It is true that the Sun is monitored daily by several solar observatories, using specialised equipment largely beyond the resources of the amateur. However, there are significant gaps in the professionals' monitoring programmes; especially so in the current climate of budget cuts. It could just be that you might watch the unfolding of an eruption on the Sun's surface at a time when no professional telescope is trained on our daytime star!

Methods of viewing the solar image

Sorry, I must say it: On no account look through any ordinary telescope, binoculars, camera viewfinder, or any other optical equipment not specially designed for the purpose, which is pointed at the Sun. Also, do not be tempted to use one of the dark filters which screw into the eyepiece barrel – they may well be supplied by the manufacturer of the telescope but they are NOT safe. I mean no disrespect to you, the reader, for throwing such an elementary warning in your direction. It is a sad fact that several people each year damage their eyesight by taking risks with the Sun. Why? I don't know. There are plenty of published warnings, when even common sense should be sufficient – and yet it still happens. If my warning rescues just one person from the temptation of having a peek, then I am sure you will agree that it is well worth including.