These devices show us the Sun in a very narrow range of the visible spectrum, the wavelength band known as Hydrogen-alpha or H-alpha. H-alpha telescopes hide all unnecessary information and allow us to observe the lower layer of the solar atmosphere: the chromosphere. There we will always find activity, even in theabsence of the well-known sunspots.
With an H-alpha telescope we will be able to observe faculae, filaments, spicules and spectacular solar protuberances.
Being a very specific tool, H-alpha telescopes have always been very expensive. The American brand Daystar has made a great effort of integration to be able to offer an equipment of excellent technical performance at a more than interesting price. This is the SolarScout SS60-DS telescope.
The SS60-DS integrates a simple but efficient 60mm refractor, a solvent helical focuser and one of Daystar's well-known Quark solar filters.
Tube
The telescope is housed in a good quality 60mm metal refractor tube with a double achromatic doublet. This efficient OTA ensures high contrast and good resolution images. The tripod connection is achieved with a standard dovetail mount ( Vixen/Synta format) including a photographic pitch thread for photo/video tripods. A handy, fully secure projection solar finder is included, which makes it very easy to align the telescope with the Sun.
Both the OTA body and dovetail are made of metal.
Focuser
Instead of the classic rack and pinion focus, the SolarScout SS60 mounts a helical focus, using a wide ring that spans the outer diameter of the tube. The adjustment varies the distance to the objective, resulting in precise focusing and avoiding the usual slippage when using heavy eyepieces or bulky cameras. The rotating system does not affect the orientation of the field of view obtained.
Quark filter
The primary element of the telescope is Daystar's well-known Quark filter. The assembly includes a Daystar Instruments 4.2x telecentric Barlow lens, optimized in design and coatings to provide maximum performance at the hydrogen-alpha wavelength. The telecentric lens generates a good flat field, ideal for solar astrophotographers.
As for the etalon, the filter passband is tuned by thermal expansion adjustment, making tuning extremely accurate and stable at 656nm. However, it requires the use of a 5 volt/2 amp power supply (supplied as standard) and a temperature stabilization period (between 10 and 15 minutes).
Features
Effective focal length: 930mm
doublestack' at no extra cost
Robust and accurate focusing: the helical ring does not slip even with heavy cameras.
Solar projection finder included.
16mm aperture.
Adaptable for eyepieces or 2" camera adapters
Stable tuning with 5V 1.5amp power supply (wall power supply included; possibility to use a rechargeable battery)
Fine tuning of the etalon in +/- 0.5Å steps
LED indicator of tuning status
Technical Specifications:
Solar filter type: Solar H-Alpha
Telescope type: Refractor
Aperture: 60 mm
Focal Length: 930 mm
Aperture ratio: F/15.5
Resolution: 1.92
Maximum useful magnification: 120x
Tube Material: Aluminum
Double Stack: Yes
Focusing Type: Helical
Connection (eyepiece side): 1,25
Free aperture: 16 mm
Finder: Projection, included
Tripod Thread: Yes
Dovetail plate: Type Vixen/Synta
