View the Sun with our Safe Telescopes (Solstice)
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Phoebe Waterman Haas Public Observatory
Free
Become an astronomer using our solar-filtered telescopes. We will be there to help you observe the Sun, Moon, and other objects in space, as well as answer any questions you have. Observing this day is part of our Solstice Saturday celebration.
- Our Observatory is free.
- We are open to the public, weather permitting.
- Follow us on Twitter @SIObservatory for weather and closure updates or at the Museum's Welcome Center.
Accessibility: The Observatory dome and terrace are accessible via ramp or steps. Written and touchable explanatory materials are available.
Connect With Us Online
Sign up for our newsletter (Public Observatory News) for information on upcoming events.
Check out our live telescope feed on our Ustream channel to see video of the Sun, Moon, planets, and more.
Questions? Email us: SIObservatory@si.edu.
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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
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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.
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Phoebe Waterman Haas Public Observatory
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