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Re: Moon birding

From:

Jim Moore

Reply-To:

Jim Moore

Date:

Sat, 28 Aug 2010 06:17:45 -0400

  Hi Patricia,

I'm no expert, but I could not find anything on the internet to 
support the claim of eye damage.  For example, an article on the 
site of astronomy.com, which bills itself as the site of the 
world's best-selling astronomy magazine, says: "Many amateurs 
complain about the Moon's overwhelming glare, especially during 
the gibbous and full phases. Although it will not damage your 
eyes, the Moon's brightness can be diminished by using a 
neutral-density Moon filter or by placing a stop-down mask in 
front of your telescope."

http://www.astronomy.com/asy/default.aspx?c=a&id=4741

If there is contrary authority, please let us know.

Good birding!
Jim Moore
Rockville, Maryland
PLEASE REPORT YOUR BIRD SIGHTINGS to http://ebird.org/

On 8/27/2010 10:06 PM, Patricia Valdata wrote:
> Please, everyone, be aware that looking at a full moon through a scope can
> do serious damage to your vision. Astronomy buffs always use a filter on
> their scopes when viewing the moon.  A half moon is much easier on the eyes,
> but even then you should have a lunar filter on your scope.
>
> You should NEVER look at the full moon through an unfiltered scope.
>
> Pat Valdata
> Elkton
>