One-touch, fully automatic solar alignment Built-in GPS and HelioFind solar finder technology Automatically levels and calculates Sun's position Continuous, stable solar tracking for hours Lightweight and portable for eclipse chasing and outreach Description FAQ Specifications In the Box Downloads Warranty Sky-Watcher SolarQuest Mount The Sky-Watcher SolarQuest solar tracking mount offers fully automated, one-touch solar alignment and tracking for dedicated solar observers. Using its patented HelioFind solar finder and an internal GPS, the SolarQuest automatically levels itself, calculates the Sun's altitude and azimuth, and begins tracking our nearest star without any need for manual alignment. This mount is engineered specifically for solar observation, making it an ideal tool for eclipse chasers, educational outreach, and anyone fascinated with observing the Sun. HelioFind Technology: Hands-Free Solar Alignment The core of the SolarQuest mount is its patented HelioFind technology. With the single push of a button, the mount uses its built-in GPS to determine its location and then automatically levels and orients itself to find the Sun. There is no need for polar alignment, star alignment, or even leveling the tripod, which removes the most time-consuming barriers to daytime astronomy. Designed for Dedicated Solar Observing This mount is purpose-built for one task: tracking the Sun. It provides a stable, reliable platform for observing sunspots, solar eclipses, and planetary transits when paired with a white-light solar filter. For more advanced study, you can attach an H-alpha solar telescope to monitor dynamic solar phenomena like prominences, filaments, and even solar flares. Its specialized function means it is not suitable for nighttime astronomical use. Eclipse and Transit Ready: The grab-and-go nature of the SolarQuest makes it perfect for traveling to view total solar eclipses or setting up quickly to catch a transit of the International Space Station. Educational Tool: For classroom use or public outreach, the mount's simplicity allows educators to focus on teaching science rather than struggling with complex equipment setup. SolarQuest vs. A Standard Tracking Mount While a standard equatorial mount like the Star Adventurer can be aligned for solar tracking, the process is entirely manual and requires polar aligning during the day, which can be challenging. The SolarQuest eliminates this complexity entirely. Star Adventurer Advantage: A general-purpose tracker can be used for both night-sky astrophotography and (with manual alignment) solar tracking, offering more flexibility. SolarQuest Advantage: The SolarQuest's setup is fully automated and takes only minutes. Its single-purpose design delivers a faster, simpler, and more reliable solar tracking experience, which is critical for time-sensitive events like eclipses. How does the SolarQuest mount find the Sun without any manual input? The Sky-Watcher SolarQuest uses a combination of a built-in GPS receiver to know its precise location and time, and the patented HelioFind solar finder. Once you press the power button, it automatically levels itself and calculates the Sun's current altitude and azimuth, slewing directly to it and beginning to track. Can I use the Sky-Watcher SolarQuest for viewing the Moon and planets at night? No. The SolarQuest is designed exclusively for solar observation only. Its alignment and tracking system is programmed only to find and follow the Sun and will not function for nighttime celestial objects. What kind of telescope is best to use with the SolarQuest mount? The SolarQuest is ideal for lightweight, dedicated solar telescopes (like H-alpha scopes) or smaller refractors and Maksutov-Cassegrains equipped with a certified, safe solar filter. Its primary purpose is to provide stable tracking for visual observation and light imaging. How would I use the SolarQuest mount to observe a total solar eclipse? The SolarQuest is perfect for eclipses due to its rapid setup. Simply arrive at your location, set up the mount and telescope (with its solar filter on), and press the power button. The mount will automatically find and track the Sun, allowing you to watch the partial phases leading up to totality without worrying about manually keeping the Sun in the frame. Do I need to level the tripod for the SolarQuest mount to work correctly? No, you do not need to precisely level the tripod. The SolarQuest mount contains an internal leveling system that compensates for an unlevel base as part of its automatic alignment routine, making setup incredibly fast and forgiving. Can I use the SolarQuest mount to see sunspots and solar flares? Yes. To see sunspots, you can use a regular telescope with a certified white-light solar filter. To see dynamic events like solar flares and prominences, you would need to mount a specialized Hydrogen-alpha (H-alpha) solar telescope onto the SolarQuest. Function Solar Tracking (Daytime use only) Alignment Fully Automatic via HelioFind Technology Positioning Built-in GPS Setup One-touch operation Detailed specifications were not available. SolarQuest Mount × 1 Tripod × 1 Tripod Accessory Tray × 1 User Manual × 1 Padded Carry Case × 1 Download Sky-Watcher SolarQuest Mount Manual Download SynScan Pro App Download Sky-Watcher Software Sky-Watcher 2-Year Warranty
