one Saturday per mont
standalone sessions from 12pm to 2pm
No admission fee. For all ages.
(solar viewer, $2.00 each)
The hobby of astronomy immediately brings to mind thoughts of darkened backyards and dimly-lit nighttime activities at HRPO—but patrons also have the option of visiting during daylight hours to see our parent star.
Weather permitting, once monthly HRPO personnel offers three views of the Sun…
12:00pm to 12:30pm – indirect projection onto white viewing surface // Patrons get a sense of the speed of Earth’s rotation as they see the Sun’s image slide on or off the projection device. [Learning Technologies Sunspotter]
12:15pm to 1:15pm – safely-filtered optical light sent through standard telescope // This option allows patrons to spy sunspots both small and large. [Orion 10” Skyquest Dobsonian Reflector]
12:30pm to 2:00pm – hydrogen-alpha light // Flares and prominences are seen easily in this wavelength. [Coronado Solar Max II 90mm]
2023 SOLAR VIEWING
26 August
23 September
21 October
25 November
23 December
The solar viewers for sale look like cardboard sunglasses, but they block over 99% of the entirety of the Sun’s light and therefore keep eyes safe. The solar viewers are not toys! Please follow all instructions listed on the viewer. [Must be over twelve to purchase. Limit two per purchaser per day.]
Want to have a keepsake of your visit? HRPO provide Solar Sketching Forms. Use your personal artistry to remember your view of the Sun.
NOTE: Solar Cycle 25 is increasing in activity: sunspots, plage, flares and prominences. Check HRPO’s schedule weekly for any Special Solar Viewing Sessions that may be programmed.