Winter Solstice Solar Observing

Overview

The Sun is at its lowest point in the sky during this season, so the Bell is celebrating with solar telescopes! Join us in the Learning Landscape as we observe our closest star and learn why the amount of daylight we see changes throughout the year.

Solar safety

- Our telescope equipment utilizes safe Sun viewing methods; filtering the sunlight and projecting the sunlight.

- Solar filters include white light filters that block 99.999 percent of incoming sunlight, safely allowing us to see any sunspots that might be visible.

- H-alpha SolarMax II telescope filters out all the colors of sunlight except a specific red light (656nm) to allow us to see features such as solar prominences along the edge of the Sun.

- Sunspotters use a different method to safely view the Sun. They utilize mirrors and lenses to project the Sun safely onto a screen (piece of paper). You can draw/trace your own Sun and sunspots to start your own solar data log.

Solar Observing is an in-person event at the Bell Museum and is included in the cost of regular admission.

The Bell Museum is fully committed to creating an inclusive environment. We are proud to offer multiple services or resources detailed at this link. For additional information or to request an accommodation, please contact the accessibility office at 612-625-4511 or bellaccess@umn.edu.