Solar Microscope

Solar Microscope is an apparatus for projecting upon a screen by means of sunlight an enlarged view of any object. It is essentially the same as the combination of lenses used in the Magic Lantern (q.v.) taken in conjunction with a heliostat. A heliostat is a plane reflecting mirror which by means of clockwork follows the sun's apparent motion so as always to throw its rays in the direction in which they are first adjusted. By this instrument the rays are thrown horizontally into the solar microscope, and are concentrated first by a large lens and then by a small lens upon the small object that is to be projected. As they diverge the rays are collected by an adjustable system of lenses and focussed sharply on a screen. Uncertainty of sunlight very much circumscribes the usefulness of the apparatus. For solar cycle, solar engine, see CYCLE, AIR-ENGINE.