7 Best Solar Telescopes for Beginners (November 2026)
The best beginner solar telescopes include the Blue Marble NASA Lunar Telescope for Kids Ages for learning why solar safety matters, the Gskyer Telescope for portable night-sky learning, and the Celestron StarSense Explorer 150mm App-Enabled Tabletop Dobsonian for guided night-sky practice.
On this page (8 sections)
- Which beginner solar telescope should you choose?
- How we chose these telescopes for beginners
- What should beginners compare before solar observing?
- Beginner telescopes compared
- Can you use a regular beginner telescope for solar viewing?
- Does a phone adapter make a telescope solar-safe?
- How should you choose between a solar telescope and a night-sky telescope?
- Which beginner solar telescope is the right choice?
The best beginner solar telescope is a purpose-built model with a clearly stated viewing method and safety instructions. The seven telescopes below are general-purpose models, not solar telescopes, so none is a safe choice for direct solar viewing on its own.
A solar telescope for beginners should make both the observing method and the safety steps clear. If you choose a regular telescope instead, you need a compatible solar filter made for that instrument, securely fitted over the front aperture before you point it toward the Sun.
Which beginner solar telescope should you choose?
Choose a purpose-built solar telescope if you want equipment made for observing the Sun. The right choice depends on whether you want to observe in white light or see features through a specialized hydrogen-alpha system.
White-light observing uses a proper solar filter to show the Sun's visible surface, including sunspots. Hydrogen-alpha telescopes use a specialized narrowband system to reveal solar features such as prominences and filaments.
This roundup focuses on beginner-friendly equipment and the differences that matter when you shop. The products included here are general-purpose telescopes for lunar or night-sky use, so they are useful alternatives for learning astronomy, but they are not solar-safe without the correct front-aperture filter.
For more options intended for solar observation, see our guide to the best telescope for solar viewing. If you're comparing filtered solar imaging with a purpose-built setup, read how to choose a solar telescope for photography.
How we chose these telescopes for beginners
We compared the supplied product facts for beginner setup, included accessories, portability and intended viewing. These products do not include stated solar viewing systems or solar filters, so they are ranked here for general beginner learning rather than solar use.
The scores weigh the listed features against the needs of a beginner who wants to learn observing and prepare for safe solar viewing. They do not indicate that any model has been tested for solar safety.
Our picks at a glance
-
1
Best for learning why solar safety mattersBlue Marble NASA Lunar Telescope for Kids Ages
9.6/10 our score
See it on Amazon -
2
-
3
Best for guided night-sky practiceCelestron StarSense Explorer 150mm App-Enabled Tabletop Dobsonian
9.2/10 our score
See it on Amazon
- 4
Check itCelestron StarSense Explorer 8" Dobsonian Telescope
Best for guided deep-sky observing - 5
Check itCELTICBIRD Telescope for Adults High Powered
Best for a portable refractor setup - 6
Best for compact beginner practiceCheck it - 7
Check itHawkko Telescope Kit for Kids 8-12
Best for Moon-focused family learning
What should beginners compare before solar observing?
Start with the telescope's intended viewing method, then check that every filter or solar accessory is explicitly compatible with the exact telescope. Aperture, app guidance and phone adapters do not replace a solar filter.
- Viewing method: Decide whether you want white-light views or a purpose-built hydrogen-alpha system.
- Safety design: Confirm what the maker says is required for solar use and how the system attaches.
- Beginner handling: Look for clear setup steps, a stable mount and an easy way to find targets.
- Photography plans: A phone adapter helps connect a phone, but does not make a telescope safe for solar use.
- Other observing: If you also want night-sky viewing, compare a separate telescope for that purpose. A telescope tube guide explains the main optical assembly.
A front-aperture filter must be secure and made for solar viewing with the telescope. Never use a filter that attaches only to the eyepiece, and never use an ordinary telescope finder scope to view the Sun.
| Product | Best for | Optical type | Objective lens | Included gear | Our score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blue Marble NASA Lunar Telescope for Kids Ages | learning why solar safety matters | Refractor | 25 mm | Tabletop tripod, finder scope, 2 eyepieces | 9.6 |
| Gskyer Telescope | portable night-sky learning | Refractor | 70 mm | 9.5 | |
| Celestron StarSense Explorer 150mm App-Enabled Tabletop Dobsonian | guided night-sky practice | Newtonian reflector | 9.2 | ||
| Celestron StarSense Explorer 8" Dobsonian Telescope | guided deep-sky observing | Newtonian reflector | 9.1 | ||
| CELTICBIRD Telescope for Adults High Powered | a portable refractor setup | Refractor | 80 mm | 9.1 | |
| Jvcla Telescope for Kids | compact beginner practice | Refractor | 70 mm | Tripod, finder scope, phone adapter | 9.1 |
| Hawkko Telescope Kit for Kids 8-12 | Moon-focused family learning | Refractor | 80 mm | Tripod, finder scope, backpack, learning booklet | 8.6 |
Beginner telescopes compared
The products below are ranked for beginner usability in general astronomy, not for direct solar viewing. Each can help introduce observing skills, but none is a dedicated solar telescope.
Blue Marble NASA Lunar Telescope for Kids Ages: Best for learning why solar safety matters
- For ages 8 and up
- Finder scope
- Low- and high-power eyepieces
- Tabletop tripod
A child-focused lunar telescope with a learning guide and tabletop tripod. It is for Moon viewing, not direct solar viewing.
Pros
- Includes a learning guide
- Tabletop tripod and smooth mount
- Low- and high-power eyepieces
Cons
- Not designed for solar viewing
- Small objective is for lunar observing
Blue Marble's NASA Lunar Telescope is designed to introduce children ages 8 and up to the Moon. It includes a finder scope, low- and high-power eyepieces, a tabletop tripod and a learning guide, so a parent and child can practice locating and examining lunar features together.
Its smooth mount helps scan across the lunar surface. The modest 25 mm objective is a fit for the product's stated lunar learning role, rather than a reason to choose it for solar observation.
The key safety point is simple: this is a lunar telescope, not a solar telescope. Do not point it at the Sun unless you have a compatible full-aperture solar filter securely installed over the objective, and follow the filter maker's instructions.
Choose it for supervised Moon viewing with a child. For adult beginner gear, compare this with our EACONN 80mm telescope review.
Gskyer Telescope: Best for portable night-sky learning
- 70 mm aperture
- 400 mm focal length
- Carry bag
- Phone adapter and wireless remote
A portable refractor with a carry bag and phone accessories for night-sky and terrestrial viewing. It must not be pointed at the Sun without a correctly fitted front-aperture solar filter.
Pros
- Portable carry bag
- Finder scope
- Phone adapter and remote
Cons
- Not designed for solar viewing
- Requires a separate compatible solar filter for filtered solar observation
The Gskyer is a portable 70 mm refractor with a 400 mm focal length, adjustable tripod and carry bag. It comes with two eyepieces, a 3x Barlow lens, a finder scope, a phone adapter and a wireless camera remote.
Those accessories support general astronomy and terrestrial use, but they do not provide solar protection. The manufacturer specifically warns against aiming this telescope at or near the Sun.
If you later consider solar observing with a regular telescope, first verify that a front-aperture filter is made for this model and fits securely. Our guide to best solar filters for telescopes covers the checks to make before buying a filter.
Celestron StarSense Explorer 150mm App-Enabled Tabletop Dobsonian: Best for guided night-sky practice
- 150 mm Newtonian reflector
- StarSense app guidance
- Tabletop Dobsonian base
- Two eyepieces
Smartphone guidance helps beginners locate night-sky targets. Its app and included equipment do not make it safe to view the Sun.
Pros
- App helps locate targets
- Tabletop base
- Includes 25 mm and 10 mm eyepieces
Cons
- Not designed for solar viewing
- Requires a separate compatible solar filter for filtered solar observation
The Celestron StarSense Explorer 150mm tabletop Dobsonian helps beginners find night-sky targets with smartphone guidance. Its app uses sky recognition and on-screen arrows, and its 150 mm reflector is intended for views of the Moon, planets and deep-sky objects.
A tabletop base gives it a compact form, though you'll need a firm, level surface at a comfortable height. Its phone dock is for locating night-sky objects; it is not a solar filter or a safe way to aim at the Sun.
Choose it if learning to find targets is your priority and you have space for a stable table. If you're also choosing a small instrument for night viewing, compare the best small telescope for stargazing.
Celestron StarSense Explorer 8" Dobsonian Telescope: Best for guided deep-sky observing
- 203 mm Newtonian reflector
- StarSense app guidance
- Dobsonian base
- 25 mm eyepiece
An 8-inch reflector with smartphone guidance for night-sky observing. Its large aperture does not make it suitable for unfiltered solar viewing.
Pros
- App helps locate targets
- Stable Dobsonian base
- Large aperture for night-sky observing
Cons
- Not designed for solar viewing
- Requires a separate compatible solar filter for filtered solar observation
The Celestron StarSense Explorer 8-inch Dobsonian is the largest reflector in this group. Its 203 mm Newtonian design, Dobsonian base and StarSense phone guidance are intended for lunar, planetary and deep-sky observing.
The larger tube and base need more room than a tabletop scope. Its app supports locating night-sky targets, but it does not make the telescope appropriate for unfiltered solar viewing.
Select it if you want an 8-inch reflector for general astronomy and can store and move its 43.4 lb assembly. A dedicated solar telescope is a separate choice, with its own optical design and instructions.
CELTICBIRD Telescope for Adults High Powered: Best for a portable refractor setup
- 80 mm aperture
- 900 mm focal length
- Carry case
- Adjustable tripod and phone mount
A refractor with a carry case and adjustable tripod for general observing. Solar viewing requires a separate, correctly fitted full-aperture filter.
Pros
- 80 mm objective
- Carry case and adjustable tripod
- Two eyepieces
Cons
- Not designed for solar viewing
- Requires a separate compatible solar filter for filtered solar observation
CELTICBIRD's 80 mm refractor pairs a 900 mm focal length with an adjustable tripod, carry case and phone mount. Two wide-angle eyepieces and a 5x24 finder scope give beginners a simple accessory set for locating and viewing general targets.
The maker describes it as suitable for Moon and planet observing. A phone mount can support general image capture, but it does not filter sunlight or make the instrument safe for solar viewing.
Choose this model if you prefer a portable refractor with a longer focal length than the Gskyer. For any filtered solar use, verify fit and compatibility for the exact telescope before using it.
Jvcla Telescope for Kids: Best for compact beginner practice
- 70 mm aperture
- 300 mm focal length
- Phone adapter
- Tool-free setup
A beginner refractor with a short focal length and phone adapter for general viewing. It is not a purpose-built solar telescope.
Pros
- Tool-free setup
- Phone adapter and wireless remote
- Finder scope
Cons
- Not designed for solar viewing
- Requires a separate compatible solar filter for filtered solar observation
Jvcla's 70 mm refractor has a 300 mm focal length and comes with two eyepieces, an erecting eyepiece, a Barlow lens, a tripod, finder scope and phone adapter. The maker describes tool-free setup, which may appeal to a beginner who wants to get started with general observing.
The short tube and phone accessories do not change its intended use. The product is described for Moon and nature viewing, and it is not a purpose-built solar telescope.
Choose it for a compact beginner kit and general daytime or night-time viewing away from the Sun. If solar observation is your main goal, choose dedicated solar equipment with clear safety instructions instead.
Hawkko Telescope Kit for Kids 8-12: Best for Moon-focused family learning
- 80 mm aperture
- 500 mm focal length
- Moon learning booklet
- Backpack and phone adapter
A child-focused kit centered on Moon observation and learning. It is not a solar telescope, and its accessories do not make it safe to point at the Sun.
Pros
- Moon learning booklet
- Backpack and phone adapter
- 80 mm objective
Cons
- Not designed for solar viewing
- Requires a separate compatible solar filter for filtered solar observation
Hawkko's telescope kit is aimed at children ages 8–12 and centers on Moon observation. It includes an 80 mm refractor, a 500 mm focal length, two eyepieces, a Barlow lens, a finder scope, an adjustable tripod, a backpack and a Moon learning booklet.
The booklet and observation log make it a learning kit as well as a telescope. Its phone adapter is for general use, and its Moon focus does not mean the telescope is suitable for looking at the Sun.
For solar observing, use equipment built for that purpose or a compatible full-aperture solar filter installed exactly as instructed.
Can you use a regular beginner telescope for solar viewing?
Yes, but only with a solar filter designed for the telescope and securely fitted over the full front aperture. Never use an unfiltered telescope to look at the Sun, and never rely on an eyepiece filter.
Check the filter's instructions for installation and inspection. Make sure it cannot come loose, and cover or remove any finder scope before observing so nobody can look through it at the Sun.
If you want a system designed specifically for solar observing, a purpose-built solar telescope may be simpler to understand than pairing a general telescope with a filter. The best choice is the one whose intended method and safety steps you can follow every time.
Does a phone adapter make a telescope solar-safe?
No. A phone adapter holds a phone near the eyepiece, but it does not reduce sunlight or protect your eyes and equipment.
The same rule applies to astronomy apps, Barlow lenses, finderscopes and ordinary eyepieces. They can support general observing, but solar safety requires a purpose-built system or the correctly fitted solar filter.
For photography, first confirm that the observing equipment is safe for the Sun, then check that the camera connection works with that setup. Read our guide to the best telescope for lunar photography if you want to start with a less demanding target.
How should you choose between a solar telescope and a night-sky telescope?
Choose a solar telescope when the Sun is your main target and you want an instrument designed for a stated solar viewing method. Choose a general-purpose telescope for Moon, planet and deep-sky viewing, then add solar use only if a compatible full-aperture filter is available.
The seven products in this roundup are beginner options for general astronomy. Their listed accessories do not include dedicated solar observing equipment, so treat them as night-sky or lunar choices.
If you want a solar telescope for beginners, prioritize a clear safety design and instructions over magnification or a phone mount. If you want broader astronomy too, compare separate gear for each use.
Our guide to the best planetary smart telescope covers app-guided planet observing.
Which beginner solar telescope is the right choice?
Pick a purpose-built white-light or hydrogen-alpha telescope if solar observing is the goal. Pick one of these general-purpose telescopes for learning the Moon and night sky, and add solar observing only with a compatible, securely fitted front-aperture filter.
The Blue Marble and Hawkko kits suit child-focused lunar learning, while Celestron's StarSense scopes guide beginners around the night sky. Keep those jobs separate from solar viewing, and check the filter fit before using any general telescope on the Sun.
Our top 3 picks at a glance
-
1
Best for learning why solar safety matters
Blue Marble NASA Lunar Telescope for Kids Ages
9.6/10 our score
See it on Amazon -
2
-
3
Best for guided night-sky practice
Celestron StarSense Explorer 150mm App-Enabled Tabletop Dobsonian
9.2/10 our score
See it on Amazon
Frequently asked questions
Can a beginner use a regular telescope to look at the Sun?
Only with a compatible solar filter that is designed for the telescope and securely covers its full front aperture. Never look at the Sun through an unfiltered telescope, finder scope or eyepiece solar filter.
A purpose-built solar telescope is another option, with its observing method and required safety steps clearly specified by its maker.
What is the difference between white-light and hydrogen-alpha solar telescopes?
White-light solar equipment shows the photosphere, including sunspots, through a suitable solar filter. Hydrogen-alpha equipment uses a specialized narrowband system to reveal features such as prominences and filaments.
They use different optical systems and are not interchangeable.
Follow the telescope maker's instructions for the exact model.
Is a solar filter safe if it fits over the eyepiece?
No. Do not use an eyepiece solar filter.
Concentrated sunlight can heat the telescope and cause the filter to crack.
Use only a properly made filter that securely covers the telescope's full front aperture, or a purpose-built solar telescope used as directed.
Can I use a solar telescope for night-sky viewing?
Some purpose-built solar telescopes are restricted to solar observation, while others have different uses. Check the maker's instructions for the specific model before using it for another target.
A general-purpose night-sky telescope needs a compatible full-aperture solar filter for filtered solar observation.
Can I photograph the Sun through a beginner telescope?
Solar photography requires a safe optical setup made for the intended observing method, plus a camera that can attach securely. A phone adapter alone is not a solar filter.
Read our guide to a solar telescope for photography before planning a camera setup.
