Safely observe the Sun!
This practical instrument projects the Sun onto a view screen. The diameter of the projection is adjustable to 55 or 75mm. Easy and secure to use and therefore ideal to introduce children to the Sun! The optics consists of an achromatic glass lens, one plane and two convex mirrors. The projector can be adjusted from 0 to 90 degrees, two quadrants measure the Sun’s declination.
The principle:
This handy device enables several people to observe sunspots, planetary transits and eclipses comfortably and in complete safety at the same time. Thanks to a sophisticated optical system, the viewer sees only a projected image of the Sun, so no solar filter is required. The Solar Projector makes use of the principle of the camera obscura (‘dark room’), which was already being used to observe solar eclipses as far back as the 11th century and is still utilised in every camera today: light passes through a small opening into a darkened chamber and produces an inverted image of the outside world on the opposite side. Instead of a simple aperture, the Solar Projector has a lens and a convex mirror, which together function like a Galilean telescope and provide high magnification, whilst a flat mirror redirects the image to a comfortable viewing position.
This kit contains:
8 pre-cut and printed sheets of A4 construction cardboard
Accessories:
- 1 achromatic lens, Ø 31 mm, focal length +250 mm, also available as a replacement
- 2 convex mirrors, Ø 16.5 mm, focal lengths -10.2 mm and -14.0 mm
- 1 flat mirror made of acrylic glass, 54 x 90 mm
- detailed assembly instructions
Not included: string, weights
Features: interchangeable optics for image sizes of 75 mm or 55 mm
Dimensions of the assembled item: approx. 18.5 x 26.5 x 25 cm
Construction time: approx. 6 hours
Producer: AstroMedia GmbH, Im Wirrigen 30, 45731 Waltrop, Germany, astromedia.de
Below you can download the instructions for this kit.
Things you’ll need for assembly, or which might be helpful:
- a firm, flat work surface – a cutting mat, for example, is useful
- a sharp craft knife or scalpel
- a blunt knife or a bone folder
- some fine-grit sandpaper
- a good all-purpose glue and double-sided adhesive tape
- a rubber band
- a thin piece of thread
- 2 weights, e.g. glass beads or small metal balls
- adhesive tape
For perfectionists: a black felt-tip pen
Adult supervision:
Children under the age of 14 must only use this kit under adult supervision to avoid risks arising from improper handling.
Warning! Never look directly at the Sun through the lens, as this can cause serious eye damage.
Caution regarding small parts:
Choking hazard! Keep small parts out of the reach of young children.
Risk of injury:
Take particular care when handling pointed and sharp parts! Use sharp tools with care and, where necessary, take appropriate safety measures to prevent injury.
Fire hazard:
Keep away from open flames and intense heat sources, as the product contains highly flammable materials. Never leave the lens/objective exposed to direct sunlight without supervision: concentrated sunlight can create a focal point and set objects alight. Do not leave the sun projector unattended with the objective pointing towards the Sun: the concentrated light may ‘wander’ out of the convex mirror and, for example, damage the cardboard or burn a hole in it.
Use of adhesives:
When using adhesives, follow the manufacturer’s safety instructions. Work in well-ventilated areas and avoid contact with the skin or eyes.
Intended use:
The kit should be used in accordance with the enclosed instructions. Unauthorised modifications may compromise the functionality and safety of the assembled model.
