Topic 10: Solar Astronomy
Specification
Point Necessary Understanding
10.1 Understand methods of observing the Sun safely
10.2 Know the Sun’s internal divisions, their location, and relative temperature
10.3 Understand the role of the Sun’s interval divisions in terms of energy and heat transfer
10.4 Understand the principal nuclear fusion process
10.5 Know the location, temperature, and density of solar atmosphere components
10.6 Understand the structure, origin, and evolution of sunspots
10.7 Use sunspot data to determination mean solar rotation speed
10.8 Use sunspot data relating to solar cycle
, Understand telescopic projection and H-alpha filtering for the safe observation
10.1
of the Sun
We can use a pinhole projection to safely observe the Sun using the naked-eye,
however we may wish to observe more detailed observations of the Sun using a
telescope, requiring more advanced safety techniques given the intensity and
acuity of the observations.
[1]
[2]
Telescopic H-alpha Filtering
Projection
An extension of the pin-hole method for naked-eye An optical filter method that transmits
astronomy. narrow bandwidth of light (centred on the
By using a simple lens with minimal magnification wavelength) from the telescope.
power (to prevent overheating), we can use a
piece of paper to resolve an image of the Sun’s
[3]
surface.
, 10.1
Why is it inadvisable to observe the Sun directly from the eyepiece
of a telescope?
State two methods of safely observing the Sun using a microscope.
Describe the method of telescopic projection.
Describe the method of H-alpha filter method.
Why, when using the telescopic projection method for safely
observing the Sun, it is inadvisable to use a high magnification
lens.
Specification
Point Necessary Understanding
10.1 Understand methods of observing the Sun safely
10.2 Know the Sun’s internal divisions, their location, and relative temperature
10.3 Understand the role of the Sun’s interval divisions in terms of energy and heat transfer
10.4 Understand the principal nuclear fusion process
10.5 Know the location, temperature, and density of solar atmosphere components
10.6 Understand the structure, origin, and evolution of sunspots
10.7 Use sunspot data to determination mean solar rotation speed
10.8 Use sunspot data relating to solar cycle
, Understand telescopic projection and H-alpha filtering for the safe observation
10.1
of the Sun
We can use a pinhole projection to safely observe the Sun using the naked-eye,
however we may wish to observe more detailed observations of the Sun using a
telescope, requiring more advanced safety techniques given the intensity and
acuity of the observations.
[1]
[2]
Telescopic H-alpha Filtering
Projection
An extension of the pin-hole method for naked-eye An optical filter method that transmits
astronomy. narrow bandwidth of light (centred on the
By using a simple lens with minimal magnification wavelength) from the telescope.
power (to prevent overheating), we can use a
piece of paper to resolve an image of the Sun’s
[3]
surface.
, 10.1
Why is it inadvisable to observe the Sun directly from the eyepiece
of a telescope?
State two methods of safely observing the Sun using a microscope.
Describe the method of telescopic projection.
Describe the method of H-alpha filter method.
Why, when using the telescopic projection method for safely
observing the Sun, it is inadvisable to use a high magnification
lens.
