I took up solar viewing several years ago to ease some frustration. It was after a summer in which I experienced a long streak of clear days that would cloud up just before sunset. That “streak” was a blessing in disguise. Solar viewing has become a big part of my “astro-hobby”.

Over the years, I have used several different solar filters for viewing the sun’s photosphere in “white light”. Including different films, glass filters and Herschel wedges. Although satisfied with most, in 2005 I decided to do a comparison of the three types. I have settled on a Zeiss glass solar filter for “white light” views. I chose it for aesthetic reasons over a Herschel wedge, because I found the yellow tint to be more aesthetically pleasing than the stark white image of the wedge. Both gave excellent views with the Baader Astrosolar film coming in at a close second. Here are my findings: Solar Filter Comparison

For views of the chromosphere in H-alpha, I have a Coronado h-alpha 60mm filter. In this light, the sun really comes alive and changes are seen almost in real time.