Why every observatory needs a disco ball

TL;DR

This paper demonstrates that commercial disco balls are a practical, safe, and engaging tool for observing the Sun, eclipses, and other bright celestial phenomena, offering an accessible alternative to traditional telescopes.

Contribution

It introduces the use of disco balls for solar and astronomical observations, highlighting their effectiveness and educational value as a novel observational method.

Findings

Disco balls effectively project the solar disk and eclipse phenomena.

Sunspot observation with disco balls is challenging but possible.

Disco balls can be used to observe the Moon and bright celestial objects.

Abstract

Commercial disco balls provide a safe, effective and instructive way of observing the Sun. We explore the optics of solar projections with disco balls, and find that while sunspot observations are challenging, the solar disk and its changes during eclipses are easy and fun to observe. We explore the disco ball's potential for observing the moon and other bright astronomical phenomena.