Sky-Watcher HELIOSTAR-100Ha

Sky-Watcher HELIOSTAR 100Hα - 100 mm H-alpha solar telescope

Visit Sky-Watcher HELIOSTAR 100 Hα is a high-performance H-alpha sunglass from 100 mm opening, for demanding solar observers and astrophotographers. Thanks to its 0.5 Å or better, It reveals the activity of the solar surface and its chromosphere in remarkable detail.

Supplied complete with 22 mm 70° wide-field eyepiecea 90° solar prism and a solar-powered viewfinder integrated, making it a turnkey instrument for observing and imaging the Sun in H-alpha.

H-alpha solar observation

Observing the Sun in hydrogen-alpha (Hα) reveals a dynamic range and richness of detail impossible to see with a simple white-light solar filter.

In H-alpha, you can admire :

• Visit protuberances at the edge of the disc (often mistakenly called “flares”).
• Visit active regions associated with sunspots.
• Visit granulation of the surface.
• Visit filaments of plasma, thin and serpentine, crossing the disc.

By observing the Sun in the very narrow H-alpha bandwidth, the astronomer benefits from spectacular, real-time views of our star in all its majesty.

Filtration technology and optical safety

L’HELIOSTAR-100Hα uses several technologies to protect the human eye during solar observation. It incorporates :

• A infrared reflection film to reduce the thermal load.
• A special heat-blocking filter.
• A UV blocking filter to prevent harmful radiation from reaching the observer.

A combination of front and rear filters allows only monochromatic light at the wavelength of 656.28 nm, emitted by hydrogen atoms, while rigorously blocking other wavelengths. The result: highly contrasted chromospheric protuberances and details in the H-alpha line.

Solis technology and 0.5 Å bandwidth

The technology Solis Etalon from Sky-Watcher, the HELIOSTAR-100Hα achieves a high bandwidth of 0.5 Å without the complexity and cost of a second standard.
The observer thus obtains detailed images of the solar disk straight out of the box, without having to invest in a double standard.

The standard setting is achieved by a system of pressure tuning, with fine tuning of the bandwidth to optimize the contrast of solar structures.

Safety compliance

The HELIOSTAR-100Hα complies with the transmission requirements of the ISO 12312-2:2015 (Filters for direct solar observation). Always follow the manufacturer's instructions and basic safety rules when observing the Sun.

Important safety information

Solar observation requires a maximum caution. Incorrect use may cause severe or even permanent eye damage.

The 20 mm blocking filter located in the removable solar bend gearbox is an integral part of the safety device of the HELIOSTAR.

Never use this telescope with any other type of angle drive. or without the filter block specifically designed for this instrument.

Equipment included

• HELIOSTAR 100Hα solar telescope (OTA only).
• 22 mm, 70° UltraWide (1.25″) eyepiece.
• Solar elbow 90° (1.25″) with integrated 20 mm blocking filter.
• Integrated Solar Guider.
• Crayford 2″ dual-speed focuser.
• Pipe clamps with integrated carrying handle.
• 45 mm dovetail bar with 1/4″-20 tripod threads.
• Rigid suitcase transport and protection.

Optical & mechanical characteristics

• Primary opening 100 mm.
• Telescope focal length : 800 mm.
• Focus report : f/8.
• Magnification with eyepiece included 36.4× (22 mm).
• Supplied eyepiece 22 mm, apparent field 70° (1.25″).
• Stallion bandwidth < 0.5 Å.
• Setting method : pressure tuning.
• Integrated technologies Sky-Watcher Trifid Tuner & Solis Etalon.
• Filter block outlet opening 20 mm.
• Filter block 20 mm (integrated into the solar bend).
• Solar angle drive : 90°, 1,25″.
• Solar Guider integrated.
• Focuser : Crayford 2″ double speed.

Back focus & imaging

• Back focus : 20 mm (OTA).
• Imaging : suitable for imaging with camera and 1.25″ adapter with 60 mm back focus.
• Solar image size 7.6 mm.

Physical data & compliance

• Safety compliance : ISO 12312-2:2015.
• Tube length (OTA) 760 mm.
• Tube weight (OTA) weight : 6 kg.
• Delivery telescope supplied in a rigid suitcase.