Sky-Watcher Solar telescope ST 76/630 Heliostar-76 H-alpha (85288)

The Heliostar 76 mm H-alpha Solar Telescope is a cutting-edge addition to the Sky-Watcher family, designed specifically for observing the Sun in Hydrogen-alpha (Ha) wavelengths. Unlike standard white-light solar filters, this telescope reveals detailed solar phenomena such as prominences, active sunspot regions, bright plages, surface granulation, plasma filaments, and more. It offers breathtaking views and imaging capabilities of the dynamic surface of the Sun.

Double Stack Performance
The Heliostar 76 mm provides exceptional double-stack performance without the need for additional etalon filters. With a native bandpass of <0.55 Ångström, it delivers rich surface detail and high-resolution imaging with its 76 mm aperture.

Safety Features
The Heliostar 76 mm H-alpha Solar Telescope meets ISO 12312-2 safety standards and is lab-tested in the United States for safe solar viewing. Each unit is individually tested to ensure readiness for observing the Sun right out of the box. This telescope is exclusively designed for solar observation and cannot be used for other celestial objects. The removable eyepiece diagonal includes an 11.5 mm blocking filter as part of its safety features; it must not be replaced with any other type of diagonal.

Hydrogen Alpha Technology
Hydrogen-alpha telescopes observe the Sun at a specific wavelength of 656.3 nm, corresponding to the red line in the Balmer series of hydrogen emission. This wavelength allows detailed study of solar phenomena such as prominences, filaments, sunspots, and flares in the chromosphere, a layer above the Sun's photosphere.

Etalon Filter Technology
The etalon filter is a key component in Ha telescopes, isolating the Ha wavelength while blocking others. It uses two parallel mirrors separated by a precise distance to reflect light multiple times and transmit only specific wavelengths that meet resonance conditions. This tunability enables adjustments to accommodate Doppler shifts caused by material movement on the Sun's surface.

• Single Etalon Systems: Wider bandwidths provide good contrast but limit field of view, ideal for small features like prominences or filaments.

• Double Etalon Systems: Dual filters enhance wavelength selectivity, reduce bandwidth, and improve image clarity across a wider field of view.

Solis Etalon Technology
Sky-Watcher’s Solis technology achieves a <0.55 Å bandpass without requiring a second etalon filter, offering detailed solar disk imaging at an affordable price.

Trifid Tuner System
The Trifid tuner inside the Heliostar applies physical pressure to the etalon plates using three support veins, allowing precise tuning to reach the desired Hydrogen-alpha band.

Specifications:

• Optics Type: Refractor

• Build Type: Solar H-alpha

• Aperture: 76 mm

• Focal Length: 630 mm

• Aperture Ratio: f/8.3

• Resolving Capacity: 1.82 arcseconds

• Light Gathering Capacity: 120x compared to human eye

• Max Useful Magnification: 152x

• Tube Weight: 3.8 kg

• Tube Length: 600 mm

Filter Systems:

• Type: H-alpha filter system

• Blocking Filter Size: 11.5 mm

• Bandwidth: <0.55 Å

Focuser Details:

• Type: Crayford with gear reduction and rotation capability

• Eyepiece Connection: 2 inches

Mounting Details:

• Type: OTA (Optical Tube Assembly) without mount

Included Accessories:

• 20 mm eyepiece (1.25")

• Solar finder scope

• Blocking filter diagonal

• Vixen-style prism rail

• Solar filters

• Transport case

• Eyepiece adapter (2"/1.25")

• Tube clamps

Miscellaneous Features:

• Lens hood included

• Camera adaptor compatible with smartphones

General Information:

• Series: Heliostar

• Shipping Weight: 8 kg

Applications:
This telescope is exclusively designed for solar observation and is recommended for beginners and advanced users alike. It is not suitable for astrophotography or observing celestial objects like planets, nebulae, or galaxies.

The Heliostar 76 mm H-alpha Solar Telescope combines advanced technology with safety features to deliver stunning views of the Sun’s dynamic surface while ensuring ease of use for both novice and experienced observers.