What type of telescope is specifically designed to observe the sun?

A solar telescope is specifically designed to observe the sun, utilizing specialized features that protect both the equipment and the viewer from the sun's intense light and heat. This type of telescope incorporates various filters and optics that allow for the safe observation of solar phenomena such as sunspots, solar flares, and prominences. Unlike other telescopes, which may use mirrors or lenses for observing distant objects in the universe, a solar telescope is focused solely on the unique characteristics of our closest star.

Reflecting and refracting telescopes are both designed for a variety of astronomical observations but are not tailored for direct solar observation due to the risk of damage from the sun's brightness. A radio telescope detects radio waves from celestial objects, including the sun, but cannot provide the visual observations that a solar telescope can. Thus, the solar telescope is the most appropriate choice for observing solar activity.