An Aperture Mask

I was evaluating a new solar filter on two separate mornings over the past week.  The views weren't as good as they could be.  These views were brighter than necessary and my research was indicating that reducing the aperture of the telescope might produce better results.  In particular, I was hoping to find a way to see more detail on the surface of the sun's chromosphere. 

I always have some scrap lumber lying around so I went looking for a small scrap of 1/4" plywood.  I could cut a hole of the correct size and then cut out the outside diameter.  This would then fit inside the dew shield on my telescope.  The inside hole would provide the new, smaller aperture for the telescope.

In this case, my intention was to cut a 60mm hole.  Unfortunately, the drill bit walked a bit when cutting so I screwed up the hole slightly.  Fortunately, I managed to salvage the project by making the hole a 63mm diameter hole instead.  This would change my f5.8 telescope to an f6.67 telescope.  I figured that could be an acceptable diameter so I continued on with this little indoor project.  Any project that keeps me busy and indoors away from the frigid temperatures outside is a worthwhile project.  

I cut the plywood, sanded it, painted it and then glued a felt strip to the outer edge of the mask.  This felt strip provides enough soft diameter to hold the mask in place when slid inside the dew shield of my telescope.  Overall, it really was a fast and easy project.  

I tested this new aperture mask yesterday and it seemed to provide a bit more detail on the surface of the sun so that was good news.  

Now I am toying with the idea of making another mask at around 52mm.  A 52mm mask would make my telescope an f8 which might be ideal for this particular solar filter.  Maybe I'll tackle this project this weekend.