{"title":"Dedicated Solar Telescopes","description":"\u003cp\u003eA dedicated solar telescope has a hydrogen-alpha filter system built into the instrument, showing prominences, filaments and surface detail in the Sun's chromosphere that a white-light filter cannot. The Sky-Watcher Heliostar 76 and 100 are offered as tubes or as kits with the SolarQuest and Wave 100i mounts, while the Daystar Solar Scout 80 comes in Chromosphere and Prominence versions and the Solar Scout 60 Double Stack narrows the bandpass for higher surface contrast. For white-light filters and other solar gear, see \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/solar-viewing-and-imaging\"\u003eSolar Viewing \u0026amp; Imaging\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"daystar-solar-scout-60-ds-bundle","title":"Daystar Solar Scout 60 DS - Bundle","description":"\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: bold; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt;\"\u003eThe engineers at Daystar have made great strides in cost reduction, and can now offer a quality 60mm H alpha telescope at unhear\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: bold; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;\"\u003ed-of pricing!\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: Arial;\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cspan style=\"font-family: Arial;\"\u003eWhat do you get with the Solar Scout 60 DS?\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: Arial;\"\u003eQuality Achromat Doublet 60mm refractor\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: Arial;\"\u003eHelical Front-end Focus with fine precision can focus for visual and imaging.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: Arial;\"\u003e'Doublestack' performance at no extra cost\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: Arial;\"\u003eTop quality Quark* performance\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: Arial;\"\u003eMicro-USB power cable and US wall charger\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: Arial;\"\u003e'Solar Bullet' finder\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: Arial;\"\u003eVixen \/Photo style mounting foot\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: bold; font-family: Arial;\"\u003e3 year warranty\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: Arial;\"\u003eWith the bundle you also receive \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: Arial;\"\u003eAdditional International wall power adapter\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: Arial;\"\u003eFully Multicoated 25mm plossl eyepiece\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: Arial;\"\u003e1.25\" mirror diagonal\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: Arial;\"\u003e10,000 mAh Daystar battery with mounting strap.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: bold; font-size: 18pt;\"\u003eAll SS60ds scopes are narrow, 'doublestack' bandpass\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Daystar Filters","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44013561020527,"sku":"SS60DSB","price":1675.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0686\/0049\/6239\/files\/SS60dsWebHeader__60007.jpg?v=1766556423"},{"product_id":"daystar-solar-scout-60-double-stack","title":"Daystar Solar Scout 60 Double Stack","description":"\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: bold; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt;\"\u003eThe engineers at Daystar have made great strides in cost reduction, and can now offer a quality 60mm H alpha telescope at unhear\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: bold; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;\"\u003ed-of pricing!\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: Arial;\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cspan style=\"font-family: Arial;\"\u003eWhat do you get with the Solar Scout 60 DS?\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: Arial;\"\u003eQuality Achromat Doublet 60mm refractor\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: Arial;\"\u003eHelical Front-end Focus with fine precision can focus for visual and imaging.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: Arial;\"\u003e'Doublestack' performance at no extra cost\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: Arial;\"\u003eTop quality Quark* performance\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: Arial;\"\u003eMicro-USB power cable and US wall charger\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: Arial;\"\u003e'Solar Bullet' finder\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: Arial;\"\u003eVixen \/Photo style mounting foot\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: bold; font-family: Arial;\"\u003e3 year warranty\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: bold; font-size: 18pt;\"\u003eAll SS60ds scopes are narrow, 'doublestack' bandpass\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Daystar Filters","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44013695500399,"sku":"SS60DS","price":1399.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0686\/0049\/6239\/files\/SS60dsWebHeader__61972.jpg?v=1766559988"},{"product_id":"skywatcher-heliostar-76mm-h-alpha-solar-telescope","title":"Sky-Watcher Heliostar 76 H-Alpha Solar Telescope","description":"\u003ch1 style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eIntroducing the Sky-Watcher Heliostar 76mm H-Alpha Solar Telescope\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eThe Heliostar 76mm H-alpha Solar Telescope brings a new light (yes, pun intended) to the Sky-Watcher family by offering a dedicated Hydrogen-alpha (Hα) solar telescope to the lineup. Hydrogen-alpha solar observing allows you to unlock the incredible dynamics of surface of the Sun far beyond what a white light solar filter can deliver. From solar prominences on the limb of the Sun (often mistakenly called 'flares'), to active sunspot regions, bright plage patches, surface granulation, wispy, snake-like plasma filaments, and more, the star of the solar system is yours to capture in breathtaking views and images.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eJust in time to catch solar maximum in 2025!!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDouble stack performance, single stack price\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e76mm aperture\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e630mm focal length\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ef\/8.3\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOfficial solar telescope of the Charlie Bates Solar Astronomy Project\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIntegrated Heliostar solar finder, tube rings, and carry handle\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIntegrated Triffid Tuner and Solis Etalon Technology\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u0026lt;0.55Å bandpass\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eH-alpha fully multicoated lens\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAchromatic doublet design\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e2-inch dual-speed Crayford focuser\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e11.5mm, 1.25” diagonal format blocking filter\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWeight: 8.4 lbs. \u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIncludes: OTA, mounting rings, V-style dovetail, clip-on Sun shade, 20mm 70° 1.25\" eyepiece, camera phone adapter, hard-shell carrying case\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch1 style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eThe Official Solar Telescope of the Charlie Bates Solar Astronomy Project\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e\u003cspan data-teams=\"true\"\u003eFounded in 2008, The \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/groups\/91723109503\"\u003eCharlie Bates Solar Astronomy Project\u003c\/a\u003e has taught observational solar astronomy and narrowband solar imaging to hundreds of thousands of people in 27 countries. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch1 style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eDouble the Fun\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eThe Heliostar 76mm Hα Solar Telescope provides incredible double stack performance for the price of one etalon filter. There is no need for costly double stack systems, Heliostar 76Hα is tuned to \u0026lt;0.55Å natively providing rich surface detail and with its 76mm aperture high resolution viewing and imaging is easily obtainable.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch1 style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eSafety Information\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eThe Sky-Watcher Heliostar 76mm H-Alpha Solar Telescope has been lab tested here in the United States to meet the ISO 12312-2 safety standards. Each scope is tested one by one on the actual Sun to make sure each unit is ready for safe solar viewing right out of the box.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eThis is a dedicated solar telescope and will not provide views or images of anything except for the Sun.\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePlease use an abundance of caution when observing the Sun\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eas incorrect usage and practices can result in serious and even permanent eye damage.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eAlso, the 11.5mm blocking filter in the removable eyepiece diagonal is part of Heliostar's safety features. Do not use with any other type of diagonal.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch1 style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eWhat's In the Box?\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eThe Heliostar 76Hα features a collection of accessories to ensure you are ready for viewing out of the box. The telescope includes mounting rings, V-style dovetail, Heliostar solar finder, dual speed Crayford focuser, 11.5mm blocking filter, clip on sunshade, 20mm 70° 1.25” eyepiece and a camera phone adapter to snap quick pictures to share with your friends. All of this is housed inside a rugged carrying case, so you are ready to take your Heliostar 76 anywhere. A perfect match for the Sky-Watcher SolarQuest mount for the ultimate, portable solar telescope setup!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch1 style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eHydrogen Alpha Technology\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eHydrogen Alpha (Hα) solar telescopes are specialized instruments used to observe the Sun in a specific wavelength of light—656.3 nm—which corresponds to the red line in the Balmer series of hydrogen’s emission spectrum. This wavelength is critical for studying solar phenomena like prominences, filaments, sunspots, and solar flares in great detail. Unlike standard white-light telescopes, which capture the Sun's broad spectrum, Hα solar telescopes offer a window into specific solar activity in the chromosphere, a layer of the Sun's atmosphere located just above the photosphere.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch1 style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eEtalon Filter Technology\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eAt the heart of most Hydrogen Alpha solar telescopes lies the etalon filter, a highly precise optical device that isolates the Hα wavelength from the rest of the Sun’s emitted light. An etalon is a type of interferometer, consisting of two parallel mirrors separated by a precise distance. The etalon works by reflecting light multiple times between the mirrors, selectively allowing only wavelengths that satisfy specific resonance conditions to pass through.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eIn the case of Hα solar telescopes, the etalon is designed to transmit light at the Hα wavelength while blocking all other wavelengths. The key to the etalon’s performance lies in its ability to tune the wavelength it transmits. This is achieved by adjusting the distance between the mirrors or by slightly tilting the etalon, which changes the interference conditions. This tunability is crucial because the Sun's emission at Hα can shift slightly due to Doppler effects as material moves across the Sun’s surface and atmosphere.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eThere are two primary types of etalon filters used in solar telescopes: single etalon and double etalon systems.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSingle Etalon:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eA single etalon filter typically has a narrower bandwidth, providing high contrast for detailed solar observations but at the cost of limiting the field of view. This makes single etalon systems well-suited for viewing small, high-contrast features like prominences or filaments.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDouble Etalon:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eA double etalon system uses two etalon filters in tandem to improve the wavelength selectivity, reduce the overall bandwidth, and enhance the contrast and image clarity across a wider field of view. Double etalon systems are preferred for more detailed solar studies because they can offer both a sharper image and better tunability, allowing for a more accurate depiction of solar dynamics.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSolis Etalon Technology: \u003c\/strong\u003eSky-Watcher's Solis technology allows the Heliostar to achieve a 0.55A bandpass without the costly expense and complexity of a second etalon to achieve the same performance. This allows the observer to obtain detailed images of the solar disk right out of the box without any further expense. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTrifid Tuner: \u003c\/strong\u003eInside the Heliostar is Sky-Watcher's Trifid tuning system. This tuner applies physical pressure to the etalon plates allowing the observer to reach the desired Hydrogen-band. The Trifid tuner uses three support veins to provide a secure tuning for the etalon. \u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Sky-Watcher","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44014092255343,"sku":"S11315","price":4720.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0686\/0049\/6239\/files\/S11315_Heliostar_76Ha_Left_Front_1800x1800_185a9edf-5837-42d7-9b8c-b324a07fe92c.webp?v=1776187261"},{"product_id":"solar-scout-80mm-dedicated-solar-telescope-chromosphere","title":"Solar Scout 80mm Dedicated Solar Telescope - Chromosphere","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-28f84493 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI\u003cstrong\u003eNCLUDES:\u003c\/strong\u003eQuality Achromat Doublet 80mm refractor\u003cbr\u003eDedicated Solar Telescope\u003cbr\u003eHelical Front-end Focus with fine precision\u003cbr\u003eChoose Prom or Chrom model at no extra cost\u003cbr\u003eEnvironmental Hard Case\u003cbr\u003eInterchangeable Daystar Quark*\u003cbr\u003e‘Solar Bullet’ finder\u003cbr\u003eVixen \/Photo style mounting foot\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFEATURES:\u003c\/strong\u003e1400mm Effective Focal Length\u003cbr\u003eBest Price for 80mm Dedicated Solar Telescope\u003cbr\u003eProminence or Chromosphere model no extra cost\u003cbr\u003eLightweight Aluminum Optical Tube\u003cbr\u003eRobust and precision accuracy: Helical Front-Focus\u003cbr\u003ecan’t slip and does not turn the eyepiece.\u003cbr\u003eSolar Bullet finder projects safely onto white screen.\u003cbr\u003eFull 22mm Clear Aperture.\u003cbr\u003eQuark can be moved to other instruments for\u003cbr\u003edifferent magnifications*\u003cbr\u003eSwap filter(s) for different bandpass views\u003cbr\u003eAdaptable for 2″ or Camera mount \/ views\u003cbr\u003eAlways on-band with USB power, 5v 1.5amp\u003cbr\u003e110-240VAC wall adapter\u003cbr\u003e(Optional 24mAh battery available)\u003cbr\u003eTuning knob allows wing shifting +\/- 0.5Ã…\u003cbr\u003eLED indicator for power, warming, ready, fault\u003cbr\u003e5 year warranty\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e* Application of 2″ eyepieces or components, and Camera T-adapters require additional, optional accessories. Diagonal shown in photo is optional.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"\u003e\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"\u003e\u003cimg class=\"wp-image-410\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0686\/0049\/6239\/files\/80ScoutFeatures-1_a8e1dc22-591f-4cdd-a84e-cf9bef0ab0d4.jpg?v=1766573280\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 421px) 100vw, 421px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0686\/0049\/6239\/files\/80ScoutFeatures-1_a8e1dc22-591f-4cdd-a84e-cf9bef0ab0d4.jpg?v=1766573280 421w, https:\/\/www.daystarfilters.com\/df\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/80ScoutFeatures-1-300x273.jpg 300w\" alt=\"\" width=\"421\" height=\"383\"\u003e\u003c\/figure\u003e\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"\u003e\u003cimg class=\"wp-image-411\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0686\/0049\/6239\/files\/ScoutCanonMount_1a305d39-afd7-4363-897d-9783b2d49c09.jpg?v=1766573282\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0686\/0049\/6239\/files\/ScoutCanonMount_1a305d39-afd7-4363-897d-9783b2d49c09.jpg?v=1766573282 500w, https:\/\/www.daystarfilters.com\/df\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/ScoutCanonMount-300x151.jpg 300w\" alt=\"\" width=\"500\" height=\"252\"\u003e\n\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"\u003eApplication of Quark-T adapter allows users to mount directly and robustly to Nikon or Canon Cameras, with familiar camera style focus.\u003c\/figcaption\u003e\n\u003c\/figure\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.daystarfilters.com\/Quark\/QuarkUniformity.shtml\"\u003eA note about QUARK and SE Grade Uniformity Standards\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e* HALF-BANDWIDTH:\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eThe term half-bandwidth refers to an optics industry standard of measure.  On a chart depicting the peak where light is transmitted, that peak’s width is measured at the point 50% between zero and full transmission. This term is called half-bandwidth.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Daystar Filters","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44014158250095,"sku":"SS80C","price":3549.99,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0686\/0049\/6239\/files\/SS80C1__41427.jpg?v=1766573284"},{"product_id":"solar-scout-80mm-dedicated-solar-telescope-prominence","title":"Solar Scout 80mm Dedicated Solar Telescope - Prominence","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-28f84493 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI\u003cstrong\u003eNCLUDES:\u003c\/strong\u003eQuality Achromat Doublet 80mm refractor\u003cbr\u003eDedicated Solar Telescope\u003cbr\u003eHelical Front-end Focus with fine precision\u003cbr\u003eChoose Prom or Chrom model at no extra cost\u003cbr\u003eEnvironmental Hard Case\u003cbr\u003eInterchangeable Daystar Quark*\u003cbr\u003e‘Solar Bullet’ finder\u003cbr\u003eVixen \/Photo style mounting foot\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFEATURES:\u003c\/strong\u003e1400mm Effective Focal Length\u003cbr\u003eBest Price for 80mm Dedicated Solar Telescope\u003cbr\u003eProminence or Chromosphere model no extra cost\u003cbr\u003eLightweight Aluminum Optical Tube\u003cbr\u003eRobust and precision accuracy: Helical Front-Focus\u003cbr\u003ecan’t slip and does not turn the eyepiece.\u003cbr\u003eSolar Bullet finder projects safely onto white screen.\u003cbr\u003eFull 22mm Clear Aperture.\u003cbr\u003eQuark can be moved to other instruments for\u003cbr\u003edifferent magnifications*\u003cbr\u003eSwap filter(s) for different bandpass views\u003cbr\u003eAdaptable for 2″ or Camera mount \/ views\u003cbr\u003eAlways on-band with USB power, 5v 1.5amp\u003cbr\u003e110-240VAC wall adapter\u003cbr\u003e(Optional 24mAh battery available)\u003cbr\u003eTuning knob allows wing shifting +\/- 0.5Ã…\u003cbr\u003eLED indicator for power, warming, ready, fault\u003cbr\u003e5 year warranty\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e* Application of 2″ eyepieces or components, and Camera T-adapters require additional, optional accessories. Diagonal shown in photo is optional.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"\u003e\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"\u003e\u003cimg class=\"wp-image-410\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0686\/0049\/6239\/files\/80ScoutFeatures-1_757ad43b-e33b-44d7-987a-a79e2fa5a546.jpg?v=1766573289\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 421px) 100vw, 421px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0686\/0049\/6239\/files\/80ScoutFeatures-1_757ad43b-e33b-44d7-987a-a79e2fa5a546.jpg?v=1766573289 421w, https:\/\/www.daystarfilters.com\/df\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/80ScoutFeatures-1-300x273.jpg 300w\" alt=\"\" width=\"421\" height=\"383\"\u003e\u003c\/figure\u003e\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"\u003e\u003cimg class=\"wp-image-411\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0686\/0049\/6239\/files\/ScoutCanonMount_c71b2e9b-9c8d-4818-8003-045d0f8ed559.jpg?v=1766573291\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0686\/0049\/6239\/files\/ScoutCanonMount_c71b2e9b-9c8d-4818-8003-045d0f8ed559.jpg?v=1766573291 500w, https:\/\/www.daystarfilters.com\/df\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/ScoutCanonMount-300x151.jpg 300w\" alt=\"\" width=\"500\" height=\"252\"\u003e\n\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"\u003eApplication of Quark-T adapter allows users to mount directly and robustly to Nikon or Canon Cameras, with familiar camera style focus.\u003c\/figcaption\u003e\n\u003c\/figure\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.daystarfilters.com\/Quark\/QuarkUniformity.shtml\"\u003eA note about QUARK and SE Grade Uniformity Standards\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e* HALF-BANDWIDTH:\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eThe term half-bandwidth refers to an optics industry standard of measure.  On a chart depicting the peak where light is transmitted, that peak’s width is measured at the point 50% between zero and full transmission. This term is called half-bandwidth.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Daystar Filters","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44014158413935,"sku":"SS80P","price":3549.99,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0686\/0049\/6239\/files\/SS80C1__41427.1764609463.1280.1280__06150.jpg?v=1766573293"},{"product_id":"heliostar-100hα-solar-telescope","title":"Sky-Watcher Heliostar 100 H-Alpha Solar Telescope","description":"\u003ch1 class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eIntroducing the Sky-Watcher Heliostar 100mm H-Alpha Solar Telescope\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eThe Heliostar 100mm H-alpha Solar Telescope brings a new light (yes, pun intended) to the Sky-Watcher family by offering a dedicated Hydrogen-alpha (Hα) solar telescope to the lineup. Hydrogen-alpha solar observing allows you to unlock the incredible dynamics of surface of the Sun far beyond what a white light solar filter can deliver. From massive solar prominences and dancing spicules on the limb of the Sun, to active sunspot regions where solar flares erupt, bright plage patches, surface granulation, wispy, snake-like plasma filaments, and more, the star of the solar system is yours to capture in breathtaking views and images.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch1 class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eThe Official Solar Telescope of the Charlie Bates Solar Astronomy Project\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan data-teams=\"true\"\u003e\u003cspan dir=\"ltr\" class=\"ui-provider a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z ab ac ae af ag ah ai aj ak\"\u003eFounded in 2008, The\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca title=\"Charlie Bates Solar Astronomy Project Facebook\" href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/groups\/91723109503\"\u003eCharlie Bates Solar Astronomy Project\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e is a veteran ran nonprofit 501(c)(3) that provides equipment for and teaches observational solar astronomy and narrowband solar imaging to hundreds of thousands of people in 27 countries. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cimg height=\"138\" width=\"511\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0080\/7095\/5123\/files\/CBSAP_2015_Horizontal_Logo.png?v=1732124726\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch1 class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003ch1 class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eDouble the Fun\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eThe Heliostar 100mm Hα Solar Telescope provides incredible double stack performance for the price of one etalon filter. There is no need for costly double stack systems, Heliostar 100Hα is tuned to \u0026lt;0.5Å natively providing rich surface detail and with its 100mm aperture high resolution viewing and imaging is easily obtainable.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch1\u003eSafety Information\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Sky-Watcher Heliostar 100mm Hα Solar Telescope has been lab tested here in the United States to meet the ISO 12312-2 safety standards. Each scope is tested one by one on the actual Sun to make sure each unit is ready for safe solar viewing right out of the box.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a dedicated solar telescope and will not provide views or images of anything except for the Sun.\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePlease use an abundance of caution when observing the Sun\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eas incorrect usage and practices can result in serious and even permanent eye damage.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAlso, the 20mm, 1.25-inch blocking filter in the removable eyepiece diagonal is part of Heliostar's safety features. Do not use with any other type of diagonal.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch1 class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eWhat's In the Box?\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eThe Heliostar 100Hα features a collection of accessories to ensure you are ready for safe solar viewing right out of the box. The telescope includes mounting rings, V-style dovetail, Heliostar solar finder, dual speed Rack and Pinion focuser, 20mm blocking filter, clip on sunshade, 22mm 70° 1.25” eyepiece and 2\" eyepiece adapter. All of this is housed inside a rugged carrying case, so you are ready to take your Heliostar 100 anywhere. A perfect match for the Sky-Watcher Wave 100i mount (available as an all-in-one kit, S11330) for the ultimate, portable solar telescope setup!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch1 class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eHydrogen Alpha Technology\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eHydrogen Alpha (Hα) solar telescopes are specialized instruments used to observe the Sun in a specific wavelength of light—656.3 nm—which corresponds to the emission line in the “A” alpha absorption band of the Balmer series. This wavelength is critical for studying solar phenomena like spicules, prominences, filaments, sunspots, and solar flares in great detail. Unlike standard white-light telescopes, which capture the Sun's broad spectrum, Hα solar telescopes offer a window into specific solar activity in the chromosphere, a layer of the Sun's atmosphere located just above the photosphere.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch1 class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eEtalon Filter Technology\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAt the heart of most Hydrogen Alpha solar telescopes lies the etalon filter, a highly precise optical device that isolates the Hα wavelength from the rest of the Sun’s emitted light. An etalon is a type of interferometer, consisting of two parallel mirrors separated by a precise distance. The etalon works by reflecting light multiple times between the mirrors, selectively allowing only wavelengths that satisfy specific resonance conditions to pass through.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn the case of Hα solar telescopes, the etalon is designed to transmit light at the Hα wavelength while rejecting all other wavelengths. The key to the etalon’s performance lies in its ability to tune the wavelength allowed through the filter. This is achieved by adjusting the distance between the mirrors or by slightly tilting the etalon, which changes the angle of incidence. Tuning the etalon to each side of the central wavelength is needed because local changes in atmospheric pressure change the refractive index of your local air mass.   The Sun's emission at Hα can also shift slightly due to Doppler effects as violent explosions in the Sun's chromosphere can cause solar plasma to move at enormous speeds. \u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere are two primary types of etalon filters used in solar telescopes: single etalon and double etalon systems.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTraditional H alpha solar telescopes have been sold in two basic configurations; single etalon and the very costly double etalon systems.  It has always been a choice of the single etalon's brighter prominences or more contrast of surface features from an additional etalon.  The second etalon has the unfortunate consequence of reducing the brightness of the system by a whopping 40%.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSolis Etalon Technology™:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eSky-Watcher's all new Solis Technology™ allows the Heliostar to achieve a 0.55A bandpass without the costly expense and complexity of a second etalon to achieve the same or better performance without reducing the brightness significantly. This allows the observer to see very high contrast detailed images of the solar chromosphere right out of the box without any further expense.  \u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTrifid Tuner™: \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eInside the Heliostar is Sky-Watcher's Trifid Tuner™ system. This tuner applies physical pressure to the etalon plates allowing the observer to reach the desired Hydrogen emission line. The Trifid tuner uses three support veins to provide a secure tuning for the etalon without stressing any peripheral systems.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePlease enjoy solar astronomy safely!\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e","brand":"Sky-Watcher","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52950519873647,"sku":"S11325","price":8330.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0686\/0049\/6239\/files\/S11325_Heliostar100H__OTA_LeftFront_1800x1800_bdf29707-bf7a-421f-8d06-1923bbabecad.webp?v=1776184848"},{"product_id":"sky-watcher-heliostar-76-h-alpha-solar-telescope-with-solarquest-mount-kit","title":"Sky-Watcher Heliostar 76 H-Alpha Solar Telescope with SolarQuest Mount Kit","description":"\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProduct Overview\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis kit pairs the Sky-Watcher Heliostar 76 hydrogen-alpha solar telescope with the SolarQuest self-aligning solar tracking mount, so the telescope and the platform that follows the Sun arrive together and already matched. The Heliostar 76 is a 76 mm f\/8.3 dedicated Ha instrument with a 630 mm focal length, tuned natively to a bandpass under 0.5 angstroms. That bandwidth is what separates a solar telescope that shows the chromosphere — prominences on the limb, plage, filaments, spicules and the structure inside active regions — from a white-light filter that shows only sunspots on the photosphere.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe SolarQuest carries it on an Alt-Az motorized head with an 11-pound payload capacity, its own adjustable-height aluminium tripod, and built-in GPS. One button starts the HelioFind routine: the mount levels itself, works out the Sun's azimuth and altitude, finds it, and then tracks it for hours. There is no polar alignment and no star alignment, because there are no stars out.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe telescope weighs 8.4 lbs and the whole kit ships at 22.0 lb, tripod, hard case and all.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWho It's For\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a good match if you want to observe or image the Sun on any clear day without waiting for night, and you would rather set up in a minute than align a mount. It suits eclipse chasers, outreach volunteers and educators running daytime sessions, imagers building a solar rig, and anyone who has looked through a white-light filter and wanted to see the part of the Sun that moves. Because SolarQuest aligns itself, the setup routine is the same on the first day as on the hundredth.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eKey Features \u0026amp; Design\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e76 mm f\/8.3 dedicated Ha telescope:\u003c\/strong\u003e 630 mm focal length. The aperture is what sets the resolution available on fine chromospheric structure, and 76 mm resolves detail that smaller Ha scopes smooth over.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSub-0.5 angstrom bandpass from a single etalon:\u003c\/strong\u003e Sky-Watcher's Solis etalon technology reaches this natively. A conventional route to that contrast is a second stacked etalon, which costs roughly 40 percent of the system's brightness; the single Solis etalon keeps the image bright.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTrifid Tuner:\u003c\/strong\u003e applies pressure to the etalon plates through three support veins to move the passband onto the hydrogen emission line. Tuning is a routine part of solar observing, because local air pressure shifts the refractive index and Doppler motion in the chromosphere shifts the line itself.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e11.5 mm blocking filter:\u003c\/strong\u003e in the 1.25-inch removable eyepiece diagonal, and part of the telescope's certified safety path.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e2-inch dual-speed Crayford focuser:\u003c\/strong\u003e fine focus control, which matters when the useful depth of focus on solar detail is shallow.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eIntegrated Heliostar solar finder:\u003c\/strong\u003e puts the Sun in the field without pointing anything at it by eye.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSolarQuest HelioFind alignment:\u003c\/strong\u003e built-in GPS, automatic levelling, one-button acquisition, then dual-axis solar tracking. An 8-way joystick centres the Sun.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSolarQuest tripod and power:\u003c\/strong\u003e adjustable-height aluminium tripod on 1.25-inch legs, running from eight AA batteries or the included 12V adapter.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eISO 12312-2 tested:\u003c\/strong\u003e lab tested in the United States, and each individual unit is checked on the actual Sun before shipping.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOptical \/ Mechanical Design\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA hydrogen-alpha telescope works by isolating a single emission line at 656.3 nm out of the Sun's full spectrum. The component that does the isolating is the etalon — a pair of precisely spaced parallel mirrors that reflect light between them and pass only the wavelengths that meet the resonance condition. Change the spacing or the angle of incidence and the passband moves, which is why an Ha telescope has a tuner at all.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNarrower bandpass means more contrast on surface features. The traditional way to get there is to stack a second etalon, which narrows the band but also darkens the image by around 40 percent, and doubles the most expensive part of the instrument. Solis reaches the same territory with one etalon, so the Heliostar 76 delivers double-stack contrast at single-etalon brightness and single-etalon cost. The Trifid Tuner is the mechanism that positions the passband: three support veins press on the etalon plates, distributing the load so that the tuning does not stress the surrounding optics.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOn the mount side, SolarQuest is a motorized Alt-Az head on a DC servo drive with dual-axis tracking at solar rate, slewing at 16x and 1200x. Its V-style saddle takes the Heliostar's dovetail directly. Built-in GPS supplies time and position, and HelioFind converts that into a pointing solution, so the alignment step that normally requires a visible sky reference is handled internally.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRecommended Uses\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eVisual hydrogen-alpha solar observing:\u003c\/strong\u003e prominences, filaments, plage, spicules and active-region structure, day to day.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSolar imaging:\u003c\/strong\u003e the tracking is steady enough for video capture and stacking; a camera phone adapter is included for quick captures.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSolar eclipses:\u003c\/strong\u003e self-alignment and GPS make a travel setup practical, which is what SolarQuest was designed around.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eOutreach and classroom astronomy:\u003c\/strong\u003e daytime sessions with a one-button setup and continuous tracking for queues of viewers.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFollowing the solar cycle:\u003c\/strong\u003e tracking sunspot groups, flare activity and coronal mass ejection signatures over weeks.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCompatibility and Accessory Notes\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe telescope mounts on a V-style (Vixen) dovetail and the SolarQuest saddle accepts V-style, so the two are matched as supplied. The mount's 11-pound payload capacity against the telescope's 8.4 lbs leaves 2.6 lbs of headroom for a camera and diagonal.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 11.5 mm blocking filter lives inside the removable 1.25-inch eyepiece diagonal and is part of the safety chain that carries the ISO 12312-2 test result. The Heliostar is used with that diagonal and no other; substituting a different diagonal removes the blocking filter from the light path. Eyepieces are standard 1.25-inch, and the supplied 20 mm 70-degree eyepiece gives 31.5x on the 630 mm focal length.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe SolarQuest runs on eight AA batteries or the included 12V adapter, and has a 3\/8-inch threaded mounting hole and a built-in 8.5-inch pier extension. If you are planning a camera for solar video capture, send us the model and we will check the weight against the 11-pound payload and the back focus through the blocking-filter diagonal.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGood to Know Before You Order\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eThis is a dedicated solar instrument.\u003c\/strong\u003e Sky-Watcher states it will not provide views or images of anything except the Sun. The etalon passes one 656.3 nm line, so there is nothing left for night-time targets.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eThe supplied diagonal is the safety path.\u003c\/strong\u003e The 11.5 mm blocking filter is built into it. Solar observing done incorrectly can cause serious and permanent eye damage, and every unit is individually tested on the Sun before it ships precisely because that margin matters.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eThe bandpass is quoted two ways.\u003c\/strong\u003e The specification list gives \u0026lt;0.5Å; the descriptive text on the same vendor page cites 0.55Å for the Solis etalon. Both come from Sky-Watcher.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePayload headroom is 2.6 lbs.\u003c\/strong\u003e The 8.4 lb telescope against an 11 lb capacity accommodates a light camera and diagonal. A heavy imaging train is worth checking with us first.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAA batteries are not included.\u003c\/strong\u003e The 12V adapter is.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTuning is part of using it.\u003c\/strong\u003e The Trifid Tuner is adjusted at the start of a session and again as conditions change, because atmospheric pressure and Doppler shifts in the chromosphere move the line. It is a knob, not a calibration procedure.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs it difficult to set up?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt is one of the simplest setups in astronomy. The tripod goes down, the telescope drops into the V-style saddle, and you press one button. SolarQuest levels itself, reads its GPS position, finds the Sun and starts tracking. There is no polar alignment, no star alignment and no time or date entry. From there you tune the etalon for the view you want and focus.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat will I actually see that a white-light filter does not show?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe chromosphere instead of the photosphere: prominences arcing off the limb, dark filaments snaking across the disc, bright plage around active regions, spicule texture and the fine structure inside sunspot groups. A white-light filter shows sunspots and granulation and stops there.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCan I image with it?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes. The mount tracks at solar rate on both axes, which is what video capture and stacking need. A camera phone adapter is included for quick captures, and the 1.25-inch focuser accepts a dedicated solar camera through the supplied diagonal.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDo I need to double-stack it?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNo. The single Solis etalon is tuned to under 0.5Å natively, which is the contrast a stacked pair is usually added to reach — without the 40 percent brightness loss the second etalon costs.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow much magnification does the supplied eyepiece give?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 20 mm eyepiece on a 630 mm focal length works out to 31.5x, a full-disc view with room for the prominences around the limb.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDoes it come with everything I need?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes, for visual use. Telescope, mounting rings, V-style dovetail, solar finder, blocking-filter diagonal, clip-on Sun shade, 20 mm eyepiece, camera phone adapter, hard case, and the SolarQuest mount with its tripod and 12V adapter. AA batteries and a dedicated camera are the only things you would add.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBottom Line\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA 76 mm sub-0.5Å hydrogen-alpha telescope with single-etalon brightness and double-stack contrast, on a GPS mount that finds and tracks the Sun at the press of one button. Both halves ship in cases, and daytime observing starts about a minute after the tripod is down.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Sky-Watcher","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":53896747941999,"sku":"S11330","price":5410.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0686\/0049\/6239\/files\/S11330_Heliostar_76_SolarQuest_kit_Left_Front.jpg?v=1785253431"},{"product_id":"sky-watcher-heliostar-100-h-alpha-solar-telescope-with-wave-100i-mount-kit","title":"Sky-Watcher Heliostar 100 H-Alpha Solar Telescope with Wave 100i Mount Kit","description":"\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProduct Overview\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis kit puts the Sky-Watcher Heliostar 100 hydrogen-alpha solar telescope on the Wave 100i strain-wave mount, which is the pairing that makes a 100 mm solar instrument portable. The Heliostar 100 is a dedicated Ha telescope: 100 mm of aperture at 760 mm focal length, f\/7.6, tuned natively to a bandpass under 0.5 angstroms. Aperture is the limiting factor on how much chromospheric structure you can resolve, and at 100 mm the spicule texture, filament edges and internal detail of active regions separate in a way a smaller Ha scope cannot deliver.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Wave 100i is a harmonic-drive head: a stepper motor through a belt drive and harmonic reducer at a 300:1 total ratio, carrying 10 kg (22 lbs) without a counterweight and 15 kg (33 lbs) with one, from a 4.3 kg (9.5 lb) body. It tracks at solar, sidereal and lunar rates, works in both EQ and AZ modes, and runs over Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, a SynScan hand controller or third-party platforms like ASIAir, Eagle and StellarMate.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe telescope weighs 13.2 lbs, the mount head 9.5 lbs, and the kit ships at 42.1 lb.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWho It's For\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a good match if solar work is a serious part of what you do and you want the resolution that comes with 100 mm of Ha aperture on a mount that packs into a case. It suits solar imagers chasing high-resolution disc mosaics and prominence detail, eclipse travellers who need capability without a pier, and outreach programmes that want a flagship view. The Wave 100i's dual saddles also make it a natural for running two instruments side by side in Alt-Az — a solar scope and a camera rig, or a scope and a white-light companion.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eKey Features \u0026amp; Design\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e100 mm f\/7.6 dedicated Ha telescope:\u003c\/strong\u003e 760 mm focal length on an achromatic doublet with an H-alpha fully multicoated lens. The aperture is what sets the resolution ceiling on fine chromospheric detail.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSub-0.5 angstrom bandpass from a single etalon:\u003c\/strong\u003e Sky-Watcher's Solis Etalon Technology reaches it natively. The traditional alternative is a stacked second etalon, which costs about 40 percent of the system's brightness; one Solis etalon keeps the image bright at the same contrast.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTrifid Tuner:\u003c\/strong\u003e three support veins press on the etalon plates to move the passband onto the hydrogen line, without loading the surrounding optics.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e20 mm blocking filter:\u003c\/strong\u003e in the removable 1.25-inch eyepiece diagonal, and part of the telescope's certified safety path.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e2.8-inch dual-speed rack-and-pinion focuser:\u003c\/strong\u003e a larger focuser than the 76 mm model carries, sized for the imaging trains a 100 mm solar scope attracts.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eStrain-wave drive:\u003c\/strong\u003e a stepper motor through belt drive and harmonic reducer at 300:1, which is what removes the counterweight bar and the bulk from the mount without giving up payload.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDual hybrid saddles:\u003c\/strong\u003e the Wave 100i ships with a secondary saddle over the counterweight port, taking up to 22 lbs on each saddle in Alt-Az mode. Both are Vixen\/Losmandy hybrid.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eEQ and AZ modes with RA and Dec home positions,\u003c\/strong\u003e 0–90 degree continuously adjustable latitude, RA power-off braking, and a red backlit latitude display and bubble level.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eISO 12312-2 tested:\u003c\/strong\u003e lab tested in the United States, and each individual unit checked on the actual Sun before shipping.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOptical \/ Mechanical Design\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA hydrogen-alpha telescope isolates one emission line at 656.3 nm from the Sun's full spectrum. The etalon does that isolating: two precisely spaced parallel mirrors that reflect light between them and pass only the wavelengths satisfying the resonance condition. Moving the plate spacing or the angle of incidence moves the passband, which is why the instrument has a tuner — local air pressure changes the refractive index of the air mass you are observing through, and plasma moving at speed in the chromosphere Doppler-shifts the line itself.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNarrowing the band raises contrast on surface features. Stacking a second etalon is the conventional way to narrow it, at the cost of roughly 40 percent of the brightness and a second expensive optical assembly. Solis reaches the same contrast with a single etalon, so the Heliostar 100 gives double-stack surface detail without the light loss. The Trifid Tuner is the mechanism: three veins distribute the tuning pressure across the etalon plates.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Wave 100i uses a strain-wave (harmonic) reducer rather than a worm-and-wheel. A harmonic gearset delivers very high torque in a small package with effectively no backlash, which is why a 4.3 kg head carries 10 kg with no counterweight at all. The trade is that the whole system's mass moves to the mount body instead of a counterweight bar, so the packed footprint drops sharply. The head slews at 2400x, and both saddles take Vixen or Losmandy bars.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRecommended Uses\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHigh-resolution hydrogen-alpha solar imaging:\u003c\/strong\u003e 100 mm at 760 mm for disc mosaics, prominence sequences and active-region close-ups.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eVisual solar observing:\u003c\/strong\u003e prominences, filaments, plage, spicules and the fine structure of sunspot groups.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTime-lapse and event capture:\u003c\/strong\u003e flares, prominence eruptions and the daily evolution of active regions, with solar-rate tracking in either EQ or AZ mode.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eEclipse travel:\u003c\/strong\u003e a 9.5 lb mount head with case-based transport and no counterweight bar to pack.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDual-instrument setups:\u003c\/strong\u003e the second saddle carries a companion scope or camera rig up to 22 lbs in Alt-Az.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSatellite and ISS transit work:\u003c\/strong\u003e the mount's fast slew and the downloadable Satellite Tracker application for Windows.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCompatibility and Accessory Notes\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Heliostar 100 rides on a V-style dovetail and the Wave 100i's saddles are Vixen\/Losmandy hybrid, so the pair connect directly. The telescope's 13.2 lbs against a 22 lb counterweight-free payload leaves 8.8 lbs for cameras, filters and a diagonal, and a counterweight kit raises the mount's capacity to 33 lbs if you want more margin.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 20 mm blocking filter is built into the removable 1.25-inch eyepiece diagonal and is part of the safety chain that carries the ISO 12312-2 result. The Heliostar is used with that diagonal and no other, since substituting one removes the blocking filter from the light path. Eyepieces are 1.25-inch, with a 2-inch eyepiece adapter supplied; the included 22 mm 70-degree eyepiece gives about 35x on the 760 mm focal length.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe mount runs on DC12V (a 12V 2A supply, not included) and connects through Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, the SynScan hand controller or SynScan app, and third-party control platforms including ASIAir, Eagle and StellarMate, which opens up plate solving and scripted capture runs. Firmware is published at \u003cem\u003eskywatcherusa.com\/pages\/firmware-and-software\u003c\/em\u003e. Send us your camera, filter and power setup and we will confirm the payload arithmetic and the cabling before you order.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGood to Know Before You Order\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eThis is a dedicated solar instrument.\u003c\/strong\u003e Sky-Watcher states it will not provide views or images of anything except the Sun. The etalon passes one 656.3 nm line, which leaves nothing for night-time targets — though the Wave 100i itself tracks at sidereal and lunar rates and will happily carry a night-time scope on the same saddle.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eThe supplied diagonal is the safety path.\u003c\/strong\u003e The 20 mm blocking filter is built into it. Solar observing done incorrectly can cause serious and permanent eye damage, and every unit is individually tested on the Sun before shipping precisely because that margin matters.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePower is not included.\u003c\/strong\u003e The Wave 100i needs a 12V 2A supply. We can pair it with a suitable field battery or supply.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eA tripod is not listed in the kit contents.\u003c\/strong\u003e Sky-Watcher lists the Wave 100i's carbon fibre tripod, pier extension and counterweight kit as optional accessories, and the kit page does not itemise a tripod. Tell us what you are mounting on and we will confirm what you need to complete the setup.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eThe bandpass is quoted two ways.\u003c\/strong\u003e The specification list gives \u0026lt;0.5Å; the descriptive text on the same vendor page cites 0.55Å for the Solis etalon. Both come from Sky-Watcher.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eThe slew rate is quoted two ways.\u003c\/strong\u003e The Wave product sheet gives a maximum of 2400x (10°\/sec); the kit page text cites 7.5°\/sec. Both figures are Sky-Watcher's.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTuning is part of using it.\u003c\/strong\u003e The Trifid Tuner is adjusted at the start of a session and again as conditions change, because atmospheric pressure and Doppler shifts in the chromosphere move the line. It is a knob, not a calibration procedure.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs it difficult to set up?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe mechanical side is quick, because the strain-wave drive removes the counterweight bar entirely: the head goes on its support, the telescope drops into the hybrid saddle, and one clamp holds it. The bubble level and red backlit latitude display handle levelling and latitude. From there it is a SynScan or app connection over Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, then tuning the etalon and focusing. The 13.2 lb telescope is a comfortable two-hand lift.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat will I see that a white-light filter does not show?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe chromosphere rather than the photosphere: prominences arcing off the limb, dark filaments crossing the disc, bright plage around active regions, spicule texture, and structure inside sunspot groups. At 100 mm that detail is resolved finely enough to follow changes hour to hour.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCan the mount carry more than the solar telescope?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes. 22 lbs without a counterweight, 33 lbs with the optional counterweight kit, and the second saddle takes up to 22 lbs of its own in Alt-Az mode. The Heliostar 100 uses 13.2 lbs of that.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDoes the mount work at night as well?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe mount does. It tracks sidereal, solar and lunar, runs in EQ or AZ mode with RA and Dec home positions, and integrates with ASIAir, Eagle and StellarMate for plate solving and automated runs. The Heliostar telescope itself is solar-only.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDo I need to double-stack it?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNo. The single Solis etalon is tuned to under 0.5Å natively, which is the contrast a stacked pair is normally added to reach, without the 40 percent brightness loss the second etalon costs.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat magnification does the supplied eyepiece give?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 22 mm eyepiece on a 760 mm focal length works out to roughly 35x, which frames the full disc with the prominences around it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBottom Line\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA 100 mm sub-0.5Å hydrogen-alpha telescope with single-etalon brightness and double-stack contrast, on a 9.5 lb harmonic-drive mount that carries 22 lbs without a counterweight and tracks in EQ or AZ. It is the largest Heliostar paired with the mount that keeps it portable.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Sky-Watcher","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":53896754069615,"sku":"S11335","price":11110.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0686\/0049\/6239\/files\/S11335_Heliostar100mmH__KIT_Full_AZ_RightFront.jpg?v=1785253545"}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0686\/0049\/6239\/collections\/S11325_Heliostar100H__OTA_LeftFront_1800x1800_bdf29707-bf7a-421f-8d06-1923bbabecad.webp?v=1792090779","url":"https:\/\/ontariotelescope.com\/collections\/dedicated-solar-telescopes.oembed","provider":"Ontario Telescope and Accessories","version":"1.0","type":"link"}