Wanting to dabble in solar observing/possibly imaging

[Jonny_H]

Hi all,

As above, I am tempted to dabble in solar work, starting with observing potentially imaging in the future.

I am a fairly versed imager but have only ever worked on the night sky - DSO, planetary, lunar. So I have zero experience in solar.

My main imaging scope is my Esprit 100ed and my go to for visual at present is my StellaLyra 8" CC.  Would any of these suffice for solar work or would I be better off treating myself to a new toy ?  If the former, what accesories do I need to get me started....safely? If the latter, any suggestions on scopes?

 

Thanks,

Jon

[Peter Drew]

A lot depends on the type of solar observation.  For "white light" which will show sunspots, faculae and surface granulation, either telescope with a full aperture filter would be suitable.  The Esprit could use a Herschel wedge for a similar result.  For hydrogen-alpha viewing and imaging a bespoke Ha telescope or a Quark would be needed to show prominences, filaments and solar flares.      🙂

[Jonny_H]

Thanks Peter,

Forgive me for a potentially daft question, but for H-Alpha viewing, would I be able to use something like a Daystar quark H-Alpha eyepiece with my current scopes? Or would a specialist scope still be required?

Thanks,

Jon

[Carbon Brush]

Hi Jon. I will throw in my two pennorth, then dive for cover!

You say 'tempted to dabble' then talk about £1K+ on a Quark.
My dabbling has a 3 digit price tag at most😁

If you want to dabble, buy a Herschel wedge and a solar continuum filter.
You don't need a filter on the front of your Esprit.
I have (this year) bought Lacerta wedge and already had a continuum (540nM narrowish band) filter.
This shows (as Peter mentioned) great surface detail.

If you want to avoid reconfiguring your esprit, then buy a cheap Achro refractor.
For example an ST102. Last I looked there was one the classifieds.
A Bresser 102 is good also - I have one bought for solar.
CA is irrelevant as you are using a narrowband green filter.

If venturing into Ha territory, I'm not convinced Quark is best (reaches for hard hat).
There is a lot of Quark history in SGL Solar Observing threads.
There is also a lot about tilt and pressure tuned etalons used by Coronado & Lunt.
Have a good read about how etalons are tuned and restrictions on scope f ratio. Then make up your own mind.

HTH, David.

 

[Carbon Brush]

Hi Jon.

These threads may be useful.

 

[Zermelo]

and another one:

 

[Jonny_H]

Thanks all for your help. I will take a look at the other posts and do more research.