SkyWatcher Heliostar-76Hα H-alpha Solar Telescope 76 mm f/8.3

High-detail H-alpha solar observing

The SkyWatcher Heliostar-76Hα is a dedicated solar telescope for viewing the Sun in the 656.28 nm hydrogen-alpha line. Its 76 mm aperture and 630 mm focal length (f/8.3) provide a bright, high-contrast solar image. The tuned etalon has a bandwidth of 0.5 Å or less and uses pressure tuning. Under suitable conditions, observers can study chromospheric features such as prominences, filaments, flares and fine surface detail.

The package includes a 20 mm wide-angle eyepiece with a 70° apparent field of view for approximately 31.5× magnification, plus a 90° solar diagonal with an 11.5 mm blocking filter. A safety solar finder helps with alignment. The dual-speed 2-inch Crayford focuser allows precise focusing. Tube rings, a 45 mm Vixen-style rail with a 1/4-inch thread, a universal smartphone adapter and a carrying case are also supplied.

This is an optical tube assembly; a mount and tripod are not included. SkyWatcher recommends the SolarQuest tracking mount as an optional extra. For CCD imaging, a 1.25-inch adapter can be used with back focus of 58 mm or less. The solar image is approximately 6 mm across.

Important solar safety

Use only as a complete, undamaged H-alpha solar telescope and follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Never point it at the Sun without the complete filter system, with a missing or damaged filter, or with altered optical components. Inspect the telescope before every observing session and follow the manual. An eyepiece solar filter or ordinary solar film is not a substitute for the specified internal and front-aperture safety components. Never look at the Sun through an unfiltered telescope.

Technical specifications