Visitor Safety in the Countryside Group

We have a couple of public telescopes in our estate (the sort that you have to pay to view for a short period), which have caused no problems to date.

But I’ve just been asked - should they have a notice warning people not to look at the sun? Having been asked the question, I don’t recall seeing any notices on other public telescopes.

Has anyone else got them and do you give any warning?

Views appreciated!

I think that it is reasonable to expect people to use normal life skills in taking responsibility for their own safety.

It seems to be accepted knowledge that looking at the sun through a telescope (or any other optical device) can damage your eyes. Optical instruments do not routinely carry warning stickers, although manufacturers can include warnings on packaging and literature.

Warnings do seem to be commonly provided (in the public media) when there is a particular risk associated with viewing eclipses.

Of course there is always the risk of inadvertent viewing of the sun. There appear to be technical ways to ensure this cannot happen.  See: http://www.freepatentsonline.com/6698904.html

It would be interesting to know whether any manufacturers of these openair “public pay” telescopes have incorporated such a device.

Ken Dodd
VSCG Administrator

RSPB does have a number of normal optical spotting scopes in public hides which are unattended, and there are no plans to put warnings on them.  Where we run Aren’t Birds Brilliant projects, staff are on hand to show people special birds, and they will explain how to use teh scopes or binoculars to those stopping to use them.  I am sure there is no need for signage - surely its down to the principles of warning people only where its not an obvious hazard and which an everyday person wouldn’t know about?