Observe the Sun with safe telescopes
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Phoebe Waterman Haas Public Observatory
Free
Become an astronomer and observe the skies with a telescope, even during the day!
View the Sun safely using the Observatory's solar-filtered telescopes. Knowledgeable staff will be present to answer questions and guide observing. Sometimes additional daytime objects, including the Moon and Venus, may be in the sky for observing.
Online visitors are invited to check the Observatory's Ustream channel for a live telescope view during our open hours, when available, and archived videos of the Sun, Moon, planets, and more.
The Observatory is free and open to the public during posted hours, weather permitting. For weather and closure updates, check @SIObservatory or ask at the Welcome Center when you arrive at the Museum.
Accessibility: The Observatory dome is accessible via ramp or steps. Written and touchable explanatory materials are available.
At the National Air and Space Museum's public observatory, visitors can look through the 16-inch telescope to discover craters on the Moon, spots on the Sun (using safe solar filters), and other wonders of the Universe.
This image of the Sun was taken on December 28, 2011 at 12:35 pm EST. Two hydrogen-alpha filters were used, increasing the contrast between the bright plages (typically found near sunspot groups) and dark filaments. The double-stacked filters do not cast even illumination, however, causing the bright stripe across the bottom of the Sun.
There is significant sunspot activity on the Sun today. The filaments and prominences, particularly the bright prominence to the upper right, are sites of other magnetic activity.
The bright prominence erupted and dissipated about 24 hours later, as seen by the Solar Dynamics Observatory.
Telescope: 60mm Hydrogen-alpha telescope with double-stacked filter.
Camera: Lumenera SKYnyx 2-2M
As spring quickly approaches and being outside is becoming more and more inviting, we Public Observatory staff continue to enjoy spending time outside with our portable telescopes. Every sunny day between 12:30pm and 2pm, except for Mondays, we invite visitors near the Independence Avenue entrance to take a look at the sun through our specially equipped telescopes.
We rely on the generous support of donors, sponsors, members, and other benefactors to share the history and impact of aviation and spaceflight, educate the public, and inspire future generations. With your help, we can continue to preserve and safeguard the world’s most comprehensive collection of artifacts representing the great achievements of flight and space exploration.