The PA Wilds Astronomy Club received a grant from the Tabor Foundation earlier this year to build a Sunscan Spectroheliograph. The grant allowed us to purchase optical and electronic parts for this device, and club members pitched in by providing 3D printed parts, loading the software onto the Raspberry Pi that collects and processes the solar images, assembling and aligning the device, and donating a number of items (carrying cases, tripod, tablet). The Sunscan will allow us to show the sun’s face with detail level that wasn’t possible for an amateur level device just a few years ago. We now feel the device is ready for use at STEM events.
Example Hydrogen Alpha images, collected in May 2026:
If you are interested in having the club bring the Sunscan to a future STEM event (festival, camp, class, etc.), please contact us at astro@ptd.net