far behind them - Siriusandthepup (CN)
Refractors kick arse precisely because they don't hide behind excuses. That is, they have no obstructions to hide behind. - Jon Isaacs (CN)
- 07-19-2019, 04:38 PM #3
Bright Giants
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Re: Which scope and which filter to view Mercury transit
The last transit I used an 8" Newtonian reflector - yeah, way too much light gathering ability. I used to use those "film" type filters but they are flimsy and the double sided sticky tape that holds the mylar to the frame parts easily in either a strong wind or over time. If that mylar comes loose and your eye is looking through it at the time you can easily destroy your sight. If you plan on viewing the sun in the future, I would highly recommend getting a glass filter. They're more expensive but also a lot safer and (seemingly) last forever. Mine is now 10 years old. The mylar one I bought lasted about a year.
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Orion 8" F4.9 1000mm FL, Coronado PST, Celestron 114mm F4.4 FL500mm (2x Barlow removed), Ioptron Mini-Tower, Ioptron iEQ30, Orion Atlas EQ-G, Canon 70D, ZWO ASI120MM, converted TASCO 114mm FL1000mm to Steam Punk, Coma Corrector, Meade 114mm Fl1000 on manual mount.
- 07-19-2019, 05:41 PM #4
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Re: Which scope and which filter to view Mercury transit
A properly made solar filter will not “come apart” in use, double sided tape is not recommended usually as it can loosen from the heat while observing. If the filter is not held by a tight press fit or nylon screws it should then be firmly taped into place.
Never view with a loose fitting filter.
Baader and Kendrick Astro both have excellent instructions on making a proper cell for the film.
When not in use the filter should be stored in a container to keep it from sharp objects and visually checked before use the same as any film or glass solar filter. If a spot/ pinhole is found a black marker or paint can be used to cover it.
In terms of resolution the best is a Herschel wedge followed by the Baader solar film and then Mylar and glass filters.
Resolution differences can be found online on various websites if wanting to check.bpm990d likes this.Refractors: Antares 105 f/15, Celestron 150 f/8, Stellarvue NHNG 80 f/6.9, TAL 100RS f/10, TS 102 f/11, UR 70 f/10, Vixen SD115s f/7.7
Mounts: Celestron SLT w/ pier mod & EQ-3 tripod, Celestron hypertuned CG-5 w/ tracking motor & Argo Navis, Manfrotto 028B w/ Stellarvue M2C, Manfrotto 055PRO w/ 128RC, TAL-1 HD EQ, Vixen SXP w/ HAL-130 SXG & half pier
Diagonals: 2" Astro-Physics MaxBright, 2" Zeiss/ Baader prism, 2" Baader Herschel Wedge (Photo Version), 2"
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Amici prism, 2" Stellarvue Dielectric, 2" TeleVue Everbrite
Eyepieces: A-Z
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The weakest link in the optical chain is the large nut located directly behind the
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/ camera. - Gabrielle
Ya gotta keep this Apo/
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thing in some balance of perspective. Apos are awesome, but long focus Achros aren't that far behind them - Siriusandthepup (CN)
Refractors kick arse precisely because they don't hide behind excuses. That is, they have no obstructions to hide behind. - Jon Isaacs (CN)
- 07-19-2019, 11:24 PM #5
Bright Giants
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Re: Which scope and which filter to view Mercury transit
If you are going to do visual observing, make sure to get the Baader film that is rated for visual. They do sell some just for photography, but not to be used with eyeballs.
I have had the Baader film and it is excellent. I have a solar wedge for my refactors and film for my Dob.
BGabby76 likes this.Central Maine
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XT8i,
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120ED, Lunt 60mm H-a DS, TS Photoline 80mm F/6, 9.25 SCT Evo., Celestron AVX.
Baader Morph. 17.5, 9, 6.5. & Hyp. 31, 21, 17, 13, 10, Full set of UO-KK Orthos, Full set of Vixen SSWs, ES 12 & 17mm 92°: 30mm 82°: 40 & 26mm 62°; APM/Lunt 20mm 100°. Celestron 8X32 Granite & 10X70 Echelon. Filters - Lumicon UHC; DMG NPB; Thousand Oaks OIII; Baader OIII, UHC,
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& SkyGlow and other colored filters. BBHS Diagonal
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