Sky-Watcher Heliostar 76Ha H-Alpha Solar Telescope with SolarQuest Mount Kit
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- Sky-Watcher Heliostar 76mm H-Alpha Solar Telescope and SolarQuest Sun Tracking Mount bundle
- 76mm aperture, 630mm focal length, f/8.3
- Sub-0.55Å bandpass with integrated Solis Etalon Technology and Trifid Tuner
- H-alpha fully multicoated achromatic doublet lens
- Integrated Heliostar solar finder, tube rings, and carry handle
- Robust 2-inch dual-speed Crayford focuser
- Lab tested to ISO 12312-2 standards, and individually Sun tested unit by unit
- Official solar telescope of the Charlie Bates Solar Astronomy Project
- Also available as Sky-Watcher Heliostar 76Ha H-Alpha Solar Telescope
Sky Watcher H-alpha Solar Scope & SolarQuest Sun Tracking Mount
Experience our closest star in jaw-dropping detail with this exclusive, all-in-one solar imaging and observing kit! By pairing the revolutionary Sky-Watcher Heliostar 76mm H-Alpha Solar Telescope with the intelligent, tracking SolarQuest Alt-Azimuth Mount, we’ve created the ultimate daytime setup for astronomers of all skill levels. The Heliostar 76mm delivers high-contrast, "double-stacked" performance at a single-filter price, revealing breathtaking solar prominences, filaments, sunspots, and granulation through its advanced <0.55Å Solis Etalon and Trifid pressure-tuning technology. Combined with the SolarQuest mount—which utilizes HelioFind™ technology to autonomously locate, align, and track the Sun at the press of a single button—you can completely skip the tedious daytime alignment process.
Take a closer look at the Sky-Watcher Heliostar 76Ha with Mack from Agena Astro!
Explore the Advantages of H-alpha
Powerful Etalon
The 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 <0.55Å natively providing rich surface detail and with its 76mm aperture high resolution viewing and imaging is easily obtainable.
Grab-and-Go Solar Kit
This plug-and-play solar kit combines high-contrast hydrogen-alpha views with autonomous smart tracking, letting you skip tedious alignment routines to observe or photograph the Sun instantly. It is the ultimate ultra-portable, 100% safe daytime observatory designed to deliver breathtaking details of solar flares and prominences right out of the box.
Simple Solar Tracking
Ideal for observing sunspots, planetary transits, satalite transits, and solar eclipses with a white light solar filter. With the inlcuded H-Alpha telescope upi can observe the roiling surface of the Sun and track daily changes in prominences, filaments, plages, solar flares and coronal mass ejections.
Hydrogen-Alpha Solar Observing
Sunlight spans a broad range of wavelengths, but a hydrogen-alpha telescope transmits just one: a deep-red wavelength at 656.3 nm that hydrogen atoms in the Sun's atmosphere naturally emit. Filtering down to this single wavelength changes which part of the Sun becomes visible. The Heliostar targets the specific layer just above that surface, called the chromosphere, where the most dramatic prominences, filaments, and other complex solar activity takes place!
Solis Etalon Technology
For decades, solar telescope buyers faced a real tradeoff. A single etalon produces bright, contrasty views of prominences but softer surface detail. Adding a second etalon sharpens surface contrast noticeably, but it also cuts the overall brightness of the system by close to 40 percent. Sky-Watcher's Solis Etalon Technology was developed to resolve that tradeoff. A single etalon achieves a sub-0.55Å bandpass on its own, delivering the surface contrast associated with double stack systems while preserving brightness and eliminating the cost of a second filter stage.
Ready to go Kit Solar Tracker
Spend less time setting up and more time observing the Sun! The included Sky-Watcher SolarQuest is a motorized Alt-Az mount designed specifically for solar observing. Using built-in GPS and HelioFind technology, SolarQuest automatically locates and tracks the Sun with the push of a button, while an 8-way joystick makes fine centering adjustments easy. The included adjustable-height aluminum tripod features sturdy 1.25-inch legs, creating a complete grab-and-go platform for the Heliostar 76Ha. SolarQuest is for solar observation only!
Tuned and Tested for Perfect Performance
Every unit is lab tested to ISO 12312-2 standards in the United States, then verified one by one on the actual Sun before it ships. The scope you receive has been confirmed safe and ready for solar observing, not just certified on paper.
The Trifid Tuner
This unique design evenly applies controlled mechanical pressure to the etalon plates to fine-tune the wavelength being transmitted. This allows quick and easy centering on the target hydrogen line, and makes it easy to adjust your scope for maximum performance. Three internal support veins distribute that pressure and hold the etalon securely in place without stressing the surrounding optics.
Excellent Optics and a Robust Focuser
The Heliostar 76Hα uses an H-alpha fully multicoated achromatic doublet lens in a self-aligning cell, which means no collimation is ever required. The optics are diffraction limited at 1/4 wave. The 76mm aperture and 630mm focal length produce an f/8.3 focal ratio and a 6mm solar image at the focal plane. A 2-inch dual-speed Crayford focuser handles focus for both visual observing and camera work, with the fine-speed adjustment making it straightforward to dial in precise focus at higher magnifications.
Safety and the Charlie Bates Solar Astronomy Project
The rigorous testing and certification of the Heliostar has earned it a place as the official solar telescope of the Charlie Bates Solar Astronomy Project. This veteran-run nonprofit was founded in 2008 and has brought solar astronomy education to hundreds of thousands of participants across 27 countries.
Even with high safety standards like those on the Heliostar 76, solar observation always requires careful attention and proper technique. Please never attempt to view the sun directly or with any instrument not specifically engineered for this purpose.
Specifications
Optical Specifications
- Optical Design: Achromatic
- Lens Coating: H-alpha fully multicoated
- Lens Design: Doublet
- Optical Quality: Diffraction limited (1/4 wave)
- Collimatable Cell: No (Self Aligning Cell)
- Primary Aperture: 76mm
- F/Ratio: 8.3
- Focal Length: 630mm
- Blocking Filter Size: 11.5mm
- Solar Image Size: 6mm
- Bandpass: < 0.55Å
Mechanical Specifications
- Focuser Type: Crayford
- Focuser Size: 2"
- Focuser: Dual or Single Speed
- Compression Ring: No* (Only on diagonal)
- OTA material: Aluminum
- Optical Tube length (inches): 24
- Optical Tube weight (pounds): 8.4
- Mounting Rings: Included
- Dovetail type: V-style
Observational Info
- Dawes Limit: 1.52
- Rayleigh Limit: 1.84
- Limiting Magnitude: 11.88
- Minimum Magnification: 7x
- Maximum Magnification: 150x
- Magnification with included eyepieces: 32x
- Intended use: Solar (visual & Imaging)
SolarQuest Sun Mount:
-
Mount Type: Alt-Azimuth Motorized Tracking Mount
-
Payload Capacity: 5 kg (11 lbs)
-
Mounting Saddle: V-style (Vixen-style) dovetail clamp
-
Tripod Type: Adjustable-height aluminum tripod
-
Tripod Leg Diameter: 32 mm (1.25")
-
Alignment System: HelioFind™ automatic solar alignment and tracking
-
Positioning System: Built-in GPS
-
Manual Controls: Integrated 8-way slide joystick for centering the Sun
-
Power Requirements: 8 x AA batteries (not included) or 12V DC power adapter (included)
Frequently Asked Questions
What solar features are visible through the Heliostar that a white light filter cannot show?
White light filters reveal photospheric detail, primarily sunspots and surface granulation. The Heliostar operates in hydrogen-alpha and gives access to the chromosphere, where prominences, dark filaments, bright plage regions, and the activity surrounding solar flares all become visible with a level of clarity that broadband solar viewing cannot match.
What magnification range does the Heliostar support?
The optical system supports a range of 7x to 150x, with the included 20mm eyepiece producing 32x. Atmospheric turbulence during daylight hours often limits practical magnification well below the theoretical maximum, so moderate power frequently produces the sharpest results under typical seeing conditions.
How does the Heliostar 76 attach to a mount?
The scope ships with a standard V-style dovetail bar, which fits most equatorial and alt-azimuth mounts that accept that format. Sky-Watcher's SolarQuest mount is the purpose-built companion, offering automated solar acquisition and tracking for a fully dedicated portable solar setup.
Why is the included diagonal not interchangeable with other diagonals?
The 11.5mm blocking filter integrated into the supplied diagonal is not a convenience accessory. It is a required part of the Heliostar's optical safety system, blocking the solar energy that the etalon does not transmit. Replacing it with a standard diagonal removes that protection entirely and creates a serious risk of permanent eye injury.
What imaging options does the Heliostar support?
The telescope is rated for both visual and imaging use. The included camera phone adapter supports casual capture, and the 2-inch Crayford focuser accepts dedicated astronomical cameras for more demanding solar photography. The 76mm aperture provides sufficient resolution for detailed disk and prominence imaging.
Does the Solis Etalon or Trifid Tuner require any maintenance between sessions?
Neither component requires routine servicing. The Trifid Tuner is the day-to-day adjustment for keeping the transmitted wavelength centered on the H-alpha line as atmospheric conditions change. The self-aligning cell means collimation is never a consideration, so preparation between sessions is limited to standard cleaning and storage practices.
Other Information
- Country of Manufacture: China
Sky Watcher H-alpha Solar Scope & SolarQuest Sun Tracking Mount
Experience our closest star in jaw-dropping detail with this exclusive, all-in-one solar imaging and observing kit! By pairing the revolutionary Sky-Watcher Heliostar 76mm H-Alpha Solar Telescope with the intelligent, tracking SolarQuest Alt-Azimuth Mount, we’ve created the ultimate daytime setup for astronomers of all skill levels. The Heliostar 76mm delivers high-contrast, "double-stacked" performance at a single-filter price, revealing breathtaking solar prominences, filaments, sunspots, and granulation through its advanced <0.55Å Solis Etalon and Trifid pressure-tuning technology. Combined with the SolarQuest mount—which utilizes HelioFind™ technology to autonomously locate, align, and track the Sun at the press of a single button—you can completely skip the tedious daytime alignment process.
Take a closer look at the Sky-Watcher Heliostar 76Ha with Mack from Agena Astro!
Explore the Advantages of H-alpha
Powerful Etalon
The 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 <0.55Å natively providing rich surface detail and with its 76mm aperture high resolution viewing and imaging is easily obtainable.
Grab-and-Go Solar Kit
This plug-and-play solar kit combines high-contrast hydrogen-alpha views with autonomous smart tracking, letting you skip tedious alignment routines to observe or photograph the Sun instantly. It is the ultimate ultra-portable, 100% safe daytime observatory designed to deliver breathtaking details of solar flares and prominences right out of the box.
Simple Solar Tracking
Ideal for observing sunspots, planetary transits, satalite transits, and solar eclipses with a white light solar filter. With the inlcuded H-Alpha telescope upi can observe the roiling surface of the Sun and track daily changes in prominences, filaments, plages, solar flares and coronal mass ejections.
Hydrogen-Alpha Solar Observing
Sunlight spans a broad range of wavelengths, but a hydrogen-alpha telescope transmits just one: a deep-red wavelength at 656.3 nm that hydrogen atoms in the Sun's atmosphere naturally emit. Filtering down to this single wavelength changes which part of the Sun becomes visible. The Heliostar targets the specific layer just above that surface, called the chromosphere, where the most dramatic prominences, filaments, and other complex solar activity takes place!
Solis Etalon Technology
For decades, solar telescope buyers faced a real tradeoff. A single etalon produces bright, contrasty views of prominences but softer surface detail. Adding a second etalon sharpens surface contrast noticeably, but it also cuts the overall brightness of the system by close to 40 percent. Sky-Watcher's Solis Etalon Technology was developed to resolve that tradeoff. A single etalon achieves a sub-0.55Å bandpass on its own, delivering the surface contrast associated with double stack systems while preserving brightness and eliminating the cost of a second filter stage.
Ready to go Kit Solar Tracker
Spend less time setting up and more time observing the Sun! The included Sky-Watcher SolarQuest is a motorized Alt-Az mount designed specifically for solar observing. Using built-in GPS and HelioFind technology, SolarQuest automatically locates and tracks the Sun with the push of a button, while an 8-way joystick makes fine centering adjustments easy. The included adjustable-height aluminum tripod features sturdy 1.25-inch legs, creating a complete grab-and-go platform for the Heliostar 76Ha. SolarQuest is for solar observation only!
Tuned and Tested for Perfect Performance
Every unit is lab tested to ISO 12312-2 standards in the United States, then verified one by one on the actual Sun before it ships. The scope you receive has been confirmed safe and ready for solar observing, not just certified on paper.
The Trifid Tuner
This unique design evenly applies controlled mechanical pressure to the etalon plates to fine-tune the wavelength being transmitted. This allows quick and easy centering on the target hydrogen line, and makes it easy to adjust your scope for maximum performance. Three internal support veins distribute that pressure and hold the etalon securely in place without stressing the surrounding optics.
Excellent Optics and a Robust Focuser
The Heliostar 76Hα uses an H-alpha fully multicoated achromatic doublet lens in a self-aligning cell, which means no collimation is ever required. The optics are diffraction limited at 1/4 wave. The 76mm aperture and 630mm focal length produce an f/8.3 focal ratio and a 6mm solar image at the focal plane. A 2-inch dual-speed Crayford focuser handles focus for both visual observing and camera work, with the fine-speed adjustment making it straightforward to dial in precise focus at higher magnifications.
Safety and the Charlie Bates Solar Astronomy Project
The rigorous testing and certification of the Heliostar has earned it a place as the official solar telescope of the Charlie Bates Solar Astronomy Project. This veteran-run nonprofit was founded in 2008 and has brought solar astronomy education to hundreds of thousands of participants across 27 countries.
Even with high safety standards like those on the Heliostar 76, solar observation always requires careful attention and proper technique. Please never attempt to view the sun directly or with any instrument not specifically engineered for this purpose.
Specifications
Optical Specifications
- Optical Design: Achromatic
- Lens Coating: H-alpha fully multicoated
- Lens Design: Doublet
- Optical Quality: Diffraction limited (1/4 wave)
- Collimatable Cell: No (Self Aligning Cell)
- Primary Aperture: 76mm
- F/Ratio: 8.3
- Focal Length: 630mm
- Blocking Filter Size: 11.5mm
- Solar Image Size: 6mm
- Bandpass: < 0.55Å
Mechanical Specifications
- Focuser Type: Crayford
- Focuser Size: 2"
- Focuser: Dual or Single Speed
- Compression Ring: No* (Only on diagonal)
- OTA material: Aluminum
- Optical Tube length (inches): 24
- Optical Tube weight (pounds): 8.4
- Mounting Rings: Included
- Dovetail type: V-style
Observational Info
- Dawes Limit: 1.52
- Rayleigh Limit: 1.84
- Limiting Magnitude: 11.88
- Minimum Magnification: 7x
- Maximum Magnification: 150x
- Magnification with included eyepieces: 32x
- Intended use: Solar (visual & Imaging)
SolarQuest Sun Mount:
-
Mount Type: Alt-Azimuth Motorized Tracking Mount
-
Payload Capacity: 5 kg (11 lbs)
-
Mounting Saddle: V-style (Vixen-style) dovetail clamp
-
Tripod Type: Adjustable-height aluminum tripod
-
Tripod Leg Diameter: 32 mm (1.25")
-
Alignment System: HelioFind™ automatic solar alignment and tracking
-
Positioning System: Built-in GPS
-
Manual Controls: Integrated 8-way slide joystick for centering the Sun
-
Power Requirements: 8 x AA batteries (not included) or 12V DC power adapter (included)
Frequently Asked Questions
What solar features are visible through the Heliostar that a white light filter cannot show?
White light filters reveal photospheric detail, primarily sunspots and surface granulation. The Heliostar operates in hydrogen-alpha and gives access to the chromosphere, where prominences, dark filaments, bright plage regions, and the activity surrounding solar flares all become visible with a level of clarity that broadband solar viewing cannot match.
What magnification range does the Heliostar support?
The optical system supports a range of 7x to 150x, with the included 20mm eyepiece producing 32x. Atmospheric turbulence during daylight hours often limits practical magnification well below the theoretical maximum, so moderate power frequently produces the sharpest results under typical seeing conditions.
How does the Heliostar 76 attach to a mount?
The scope ships with a standard V-style dovetail bar, which fits most equatorial and alt-azimuth mounts that accept that format. Sky-Watcher's SolarQuest mount is the purpose-built companion, offering automated solar acquisition and tracking for a fully dedicated portable solar setup.
Why is the included diagonal not interchangeable with other diagonals?
The 11.5mm blocking filter integrated into the supplied diagonal is not a convenience accessory. It is a required part of the Heliostar's optical safety system, blocking the solar energy that the etalon does not transmit. Replacing it with a standard diagonal removes that protection entirely and creates a serious risk of permanent eye injury.
What imaging options does the Heliostar support?
The telescope is rated for both visual and imaging use. The included camera phone adapter supports casual capture, and the 2-inch Crayford focuser accepts dedicated astronomical cameras for more demanding solar photography. The 76mm aperture provides sufficient resolution for detailed disk and prominence imaging.
Does the Solis Etalon or Trifid Tuner require any maintenance between sessions?
Neither component requires routine servicing. The Trifid Tuner is the day-to-day adjustment for keeping the transmitted wavelength centered on the H-alpha line as atmospheric conditions change. The self-aligning cell means collimation is never a consideration, so preparation between sessions is limited to standard cleaning and storage practices.
| Manufacturer | Sky Watcher |
|---|---|
| Telescope Focal Length | 601 - 700mm |
- 1x HelioStar 76mm OTA
- 1x 20 mm Eyepiece - 1.25"
- 1x 11.5mm H-alpha blocking diagonal - 1.25"
- 1x Cell phone adapter
- 1x Sun shade
- 1x Heliostar solar finder
- 1x Hard shell travel case
- 1x SolarQuest mount head
- 1x Tripod
- 1x Pier extension
- 1x 12v DC power adapter
- 1x AA battery pack (installed in the mount)
- 1x Accessory Tray
- Sky-Watcher Heliostar 76mm H-Alpha Solar Telescope and SolarQuest Sun Tracking Mount bundle
- 76mm aperture, 630mm focal length, f/8.3
- Sub-0.55Å bandpass with integrated Solis Etalon Technology and Trifid Tuner
- H-alpha fully multicoated achromatic doublet lens
- Integrated Heliostar solar finder, tube rings, and carry handle
- Robust 2-inch dual-speed Crayford focuser
- Lab tested to ISO 12312-2 standards, and individually Sun tested unit by unit
- Official solar telescope of the Charlie Bates Solar Astronomy Project
- Also available as Sky-Watcher Heliostar 76Ha H-Alpha Solar Telescope
Sky Watcher H-alpha Solar Scope & SolarQuest Sun Tracking Mount
Experience our closest star in jaw-dropping detail with this exclusive, all-in-one solar imaging and observing kit! By pairing the revolutionary Sky-Watcher Heliostar 76mm H-Alpha Solar Telescope with the intelligent, tracking SolarQuest Alt-Azimuth Mount, we’ve created the ultimate daytime setup for astronomers of all skill levels. The Heliostar 76mm delivers high-contrast, "double-stacked" performance at a single-filter price, revealing breathtaking solar prominences, filaments, sunspots, and granulation through its advanced <0.55Å Solis Etalon and Trifid pressure-tuning technology. Combined with the SolarQuest mount—which utilizes HelioFind™ technology to autonomously locate, align, and track the Sun at the press of a single button—you can completely skip the tedious daytime alignment process.
Take a closer look at the Sky-Watcher Heliostar 76Ha with Mack from Agena Astro!
Explore the Advantages of H-alpha
Powerful Etalon
The 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 <0.55Å natively providing rich surface detail and with its 76mm aperture high resolution viewing and imaging is easily obtainable.
Grab-and-Go Solar Kit
This plug-and-play solar kit combines high-contrast hydrogen-alpha views with autonomous smart tracking, letting you skip tedious alignment routines to observe or photograph the Sun instantly. It is the ultimate ultra-portable, 100% safe daytime observatory designed to deliver breathtaking details of solar flares and prominences right out of the box.
Simple Solar Tracking
Ideal for observing sunspots, planetary transits, satalite transits, and solar eclipses with a white light solar filter. With the inlcuded H-Alpha telescope upi can observe the roiling surface of the Sun and track daily changes in prominences, filaments, plages, solar flares and coronal mass ejections.
Hydrogen-Alpha Solar Observing
Sunlight spans a broad range of wavelengths, but a hydrogen-alpha telescope transmits just one: a deep-red wavelength at 656.3 nm that hydrogen atoms in the Sun's atmosphere naturally emit. Filtering down to this single wavelength changes which part of the Sun becomes visible. The Heliostar targets the specific layer just above that surface, called the chromosphere, where the most dramatic prominences, filaments, and other complex solar activity takes place!
Solis Etalon Technology
For decades, solar telescope buyers faced a real tradeoff. A single etalon produces bright, contrasty views of prominences but softer surface detail. Adding a second etalon sharpens surface contrast noticeably, but it also cuts the overall brightness of the system by close to 40 percent. Sky-Watcher's Solis Etalon Technology was developed to resolve that tradeoff. A single etalon achieves a sub-0.55Å bandpass on its own, delivering the surface contrast associated with double stack systems while preserving brightness and eliminating the cost of a second filter stage.
Ready to go Kit Solar Tracker
Spend less time setting up and more time observing the Sun! The included Sky-Watcher SolarQuest is a motorized Alt-Az mount designed specifically for solar observing. Using built-in GPS and HelioFind technology, SolarQuest automatically locates and tracks the Sun with the push of a button, while an 8-way joystick makes fine centering adjustments easy. The included adjustable-height aluminum tripod features sturdy 1.25-inch legs, creating a complete grab-and-go platform for the Heliostar 76Ha. SolarQuest is for solar observation only!
Tuned and Tested for Perfect Performance
Every unit is lab tested to ISO 12312-2 standards in the United States, then verified one by one on the actual Sun before it ships. The scope you receive has been confirmed safe and ready for solar observing, not just certified on paper.
The Trifid Tuner
This unique design evenly applies controlled mechanical pressure to the etalon plates to fine-tune the wavelength being transmitted. This allows quick and easy centering on the target hydrogen line, and makes it easy to adjust your scope for maximum performance. Three internal support veins distribute that pressure and hold the etalon securely in place without stressing the surrounding optics.
Excellent Optics and a Robust Focuser
The Heliostar 76Hα uses an H-alpha fully multicoated achromatic doublet lens in a self-aligning cell, which means no collimation is ever required. The optics are diffraction limited at 1/4 wave. The 76mm aperture and 630mm focal length produce an f/8.3 focal ratio and a 6mm solar image at the focal plane. A 2-inch dual-speed Crayford focuser handles focus for both visual observing and camera work, with the fine-speed adjustment making it straightforward to dial in precise focus at higher magnifications.
Safety and the Charlie Bates Solar Astronomy Project
The rigorous testing and certification of the Heliostar has earned it a place as the official solar telescope of the Charlie Bates Solar Astronomy Project. This veteran-run nonprofit was founded in 2008 and has brought solar astronomy education to hundreds of thousands of participants across 27 countries.
Even with high safety standards like those on the Heliostar 76, solar observation always requires careful attention and proper technique. Please never attempt to view the sun directly or with any instrument not specifically engineered for this purpose.
Specifications
Optical Specifications
- Optical Design: Achromatic
- Lens Coating: H-alpha fully multicoated
- Lens Design: Doublet
- Optical Quality: Diffraction limited (1/4 wave)
- Collimatable Cell: No (Self Aligning Cell)
- Primary Aperture: 76mm
- F/Ratio: 8.3
- Focal Length: 630mm
- Blocking Filter Size: 11.5mm
- Solar Image Size: 6mm
- Bandpass: < 0.55Å
Mechanical Specifications
- Focuser Type: Crayford
- Focuser Size: 2"
- Focuser: Dual or Single Speed
- Compression Ring: No* (Only on diagonal)
- OTA material: Aluminum
- Optical Tube length (inches): 24
- Optical Tube weight (pounds): 8.4
- Mounting Rings: Included
- Dovetail type: V-style
Observational Info
- Dawes Limit: 1.52
- Rayleigh Limit: 1.84
- Limiting Magnitude: 11.88
- Minimum Magnification: 7x
- Maximum Magnification: 150x
- Magnification with included eyepieces: 32x
- Intended use: Solar (visual & Imaging)
SolarQuest Sun Mount:
-
Mount Type: Alt-Azimuth Motorized Tracking Mount
-
Payload Capacity: 5 kg (11 lbs)
-
Mounting Saddle: V-style (Vixen-style) dovetail clamp
-
Tripod Type: Adjustable-height aluminum tripod
-
Tripod Leg Diameter: 32 mm (1.25")
-
Alignment System: HelioFind™ automatic solar alignment and tracking
-
Positioning System: Built-in GPS
-
Manual Controls: Integrated 8-way slide joystick for centering the Sun
-
Power Requirements: 8 x AA batteries (not included) or 12V DC power adapter (included)
Frequently Asked Questions
What solar features are visible through the Heliostar that a white light filter cannot show?
White light filters reveal photospheric detail, primarily sunspots and surface granulation. The Heliostar operates in hydrogen-alpha and gives access to the chromosphere, where prominences, dark filaments, bright plage regions, and the activity surrounding solar flares all become visible with a level of clarity that broadband solar viewing cannot match.
What magnification range does the Heliostar support?
The optical system supports a range of 7x to 150x, with the included 20mm eyepiece producing 32x. Atmospheric turbulence during daylight hours often limits practical magnification well below the theoretical maximum, so moderate power frequently produces the sharpest results under typical seeing conditions.
How does the Heliostar 76 attach to a mount?
The scope ships with a standard V-style dovetail bar, which fits most equatorial and alt-azimuth mounts that accept that format. Sky-Watcher's SolarQuest mount is the purpose-built companion, offering automated solar acquisition and tracking for a fully dedicated portable solar setup.
Why is the included diagonal not interchangeable with other diagonals?
The 11.5mm blocking filter integrated into the supplied diagonal is not a convenience accessory. It is a required part of the Heliostar's optical safety system, blocking the solar energy that the etalon does not transmit. Replacing it with a standard diagonal removes that protection entirely and creates a serious risk of permanent eye injury.
What imaging options does the Heliostar support?
The telescope is rated for both visual and imaging use. The included camera phone adapter supports casual capture, and the 2-inch Crayford focuser accepts dedicated astronomical cameras for more demanding solar photography. The 76mm aperture provides sufficient resolution for detailed disk and prominence imaging.
Does the Solis Etalon or Trifid Tuner require any maintenance between sessions?
Neither component requires routine servicing. The Trifid Tuner is the day-to-day adjustment for keeping the transmitted wavelength centered on the H-alpha line as atmospheric conditions change. The self-aligning cell means collimation is never a consideration, so preparation between sessions is limited to standard cleaning and storage practices.
Other Information
- Country of Manufacture: China
| Manufacturer | Sky Watcher |
|---|---|
| Telescope Focal Length | 601 - 700mm |
- 1x HelioStar 76mm OTA
- 1x 20 mm Eyepiece - 1.25"
- 1x 11.5mm H-alpha blocking diagonal - 1.25"
- 1x Cell phone adapter
- 1x Sun shade
- 1x Heliostar solar finder
- 1x Hard shell travel case
- 1x SolarQuest mount head
- 1x Tripod
- 1x Pier extension
- 1x 12v DC power adapter
- 1x AA battery pack (installed in the mount)
- 1x Accessory Tray
Sky-Watcher Heliostar 76Ha H-Alpha Solar Telescope with SolarQuest Mount Kit