Can any telescope be used for solar observing?

Question

Can any telescope, such as a 8" reflector, that is normally used at night to look at planets be used or adapted for solar observing?What kind of adapters or filters are required or is it better to get a dedicated solar telescope?I'd like to look at sunspots, flares, prominences, eclipses, etc.

Answer 1

Many types of telescopes can be used for solar observation, and the size and zoom can adjust the level of detail you can obtain, however you will need a filter to protect your eyes or use projection methods to view the sun. The safest method, especially with a smaller telescope is to use a telescope projector method, as you are not looking directly at the sun, and can be completed with a cardboard collar rather than purchasing a filter. An example of the pinhole method and telescope use for viewing the sun can be found here: https://skyandtelescope.org/astronomy-news/how-to-look-at-the-sun/

Additional information can be found here as well: http://solar-center.stanford.edu/observe/