solar viewing

After reading through the exchange about the solar proms, I had my own amateur-among-amateurs question.

I see all kinds of ads for solar filters. I am not about to buy a new scope just to look at the sun.

I'm not so much interested in proms. I am really down there. I don't even know where the ladder is, let along the first rung. In other words, I'm at the point where I would never dare aim the scope anywhere near the sun for fear of blinding myself.

Is there a beginner's website for solar observing?

I have a home-made 10" dob.

Cheers,
Joe

Hi Joe,
There are a few beginner websites -

http://www.skyandtelescope.com/observing/objects/sun/3304056.html?page=1&c=y

http://astronomyonline.org/SolarSystem/SolarSafety.asp

http://spaceweather.com/sunspots/doityourself.html

You could use your 10" dob using solar projection - projecting the image of the sun on a piece of cardboard. With the solar cycle picking up you can enjoy watching sunspots.

Thanks,
Bill