DayStar Sol 60 Chromosphere H-alpha Dedicated Solar Telescope

DayStar Sol 60 Chromosphere H-alpha Dedicated Solar Telescope

Description

The DayStar Sol 60 Chromosphere (SOL60C) is a dedicated H-alpha solar telescope designed and manufactured in the United States by DayStar Instruments.
This model is specifically optimized for the observation of the solar chromosphere, the dynamic layer where most visible H-alpha phenomena occur: filaments, spicules, sunspots, flares, and active regions.

Optics and Bandpass

The optical system of the Sol 60 Chromosphere is based on a high-quality 60 mm achromatic doublet objective combined with an integrated 4.3x telecentric system. This configuration ensures a perfectly parallel light beam, ideally matched to the operation of the Fabry-Pérot etalon.
The H-alpha etalon filter is centered at 656.28 nm with a bandwidth ≤ 0.5 Å (FWHM), providing maximum contrast for solar surface structures.
The system is calibrated to deliver uniform field illumination and optimal image flatness without vignetting or spectral shift across the entire solar disk.

PID Thermal Tuning System

The optical module incorporates a PID (Proportional–Integral–Derivative) thermal control system that maintains constant spectral stability regardless of ambient temperature variations.
Manual tuning of ±0.5 Å in 0.1 Å increments allows adjustment of the spectral working point to study different regions of the H-alpha line profile (center, red or blue wings).
After a change of setting or power-up, stabilization is achieved in approximately 5 to 6 minutes.

Precision Focuser

The helical rack-and-pinion focuser designed by DayStar features a dual-speed 12:1 reduction for extremely fine focus adjustment.
It includes a mechanical locking brake to secure focus during imaging sessions, internal stainless-steel components for enhanced durability, and mechanical compatibility with most commercial motorized focus systems (6 mm / 4 mm shafts, M4 mounting holes).
The focusing range accommodates both direct camera imaging and visual observation through 2" or 1.25" diagonals, depending on configuration.

Mechanical Design

The entire optical tube is CNC-machined from aluminum, ensuring rigidity and perfect optical alignment.
The front dew shield is retractable and lockable, reducing condensation and stray light.
An ergonomic carrying handle also functions as a solar finder, safely projecting the Sun’s image onto a small white screen for alignment.

The telescope is supplied ready to use with Vixen-type tube rings and dovetail bar, a 1.25" eyepiece adapter, a calibration diffuser cap (flat-field cap) for imaging calibration, a USB power cable (5 V / 1.5 A), a universal AC power adapter (90–240 V), and a hard transport case.

Performance and Applications

The optical field allows full-disk solar observation at focal lengths up to approximately 930 mm while maintaining exceptional resolution on fine structures.
Its image uniformity, thermal stability, and operational simplicity make the Sol 60C an ideal instrument for scientific visual observation, high-resolution solar imaging, public demonstrations, and educational outreach.

For observers primarily interested in limb prominences, DayStar also offers the Sol 60 Prominence (SOL60P) model, which features a slightly wider bandwidth and produces a brighter image.

Technical Specifications

Type: Dedicated H-alpha solar telescope
Manufacturer: DayStar Instruments (USA)
Model: Sol 60 Chromosphere (SOL60C)
Aperture: 60 mm
Effective focal length: 930 mm
Focal ratio: f/15.5
Central wavelength: 656.28 nm (Hydrogen Alpha)
Bandwidth: ≤ 0.5 Å FWHM (chromosphere)
Integrated blocking filter: 13 mm
Exit aperture: 19 mm
Optical system: Integrated 4.3x telecentric system optimized for H-alpha
Spectral tuning range: ±0.5 Å, 0.1 Å steps
Thermal stabilization: Electronic PID control
Stabilization time: 5–6 minutes after adjustment
Focuser: Dual-speed helical rack-and-pinion (12:1)
Focus lock: Yes (mechanical brake)
Motorization compatibility: 6 mm (coarse) and 4 mm (fine) shafts, M4 mounting threads
Dew shield: Retractable and lockable
Solar finder: Integrated projection handle
Dovetail: Vixen type, 1/4"-20 threaded hole compatible with camera tripods
Power supply: USB 5 V / 1.5 A (micro-B connector)
AC adapter: 90–240 V, international plugs (US, UK, EU, AU)
Operating temperature: 4 to 38 °C
Field of view: Full solar disk
Construction: CNC-machined anodized aluminum tube
Included accessories:
– Tube rings and Vixen dovetail bar
– Carry handle with integrated solar finder
– 1.25" eyepiece adapter
– Calibration diffuser cap for flat-field correction
– USB power cable
– International AC power adapter
– Hard transport case
Warranty: 3 years