Lunt LS80MT 80 mm Modular Telescope Standard Kit
Check Out This Modular Solar Telescope from Lunt!
Capture stunning sights day or night with this innovative modular telescope from Lunt! With this standard kit, you get a 80 mm f/7 doublet refractor that comes equipped with a removable pressure-tuned etalon, a B1200 blocking filter, and a 19 mm flat-field eyepiece. If you're looking for a versatile modular telescope that brings you exceptional views of our Sun and exciting views of the night sky, it's hard to beat this option!
The immense forces that drive the Sun provide for an ever shifting surface of solar flares, sun spots, filaments, and prominences; however, these incredible details are veiled from standard solar viewing filters. With the Lunt Solar 80 mm you'll not only be able to cut through the Sun's overpowering light and reveal this incredible Ha detail beneath, but you'll also have to the freedom to remove the solar etalon and use this telescope to view the night sky! This is all made possible by the innovative modular design with a removable pressure tuned etalon. This specialized filter rejects more light than even the narrowest Ha astrophotography filters providing a narrow <0.45Å (0.045 nm!) window into the light spectrum. This extremely precise filtering renders the Ha features of the Sun in incredible detail, which you can surgically hone in with Lunt's premium Pressure Tuning system.
Please Note: Always exercise caution when viewing the Sun. Failure to observe proper safety measures while solar viewing can result in permanent eye damage.
LS80MT Standard Kit At a Glance
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True Doppler Tuning: The Lunt Pressure Tune System
With windows into the Sun's Ha spectrum measured in Angstroms, the view of the Sun's incredible features can be visibly affected by a phenomenon known as Doppler Shift. This effect causes the wavelength these details appear on to change, requiring you to shift the center of your bandpass "window" to compensate and bring them into focus. There are a number of ways to do this by manipulating the etalon responsible for filtering out the Ha detail: physically tilting it to change the distance between the two plates, or using pressure to force the plates to move towards/away from each other. For center mount filter systems like the Lunt 80 mm Ha Solar Telescope, pressure is desirable as center mount tilt-tuning can introduce a "ripple" effect; however if this pressure is unevenly applied this can lead to other distortions or poor performance. This is where Lunt's premium Pressure Tune system comes in! By simply tightening or loosening the tuner this system will adjust the internal pressure of the etalon, precisely and evenly adjusting the center wavelength for excellent detail rendition and uniform performance. The outstanding granularity this tuning system allows for can fine tune your view of surface features like filaments from where they start to the top of their arc towards you; and provides what Lunt describes as a "3D component" to your solar viewing experience!
Modular Design with Pressure Tuned H-alpha Etalon!
This modular telescope does it all! Whether you want to capture stunning H-alpha views of our Sun, or explore exciting deep sky sights at night, this modular telescope will effortlessly convert to your needs. Learn more below!
Day & Night Modular Design
The LS80MT is a multi-functional powerhouse designed to deliver superior performance, day or night! Whether you are viewing the brilliant features of our Sun in H-alpha or exploring the many deep sky sights that decorate the night sky, this doublet refractor will bring you breathtaking views through its 80 mm primary lens. With a 560 mm focal length and f/7 focal ratio, the LS80MT allows you to enjoy full disc and close up views of our Sun through the included eyepieces, or with the internal pressure-tuned etalon module and blocking filter removed, you can explore the captivating lunar surface, planets, and so much more!
Observing and Imaging Optimized: The B1200 Blocking Filter
With 12 mm of clear aperture, the B1200 blocking filter provides plenty of extra room to comfortably capture not just the full solar disc but also prominences leaping off of the fringes! This blocking filter comes equipped with an 1.25" compression fitting for holding your eyepieces and cameras, with a T2 thread for directly connecting cameras.
Please Note: The Blocking Filter is a required component for safe solar use of this telescope. Do not use this telescope without the Blocking Filter installed.
10:1 Rack & Pinion Focuser
To bring the Sun into focus this telescope features an 2" R&P Focuser. This focuser gives you a simple, yet effective way to hone in on the solar landscape. Crafted with CNC-machined aluminum and brass components, this EAF compatible focuser offers 10:1 focus.
What's In The Box
With the Lunt 80 mm Modular Telescope you'll receive pressure tuned H-alpha etalon, a B1200 blocking filter, a solar red dot finder integrated into the tube ring assembly, and a 5.5" vixen style dovetail. This bundle also includes a 19 mm flat-field eyepiece easily provides full disk views. Finally, the entire kit comes safely stored in an aluminum reinforced carry case with soft foam insert cut to perfectly cradle the Lunt 80 mm Modular Solar Telescope and accessories.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this solar telescope provide a "full disc" view of the Sun?
The Lunt 80 mm Solar Telescope w/ B1200 blocking filter easily provides a "full disc" view of the Sun. The blocking filter provides 12 mm of clear aperture, so you'll be able to capture full-disc views with compatible cameras.
What is an etalon?
Etalons are the primary filters used in dedicated solar telescopes to isolate the H-alpha light emitted by the Sun. Contrary to standard astronomical filters that use coatings to block unwanted light, etalons use two reflective surfaces placed closely together that interact in such a way that only light of certain frequencies will pass through to the other side. The spacing between these surfaces and properties of the air inside determine which light is allowed through, features that are exploited in etalon tuning systems to adjust the wavelength being passed.
How does pressure tuning work?
Etalon based solar telescopes require "tuning" in order to isolate and adjust the specific wavelength being passes through the etalon filter. By simply tightening or loosening the tuner this system will adjust the internal pressure of the etalon, precisely and evenly adjusting the center wavelength for excellent detail rendition and uniform performance.
What is a blocking filter?
A blocking filter is a necessary component of dedicated solar telescope. These filters work to reject all remaining light outside of the H-alpha wavelength. This is necessary as etalons pass harmonics of the desired wavelength. The Lunt 80 mm Modular H-alpha Solar Telescope Standard Kit includes a B1200 blocking filter that is built into a diagonal. This blocking filter provides 12 mm of clear aperture, which is more than enough to provide a "full disc" view of our Sun.
Astronomy Hub: Your one-stop-shop for Astrophotography Knowledge!
Our Gear Experts have compiled a wealth of information to help expand your astrophotography knowledge! Below you’ll find links to articles, videos and "how-to" guides. Just one more reason that our Astronomy Hub is a one-stop-shop for all your astronomy and astrophotography needs!
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