What better way is there to share the current approach to solar maximum or a solar eclipse than with a group of mates and a Sunspotter Telescope!
If your curious, there are plenty of videos and information on the internet about these unusual telescopes.
The Sunspotter is an innovative, wooden, folded-Keplerian telescope that uses a system of mirrors and a powerful 62mm objective lens to project a brilliant 3" solar image onto a white viewing screen. Easily aligned to the sun in seconds, you'll spend hours gazing in fascination as sunspots appear, move across the surface of the sun and then vanish. Trace the images and compare the changes the sun's surface goes through hour by hour or day by day. Elegantly simple to use, easy to set up, and completely safe. The image projected on the platform is safe to view without using special eyewear, making it a perfect way to observe the progress of a solar eclipse without ever having to look directly at the sun.
Specs:
Objective Lens: 2-element achromat, 700 mm FL, fully coated.
Objective Aperture: 61.7 mm diameter, stopped down to 57.0.
Mirrors: 50 mm x 50 mm x 10 mm, two @ 25 mm x 25 mm x 5 mm, <1/4 wave.
Field Lens: 4-element, 12.5 FL Plossl, fully coated, 10 mm aperture.
Focuser: Helical
Measurements: 16” x 15” x 6”. Weighs 6.6 lbs.
This scope really comes into its own when it comes to portability, simplicity, speed of set up and safety. Great for sharing with and educating kids and is super safe as the group is looking down at the projected image rather that risking taking a peek around an upward pointing telescope.
I have never come across one of these for sale and a quick stroll through the IIS archives fails to find one that has sold in the past. You may never see one again. This particular scope is in fantastic condition as seen in the pics. I didn’t have it in focus for the pics but you can see a decent sunspot on view (we haven’t had a sunny day here in Cairns since for me to take another pic).
Currently retailing in the US for $450-$550 USD. This plus shipping may be $1000 AUD.
If you want to own something a little different, I am willing to let this go for $550, buyer to cover postage.
