I enjoyed Gene Owens' column (June 16) about the Zodiac and Methuselah, and I wish to emphasize a safety warning and clarify a misleading generalization.

Owens wrote, "Don't look directly at the sun, with or without a telescope." I want to reiterate that direct sunlight can cause permanent eye damage in just seconds, without the victim being aware of it until too late.

However, there are safe ways to look at the sun. The method I use is a quality, professionally made solar filter. While I share Owens' concern, it is possible to look at the sun safely. I would suggest we amend his rule to read: "Never look directly at the sun, especially when using binoculars or a telescope unless you are absolutely sure that you are using a safe solar filter."

For the last several years, hundreds have looked at the sun through my telescope fitted with a safe, professionally made solar filter. Each month, on the Saturday near the time of the first quarter moon, I set up an observing site in Center City Park. We've seen sunspots, lunar mountains, and last month we successfully hunted down Venus in the daytime.

If anyone is interested in looking or wants more information, I invite you to join me between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. this Saturday (if it's not too cloudy).

Dennis Hands
Greensboro