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Posts Tagged 'solar-observation'
New telecentric from Baader: TZ-4S Sundancer II
August 8 2023, Stefan Taube
Like a Barlow lens, a telecentric extends a telescope’s focal length. However, the telecentric generates a parallel optical beam. This is particularly important when using etalon filters for solar observation in H-alpha light.
The new Telecentric TZ-4S from Baader is perfect for use with the Sundancer II H-alpha filter. It replaces the integrated telecentric which has a 3x focal length extension. Thanks to the 4x focal length extension created by the TZ-4S, the ideal aperture ratio of f/30 is achieved, even with f/7 to f/8 optics.
The achromatic Telecentric TZ-4S is designed for the entire visible spectrum, and can therefore not only be used with H-alpha systems.
You can find more information here in our shop.
10×42 EclipSmart solar binoculars by Celestron
February 27 2023, Stefan Taube
In order to safely observe the Sun, you need certified special filters, which provide enough protection from its intensive radiation, including the high proportion of UV radiation. Such filters are available for various optical instruments and are placed in front of the lens.
In the 10×42 EclipSmart, the manufacturer, Celestron, has created binoculars with this filter already pre-installed.
The benefits are clear and easy to see:
- The ergonomic binoculars are always close at hand and can be kept in your car, for example. They also fit easily in your luggage when travelling to see the next solar eclipse.
Solar observers can routinely follow developments in sunspots. - The 10×42 binoculars’ optics are powerful enough to be used for this purpose. Mounted on a tripod, the binoculars can reveal their full strengths.
- The inbuilt filter cannot accidentally fall off and is protected against damage. This is not only important for solar observers, but also for outreach work carried out by observatories.
The 10×42 EclipSmart binoculars are exclusively designed for solar observations. This is why they are listed in the shop as a solar telescope.
Video: Solar observation with telescopes and filter tips (with English subtitles)
October 19 2022, Marcus Schenk
Want to observe the Sun? Welcome to the solar observation club!
In this video we show you how to easily observe the Sun, sunspots or solar prominences using your telescope. Additionally, you will learn which filters and what additional equipment you need for this. Finally, fantastic images of the Sun await you. A guide for beginners and other fans of our central star. Solar observation is fun!
But beware… Never observe the Sun without a suitable solar filter! And never leave children unattended with a telescope or binoculars near the Sun!
Good to know: We will have a partial solar eclipse on 25 October. Secure your solar filter and solar eclipse glasses now – our stocks are limited.
From the video:
- Take care when observing the Sun
- What you must consider
- The technique of white light observation
- What is it and what can you see?
- Which filter works for me?
- What to consider for solar lens filters
- Glass or foil and finding the correct filter size
- How to locate the Sun quickly in your telescope
- Herschel wedges for refracting telescopes
- Observing solar prominences and chromospheres
- Impressions of the Sun in H-alpha
Products shown in the video:
Omegon ProNewton N 153/750 OTA
iOptron GEM28 GoTo LiteRoc mount
Baader AstroSolar solar eclipse glasses
Astrozap solar filter for external diameters of 232 to 238mm
Baader AstroSolar® OD 5.0 A4 210x297mm solar filter film
Baader AstroSolar ASTF 200mm telescope solar filter
APM Herschel wedge 2″ FastLock
MEADE 2″ Herschel wedge with ND3 filter and ceramic plate
Omegon Pro APO AP 72/400 ED Quintuplet OTA apochromatic refracting telescope
Coronado ST 40/400 OTA PST Personal Solar Telescope
Coronado ST 40/400 0.5Å OTA PST Personal Solar Telescope
Affordable H-alpha solar telescopes from Lunt Solar Systems
June 29 2022, Stefan Taube
The most impressive way to observe the Sun is in H-alpha light. This is red light with a wavelength of 656 nanometres. With a normal solar filter, you will only be able to observe sunspots, whereas with H-alpha telescopes, prominences at the Sun’s edge become visible. Filaments, solar flares and much more can be seen on the solar surface. It is only in H-alpha light that are you able to appreciate the Sun’s dynamics.
The Sun in H-alpha light, photographed with the LS40T Ha solar telescope
Unfortunately, H-alpha filter systems often cost several thousand euro. However, the new LS40T Ha telescopes from Lunt Solar Systems make observing the Sun’s red chromosphere much more affordable: solar observation is accessible to everyone!
Lunt Solar Systems ST 40/400 LS40T Ha B600 solar telescope
LS40T Ha telescopes are available in three versions:
- ST 40/400 LS40T Ha B500 now for €939
- ST 40/400 LS40T Ha B600 now for €1,049
- ST 40/400 LS40T Ha B1200 now for €1,359
The difference between the versions lies in the size of the blocking filter. This filter element is located in the rear erecting lens, which looks like a star diagonal.
All blocking filters are suitable for visually observing the Sun. However, a larger filter is more suitable for photography, as it allows the exposure of a larger camera sensor. The B600 blocking filter is a very good compromise if you want to observe visually as well as photograph with an planetary camera.
The telescopes are supplied with a helical focuser, a Vixen standard prism rail, and a threaded connection for camera tripods. The practical solar finder helps to align the telescope.
An optional carrying case is also available, which makes use of the foam inserts in the original packaging. When you get your telescope, don’t throw away these inserts, instead use them to line the case. In this way, you replace the cardboard outer packaging with a beautiful and stable aluminium case.
Another important recommendation is the very practical sun hat from Lunt Solar Systems – not just for solar observing.
Cool head for solar observers
The new Herschel wedge from APM for solar observation
May 12 2022, Stefan Taube
A Herschel wedge, also known as a Herschel prism, is a special device for observing the Sun. It has many advantages over an objective filter, but can only be used with lens telescopes (refractors).
The manufacturer APM offers a new model with excellent features at a reasonable price: the APM Herschel wedge 2″ with Fast-Lock.
This Herschel wedge from APM is equipped with a ceramic light trap, an integrated ND3 filter and a replaceable polarising filter. All filters are of course multi-coated! Image brightness can be adjusted by rotating the polarising filter. This means that the Herschel wedge can be used for both visual and photographic purposes!
The APM Herschel wedge is equipped with a quick release (Fast-Lock) eyepiece adapter and an adapter for 1.25″ eyepieces and camera connectors.
Using a Herschel prism for solar observing is not only safer, but also qualitatively better than a foil filter. The resulting image is sharp and rich in contrast and can therefore be enlarged to a higher degree.
The Herschel wedge can only be used on refractors with an aperture of up to 150mm.