The Sun is one of the most interesting objects in the sky, in that it is a large object that can be studied to a very high degree by the amateur astronomer with telescopes of small aperture. Caution is needed when observing the Sun, and this will be explained in the notes on Solar Observing. Once you have mastered the main points you will find that the object that you are observing is very exciting and dynamic. The notes are written to help you start observing with the minimum of effort, but it would help if you read them fully before doing any observations. The policy of the section is that you USE THE PROJECTION METHOD OF OBSERVING although sections on other forms of observing are included. ALL observations are used, so do not think that your observation is not worth sending in. If you need guidance then please write and any help available will be given. IMPORTANT WARNING! DO NOT LOOK AT THE SUN THROUGH ANY OPTICAL DEVICE WITHOUT THE USE OF SPECIAL FILTERS OVER THE FRONT (OBJECTIVE) END OF THE INSTRUMENT. DO NOT USE A TELESCOPE FOR SOLAR PROJECTION WHICH MAY HAVE PLASTIC PARTS AS PART OF THE OPTICAL MAKE UP, AS DAMAGE MAY OCCUR. NEVER LOOK OR STARE AT THE SUN WITH THE NAKED EYE. READ THE RELEVANT CHAPTER BEFORE BUYING ANY SOLAR FILTERING SYSTEM. DO NOT USE, UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES, ANY EYEPIECE MOUNTED SOLAR FILTER GIVEN IN SOME IMPORTED TELESCOPES. The Sun is the only astronomical object that, if care is not taken, can cause injury to the person, by damaging the eye. The Society for Popular Astronomy Solar Section transmits information to other SPA sections as required and to the British Astronomical Association Solar Section. A report is sent yearly to the SPA Council about how the section is running and what results have been obtained from member's observations. Any good book on astronomy will give information about the Sun and a visit to the local lending library is certainly worthwhile. While these notes are intended to help beginners start the routine of observing it is necessary for the member to seek further information. If you are new to astronomy in general it is a very worthwhile idea to join a local astronomical society. If you do not know the location of one, write to the Director, who will endeavour to find the society nearest to your location. Please ensure that when you write to the Director, that you enclose a stamped, addressed envelope. Solar Section Report for February 2008 Solar Section Report for January 2008 Solar Section Report for December 2007 Solar Section Report for November 2007 Introduction to Solar Observing by John Chapman-Smith Guide to the total solar eclipse of 29th March 2006 Observations of the total solar eclipse of 29th March, 2006 Guide to the annular eclipse of 3rd October, 2005 Observations of the annular eclipse of 3rd October, 2005 Observations of the annular eclipse of 31 May, 2003 Guide to the annular eclipse of 31 May, 2003 Your mini-guide to the 1999 eclipse Solar Section: Observations of the Sun Daily Solar images by Michael Oates Partial Eclipse of the Sun - Oct 12 1996: See the images that appeared LIVE on the SPA web pages. Total Eclipse of the Sun August 11, 1999, Observations... SPA Member: Mike Oates - Account of the eclipse from Penzance, Cornwall. Past SPA President: Ian Morison - A Scilly Eclipse! SPA Member: Robin Scagell - Report of the eclipse from the Lizard peninsula of Cornwall. SPA Member: Kevin Smith - Images of the eclipse from Bucharest. SPA Member: Paul Sutherland - Report and Images of the eclipse from Alderney. SPA Member: Mauro Della Verita - Images of the partial eclipse from near Durham. Further information can be obtained from the director by sending a SAE to: Solar Richard Bailey Email: solar@popastro.com Address in Popular Astronomy

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