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Telescope for general viewing plus solar?

For many years I have been interested in astronomy, but made a decision a good while back to go the direction of microscopy rather than getting a telescope. With the upcoming total eclipse, I have a new impetus to my astronomy urges. But I don't want to buy a dedicated solar scope, at least I don't think so. After the eclipse, I would like to use the scope for more traditional stuff - moon, planets, nebulae...

I am at the point in life where I can afford some decent optics. A four figure price tag isn't too much, though I need to question how much I'll really be using it if we start talking 5 figures.

What sort of system should I be looking at? Am I seriously hobbling my eclipse viewing by relying on add-on filters for a traditional scope? Is an internal doppler etalon essential for a good hydrogen alpha image (this feature seems to be emphasized in the dedicated solar scopes)? What add-on filters would be most useful for the eclipse?

It's probably another discussion altogether, but do you have any recommendations for automated trackers to accommodate for Earth rotation?

Update:

I failed to mention that photography through the instrument is a significant driver for the scope's capabilities

Update 2:

Update:

Thanks folks. Very useful information

1 Answer

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  • 4 years ago

    If solar hydrogen alpha viewing is a requirement then you're looking at a dedicated solar 'scope. It's possible to convert a "normal" refractor but it's not cost effective. There's a lot to be said for using a solar 'scope, not least the fact that you get to do it when it's warm and light!

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