2015 Solar Eclipse - Amateur Astronomer Version

I made a solar filter for my SkyWatcher 900mm scope, using a Baader Planetarium film and then attached my Canon 550D.

 

During the eclipse it was cloudy, and we couldn't see anything, but the sun started to burn through it towards the end. I started trying to take photos, but could see nothing but black, so it took a while to find usable settings.

 

Once I discovered I could take photos that weren't completely one shade I started trying to line the scope up to actually find the sun. This took ages, but the sequence of photos here show what happened when I finally got it.

 

I'd missed almost the entire thing, but the moon was still taking a tiny bite out of the edge, so I didn't cry.

 

I could not focus the camera, sadly. It only adjusts so far and that proved not to be far enough. I'm not sure if that means astrophotography is out for me or if I can maybe change some cheap parts to improve it.

 

It's also not clear how much the home made filter affects this. Despite my best efforts, the solar film did end up a bit warped and wrinkly!

Done