Observe the Sun
Become an astronomer and observe the Sun safely with a filtered telescope. Join us at the Eisenhower Memorial, located across Independence Avenue from the Museum entrance, to view a variety of features on the Sun. Knowledgeable staff will be there to answer questions and guide observing.
No reservations are necessary to participate. This program generally takes place on Fridays and Saturdays, but will be cancelled in the case of inclement weather. For last-minute updates, call the Astronomy Education number at 202-633-2517.
Accessibility: Written and touchable explanatory materials are available for learners of all types.
Astronomy programming is made possible by a gift from the Thomas W. Haas Foundation in honor of Phoebe Waterman Haas.
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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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