Solar Eclipse, Dec 25, 2000
Here are some photos I took during the solar eclipse on Christmas morning, 2000, in Tucson, Arizona, USA. Click on an image to view a larger version.
My telescope is a 8" f6 dob. The eyepiece in the setup photos is 40mm, but I used a 25mm for the photo of the sun at the top. At higher magnifications, the image was too dim.
Next year, there will be a much better eclipse here in Tucson (December 14, I think; need to look it up). I plan to construct a dark box for viewing the projected image.
WARNING: NEVER LOOK AT THE SUN THROUGH A TELESCOPE WITHOUT A SOLAR FILTER INSTALLED. While we were watching the eclipse, I demonstrated for my family and neighbors what would happen to a your retina if you did, by placing a piece of paper in front of the eyepiece. It ignited within a couple of seconds.
CAUTION: If your telescope has any plastic in the optics, especially in the eyepieces, don't try using it as a solar projector like I've done here. The energy from the sun is powerful enough (especially when focused) to MELT the plastic.
Jim Wilson