Re: Solar guidelines in Boy Scout Astronomy merit badge

Chris L Peterson wrote:

On Mon, 28 Nov 2005 21:26:05 -0500, Glenn Holliday <holliday@xxxxxxx>
wrote:


I'm talking with a local Boy Scout leader about counselling
the Astronomy merit badge.  Reading their book on the topic,
I was surprised to find that the Scouts teach not to use a
telescope for solar observing, because filters aren't safe
and you can't eliminate the risk of accidentally seeing
the sun naked eye.

I know some of you have worked with Boy Scout troops.
I see there is a process for suggesting corrections
to the merit badge book.  Has anybody already discussed
this issue with the national organization?  Already had
a ruling on a proposal to teach safe solar viewing?



Realistically, solar observing _is_ risky. Even with proper equipment,
the slightest error in procedure can be very dangerous. Solar observing
is probably not something that should be done without responsible adults
present. Of course, there is no reason that Boy Scouts couldn't be
introduced to solar observing, but my guess is that the BSA would be
reluctant for liability reasons to include much in the way of solar
viewing in the Astronomy merit badge requirements.

If you are interested in effecting a change, I'd suggest limiting solar
observing to indirect methods only- pinhole or other projection systems.

_________________________________________________

Chris L Peterson
Cloudbait Observatory
http://www.cloudbait.com
The only safe way to observe the sun is to use solar projection. That was the mechanism that was used on my 35 year old Edmund 4 1/2 in reflector. It has a mounting bracketed that holds a metal tube upon which is mounted a 4x5 in white plate. The sun is focused on this plate and the sun's surface can be examined to my hearts content. I align using the tube's shadow on the ground. Perfectly safe as long as I apply enough UV screen.

Dave Nagel
LX200 GPS SMT UHTC SAP 10" v3.0i Wireless
Edmond 4 1/2 reflector
.

Relevant Pages

  • Re: Solar guidelines in Boy Scout Astronomy merit badge
    ... Of course, there is no reason that Boy Scouts couldn't be introduced to solar observing, but my guess is that the BSA would be reluctant for liability reasons to include much in the way of solar viewing in the Astronomy merit badge requirements. ...
    (sci.astro.amateur)
  • Re: Solar guidelines in Boy Scout Astronomy merit badge
    ... >the Astronomy merit badge. ... >I know some of you have worked with Boy Scout troops. ... Realistically, solar observing _is_ risky. ... viewing in the Astronomy merit badge requirements. ...
    (sci.astro.amateur)