Lunt 40mm Solar Telescope

The Lunt LS40Tha is a dedicated hydrogen-alpha solar telescope that provides exceptional resolution and contrast for solar observation and imaging. With its precision engineering, this 40mm f/10 system is made for amateur astronomers who want to get started in solar observation and imaging.

• Hydrogen-Alpha Optimized: The Lunt LS40Tha is specifically designed for solar observing at 656.28nm, the prominent wavelength for hydrogen-alpha (Hα) emissions. This dedicated filter system ensures detailed and high-contrast views of solar features such as prominences, filaments, and sunspots.

• Etalon System: The telescope uses an external 40mm Lunt Etalon, providing an <0.65 Angstrom bandpass (FWHM). This narrow bandpass ensures excellent resolution of solar details, offering a level of sharpness and clarity that is superior to many solar telescopes on the market.

• Tilt-Tuning Mechanism: The front-mount tilt-tuning adjustment enables fine-tuning of the etalon to achieve precise bandpass control, typically within ±1 Angstrom. This mechanism offers an easy way to adjust the telescope for optimal contrast and clarity of solar features.

• Blocking Filter: The standard B500 (5mm) blocking filter allows for comfortable visual observing. The system is upgradeable to a B600 (6mm) or B1200 (12mm) blocking filter, offering increased field of view and improved resolution, especially beneficial for high-magnification solar imaging.

• Non-Rotating Helical Focuser: The integrated non-rotating helical focuser ensures smooth, precise focusing without any image rotation. For imaging configurations, the focuser can be upgraded to the Feather Touch focuserfor finer control over focus adjustments, ideal for solar photography where precision is critical.

• Impressive Image Size: With a 3.67mm solar image size, the LS40Tha provides a high magnification view, perfect for detailed solar features without the need for heavy magnification. It balances portability with performance, making it ideal for both field and stationary solar observations.

• Vixen-Style Dovetail: The Vixen-style dovetail allows compatibility with a wide range of mounts, and the included 1/4-20 tapped holes offer convenient options for mounting cameras and other accessories, ensuring versatility for both visual and photographic use.

• Sol-Searcher Included: To aid in easy alignment with the Sun, the Tele Vue Sol-Searcher is included. This simple and efficient tool allows for fast, accurate alignment, ensuring the solar disk is centered in the field of view.

Advanced Optical and Mechanical Performance:

• Etalon Specifications: The Lunt Etalon is known for its high net finesse of 19, providing superior image quality and contrast. The Free Spectral Range (FSR) of 12 Angstroms further ensures that the etalon operates with a broad enough wavelength range to allow for consistent tuning and high-quality images without distortion or loss of detail.

• Tuning Mechanism: The external tilt-tune mechanism (no internal etalon) enables a conventional adjustment method with a bandpass <0.65 Angstrom for the most accurate and detailed solar views. This external approach ensures no aperture obstruction or degradation of image quality.

• Superior Contrast and Resolution: The precision 40mm objective lens is optimized specifically for solar wavelengths, ensuring enhanced contrast and the highest quality images. When compared to competing telescopes, the Lunt LS40Tha provides a non-obstructed clear aperture, allowing for better resolution and a more immersive viewing experience.

Build and Portability:

• Lightweight and Compact: Weighing just 2.8 lbs, the Lunt LS40Tha is highly portable while still delivering exceptional solar performance. Its compact design makes it easy to transport and set up, making it a great option for both at-home solar enthusiasts and those who travel for solar observing.

• Durability and Aesthetics: With a sleek pearl white finish accented by black and red, the Lunt LS40Tha is as aesthetically pleasing as it is functional. Designed and manufactured in Tucson, Arizona, the build quality of this telescope is robust and reliable, suitable for continuous use in both field and professional environments.

Upgradeability:

• Imaging Ready: The LS40Tha is ideal for solar imaging, with the ability to upgrade components such as the Feather Touch Focuser for precise adjustments and the B600 or B1200 Blocking Filters for optimal solar resolution at higher magnifications. The system can also be configured for doublestack operation, enhancing the performance further by providing an even narrower bandpass for more detailed and contrast-rich solar images.

• Optional Accessories: A wide range of accessories is available, including the Lunt Zoom Eyepiece, Lunt 19mm Eyepiece, Solar Tracking Mount, and solar filters to further customize your observing experience. A hard casefor protection during transport is also recommended.

Specifications:

• System Wavelength: 656.28nm (Hydrogen-Alpha, tunable)
• Focal Length: f/10
• Solar Image Size: 3.67mm
• Objective: 40mm precision doublet, optimized at 656nm
• Etalon Size: 40mm full aperture Lunt Etalon
• Etalon Bandpass: <0.65 Angstrom (FWHM)
• Etalon Peak Transmission: >88%
• Etalon Net Finesse: 19
• Etalon Free Spectral Range: 12 Angstroms
• Etalon Tuning: Tilt through ±1 Angstrom
• Blocking Filter: B500 (5mm standard), upgradeable to B600 (6mm) or B1200 (12mm)
• Focuser: Non-rotating helical, upgradeable to Feather Touch
• Weight: 2.8 lbs
• Mounting: Integrated Vixen-style dovetail, 1/4-20 tapped holes for camera mounts