SUN 'SCOPE uses music stand as prop. Lens assembly slides along track to focus image.
A N astronomical telescope is not suited
for sun observation because the in-
tense heat can blind the observer. Thus,
the image cannot be safely viewed un-
less the sun's disk is blacked out or a
dark filter is used.
These problems are overcome by a
sun 'scope which is attached to the tele-
scope and projects the sun's image on
a screen.
142
To make this device get two lenses
at least 30mm in diameter with a focal
length of from five to ten inches. They
may also be as much as four or five
inches in diameter and of short focal
length; lenses varying from 1-1/4-inch
to five inch in diameter may also
be used. The framework holding the
two lens assemblies and the screen
is of thin [Continued on page 166]
Mechanix Illustrated
ASSEMBLED sun 'scope shows flange which SCREEN at end of sun 'scope slides along
fits over ocular adapter of the telescope. track to achieve the desired enlargement
 Sun 'Scope
[Continued from page 142]
sheet metal or wood cut to size as shown.
The telescope eyepiece is removed from
the adapter when the sun 'scope is at-
tached. The lens assembly is made from
two pieces of 3/4-inch pine. A hole is cut
in each piece deep enough to allow the
lenses to lie flush with the board surfaces.
The smaller lens is placed in opposition to
the larger one as shown in the drawing.
With the sun 'scope attached to the tele-
scope, remove the former's lens assembly
and turn the telescope into the sun with
the sun 'scope's screen in position to check
alignment. A brightly illuminated area
will appear on the screen showing the
shadow image of the prism.
Remove the screen and slide the lens
assembly back in place near the eyepiece
adapter; replace the screen and secure it
with the setscrews. Focus for the brightest
image when the sun beam is reflected from
the prism into the center of the lenses of
the sun 'scope. Of course, refocusing will
be required for different distances be-
tween screen and lens.
Those who intend to build this instru-
ment will be able to change many of the
parts or their arrangement by using a dif-
ferent type of support and framework to
suit individual needs.—Jerry Pavek

THIS PHOTOGRAPH of sun's image on screen

shows how an enlargement points up sunspots.

166 October, 1958