The upcoming 2023 and 2024 solar eclipses have generated a lot of interest in solar equipment such as the Sky-Watcher SolarQuest mount. And to learn more about the capabilities and use of the mount the Sky-Watcher team offers an in depth video overview on its What’s Up Webcast. The full webcast video can be found at the end of this article below.
The Sky-Watcher SolarQuest offers a highly portable and easy to use mount for Solar observers and eclipse chasers. There is no need to worry about aligning your equipment the night before or the early morning. The SolarQuest mount is designed to automatically align itself to the Sun with only the press of a button.
Add your favorite solar-ready optics to the mount, press the power button and let the mount do the rest. Once powered on, the mount will auto-level the telescope and locate a signal with its built-in GPS. After the location is found the mount will locate the Sun using the on-board Heliofind sensor and find the Sun automatically. After the mount is on target you can smoothly adjust the position using the built-in joystick. The mount will then continue to track the Sun.
The SolarQuest with its 11 pound is a perfect option for outreach programs, solar enthusiasts and eclipse chasers. It can be paired with an array of dedicated solar telescopes up to 80mm and telephoto lenses.
SolarQuest specifications include:
– Weight Capacity: 11 lbs.
– Total weight: 8.9 lbs.
– Power: 8 AA batteries (not supplied) or 12V with included adapter plate
– Dovetail: V-style
– Built-in GPS
– Helio-Find technology for auto location of the Sun
– Built-in 8-way joystick for centering of the Sun
– DC servo motors
– Slew Speeds: 16x and 1200x
– 3/8 thread mounting hole
– Adjustable aluminum tripod with accessory tray
– Included tripod extension
You can learn more at Sky-Watcher’s website.
The Sun is more active than it’s been in years and if that’s not enough, we have the Annular Solar Eclipse on October 14, 2023 and the Total Solar Eclipse on April 8, 2024! If you’d like to learn more about the technology behind solar observing, solar imaging and more, you can check out our free publication, “The Definitive Guide to Viewing and Imaging the Sun”. You don’t have to sign up or provide any information, simply click here and enjoy reading!
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