Skywatcher Solar Telescope ST 76/630 Heliostar-76 H-alpha

The Skywatcher Solar Telescope ST 76/630 Heliostar-76 H-alpha is an impressive and safe solar telescope for observing active solar phenomena such as prominences, solar flares and granulation. Thanks to its extremely narrow H-alpha bandwidth of less than 0.5 Ångström, this telescope reveals details that remain invisible with ordinary solar filters.

The Heliostar uses a high-performance Etalon filter which passes only light with a wavelength of 656.28 nanometers - the characteristic light emitted by hydrogen. In this particular H-alpha line, the chromosphere of the sun visible, the area in which spectacular phenomena occur: fiery prominences, filaments, spikules and solar flares that can be followed in real time.

Unlike many other systems with a dual Etalon stack, the Heliostar achieves this performance with only one filter element. This provides lower weight, easier operation and a more favorable price, without compromising image quality.

The safety is completely central to this telescope. All optical elements have filters and coatings that block harmful UV and infrared radiation. The integrated sunseeker makes it easy to safely center the sun without looking in its direction.

The blocking filter with a diameter of 11.5 mm is located in the included eyepiece adapter and provides comfortable and safe observation. The 1.25″ connection can also be unscrewed to allow a T2 thread expose, allowing compatibility with planetary cameras - ideal for solar photography in the H-alpha band. The optics provide a sharp, high-contrast image at magnifications up to about 150x.

The high-quality Crayford focuser with 2″ connector is smooth and precise to adjust, allowing both visual observers and photographers to achieve maximum sharpness. Thanks to the Vixen-style dovetail, the telescope fits virtually any standard mount. The included transport case also provides secure storage and transportation.

Application

The Skywatcher Heliostar-76 is designed for anyone who wants to observe the sun in its full dynamics.
What you can see with it:

• Dramatic prominences at the solar rim
• Dark filaments in the chromosphere
• Bright solar flares (flares) in real time
• Structure in the solar surface, such as spikules and granulation
• High-resolution sunspots

Use the telescope only according to the safety instructions. Never observe the sun without the integrated block filter and optical system.

Specifications

Optics
Type: Refractor
Design: Solar H-alpha
Opening: 76 mm
Focal length: 630 mm
Aperture ratio: f/8.3
Resolution: 1.82 arcseconds
Light output: 120× human eye
Maximum useful magnification: 152x
Tube length: 600 mm
Tube weight: 3.8 kg

Filter & safety
Filter type: H-alpha
Bandwidth: < 0.5 Ångström
Blocking filter: 11.5 mm
Standardization: ISO 12312-2:2015 (safe for direct sun observation)

Focuser
Type: Crayford
Eyepiece side connection: 2″
T2 thread: Yes
Rotatable: Yes
Reduction: Yes

Mounting & construction
Type: OTA (without mount)
Dovetail: Vixen-style
Tube rings: Yes

Included

• 20 mm eyepiece (1.25″)
• Integrated sun finder
• Blockfilter
• Ocular adapter 2″ / 1.25″
• Transport case
• Lens hood
• Smartphone adapter

Use & suitability
Sun: Yes (in H-alpha only)
Moon & planets: No
Deep-sky objects: No
Nature observation: No
Astrophotography: Limited, only solar photography
Recommended for: Beginners as well as advanced users