I have an 8-inch reflector telescope and a solar filter that goes on the front aperture to view the Sun (most recently to view the transit of Mercury). If I were to use this telescope during a total solar eclipse, would it be safe to remove the filter during totality? Let's assume I also get the filter back on before totality ends.
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Yes, you can remove the solar filter during totality - otherwise you will have no way to see the corona (or anything at all) through the telescope during totality.
The dangerous time is (as you also say yourself) towards the end of totality - and it's easy to get lost in time and the joy of the moment. Set a timer to wake you seconds before end, have others observing with you do the same. You absolutely must put back the filter in time prior to end of eclipse or risk your eye sight looking through. If you (only) use it to take images, it's not as critical as it's not your eye being fried but your camera, but don't go beyond diamond ring without filter and camera attached either.
Thus either case: Put back the filter preferentially before the end of eclipse.
answered May 25, 2021 at 12:16
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$\begingroup$ If I did this, I'd set my alarm for at least 30 seconds before the end of totality, if not more. I'll still probably leave my telescope at home since the consequences of a mistake in timing are so grave. My camera has a zoom lens that can take a full frame picture of the corona, so that will suffice. $\endgroup$– Mark HMay 25, 2021 at 17:53
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$\begingroup$ If you know what you do and watch the time... its no problem. Been there. Done that. Make sure to look. At the sun. But also the crowd and scenery during totality. $\endgroup$ May 25, 2021 at 22:08