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HOW TO OBSERVE SAFELY
Observing the sun takes extra precautions, but the good thing about it is you can do it during the day! Do NOT attempt to view the sun, however, with your naked eye (except for short periods at sunrise and sunset) nor with binoculars or a telescope. The only safe ways to view the sun is to either project the image onto a screen, or use a Solar Filter that fits over the front of the telescope! I recommend the solar filter that fits onto the front of your telescope as it allows you to see more detail. Do not use a solar filter that fits into the eyepiece. These are now deemed unsafe. When using a solar filter, cover the finder scope with lens caps so no one will look through it either. Most telescopes bought today have a warning printed on them regarding solar observing.
WHAT TO OBSERVE
Once you have the right equipment, there are several things you can observe with a Solar Filter. The most obvious are sunspots. They are cooler magnetic regions on the sun's surface. Sunspots grow and shrink with time as they move across the sun as the sun rotates once about every 28 days. There are actually two parts to most sunspots--the darker umbra area and the lighter penumbra area. Sunspots ebb and flow in an 11-year cycle. Currently, we are on the down slope of the curve moving towards what is called solar minimum. In addition to sunspots you can see faculae, which are brighter regions on the sun. If you're lucky to be viewing at the right moment, you may also be the only person on earth to observe a solar flare, an intense burst of solar energy that impacts satellites and possibly even our weather.
HOW TO SUBMIT YOUR DATA
Several organizations keep solar data for future generations and for scientific research. One of the best is the Association for Lunar and Planetary Observers Solar Section (ALPOSS). The ALPOSS maintains an on-line database of solar sketches and pictures. These are important as they catch solar activity at a particular moment in time. Sketches can be submitted to the ALPOSS via e-mail. Another organization that maintains solar data is the American Association of Variable Star Observers (AAVSO). The AAVSO maintains records of sunspot numbers. You can add your count to the AAVSO records by e-mail!
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