Using a 6"SCT for Solar Imaging?

[CharlesS]

Hi Everyone:

Has anyone used a C6 for solar imaging in WL or HA? In terms of potability, which is important to me, this scope seems to be ideal, as its focal length is sufficient for my purposes. Can you share any experiences related to this scope?

Thanks,

-Charles

 

[Peter Drew]

A C6 isn't the ideal telescope for solar imaging but if you already have one then it is capable of good WL results.  6" of aperture will be a test for your seeing conditions which are less stable during the day than night time use.  Ha imaging will be an added complexity, as well as requiring a Ha etalon and blocking filter, you will need a full aperture energy rejection filter (ERF) which will cost as much as the C6.  You could use a Quark as the Ha component but you would still need the ERF.

I have tried WL and Ha with a C5, the WL was ok but the Ha was disappointing.      🙂 

[CharlesS]

15 hours ago, Peter Drew said:

A C6 isn't the ideal telescope for solar imaging but if you already have one then it is capable of good WL results.  6" of aperture will be a test for your seeing conditions which are less stable during the day than night time use.  Ha imaging will be an added complexity, as well as requiring a Ha etalon and blocking filter, you will need a full aperture energy rejection filter (ERF) which will cost as much as the C6.  You could use a Quark as the Ha component but you would still need the ERF.

I have tried WL and Ha with a C5, the WL was ok but the Ha was disappointing.      🙂 

Thanks, Peter. I have seen some great results with both 9.25 and 11-inch SCTs, in both WL and Ha. So I am going to take a chance on the 6-inch. It is a little more complicated for Ha, but still doable.

[Peter Drew]

Yes, certainly doable as results by top solar imagers have shown.  Good luck!    🙂

[Zakalwe]

On 12/04/2023 at 06:13, CharlesS said:

Thanks, Peter. I have seen some great results with both 9.25 and 11-inch SCTs, in both WL and Ha. So I am going to take a chance on the 6-inch. It is a little more complicated for Ha, but still doable.

For H-A, a  6" ERF (essential component) costs approx £1K. More for one with a mounting bracket. Then you will need an etalon and various blocking filters. You will end up with a highly specialised system that will need a lot of knowledge to use and will require superb seeing conditions. I'd recommend starting off with a dedicated H-A scope first.
https://www.widescreen-centre.co.uk/baader-d-erf-energy-rejection-filters.html
https://www.altairastro.com/altair-152mm-aperture-triband-d-erf-solar-energy-rejection-filter---h-alpha-plus-cak-cah-160mm-erf-11920-p.asp

With H-A viewing (or imaging) the actual scope is probably the cheapest component of the whole system. I suspect that you may be putting the cart before the horse.

For WL viewing, then a sheet of Baader Astro Film and a continuum filter is what you need.

https://www.firstlightoptics.com/solar-filters/baader-astrosolar-safety-film-nd-50.html

[CharlesS]

On 14/04/2023 at 14:37, Zakalwe said:

For H-A, a  6" ERF (essential component) costs approx £1K. More for one with a mounting bracket. Then you will need an etalon and various blocking filters. You will end up with a highly specialised system that will need a lot of knowledge to use and will require superb seeing conditions. I'd recommend starting off with a dedicated H-A scope first.
https://www.widescreen-centre.co.uk/baader-d-erf-energy-rejection-filters.html
https://www.altairastro.com/altair-152mm-aperture-triband-d-erf-solar-energy-rejection-filter---h-alpha-plus-cak-cah-160mm-erf-11920-p.asp

With H-A viewing (or imaging) the actual scope is probably the cheapest component of the whole system. I suspect that you may be putting the cart before the horse.

For WL viewing, then a sheet of Baader Astro Film and a continuum filter is what you need.

https://www.firstlightoptics.com/solar-filters/baader-astrosolar-safety-film-nd-50.html

Hi. Thanks for the great information. I actually had a Daystar Quantum .4A Ha filter and created some interesting solar videos using a 5-inch refractor a few years ago. So the experience is there. I moved to India 3 years ago, and trying to rekindle my hobby. I am just not sure about the instrument.

-Charles

Edited April 16, 2023 by CharlesS

[Zakalwe]

Have at it then. Though, once you take the central obstruction into place, a 6" SCT probably wont get that much more resolution than say a 5" 'frac. 

[CharlesS]

On 17/04/2023 at 21:42, Zakalwe said:

Have at it then. Though, once you take the central obstruction into place, a 6" SCT probably wont get that much more resolution than say a 5" 'frac. 

I would settle for that. My previous 5-inch refactor performed very satisfactorily in that respect!

[Pete Presland]

I use my c9.25 with a white light filter, which is just over 200mm in diameter. It is very dependent on excellent seeing conditions to perform. That said, i am generally really pushing the limits to try and capture some close up granulation images.

[newbie alert]

I've had some excellent results using my 8 inch with baader film in white light

Ha however is in a totally different league, to use your Daystar you would also need a energy rejection filter on the objective and a ir filter to protect the etalon

The erf will be the most expensive component of the system, far more than the Daystar itself