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The Sun
Try this!
You can generate an image of the Sun by using a pair of binoculars and a
thin, stiff piece of cardboard. When viewing the Sun in this manner,
you will be able to see the Sun's image more clearly and maybe even some
major sunspots.
First, place the cardboard (which will act as a screen onto which the
image can be projected) on the ground with one side propped up so that
it is approximately perpendicular to the incoming sunlight.
Next, hold the binoculars about two feet above the screen with the large
end pointing toward the Sun. You will probably have to move the
binoculars around a bit until they are properly aligned, so that the
solar image falls onto the screen. When you do see the image, you will
find that it is large enough to allow some detail, such as major
sunspots, to be seen. WARNING ! DO NOT LOOK AT THE SUN DIRECTLY
THROUGH THE BINOCULARS !
If the brightness of the Sun is too intense, you can block out some of
its intensity by making a hole in a small piece of cardboard and taping
it over the large end of the binoculars.
This activity was developed by Jacqueline Slay, Largo High School, Largo, MD
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