Chasing Sunspots in a UK Heatwave ☀️🔭
A UK camper van weekend, 30°C sunshine and a smart telescope pointed at the Sun. Capturing sunspots with the Dwarf 3 during an unexpected astronomy session.
There’s something slightly surreal about sitting in a camper van in the UK, under deep blue skies, with the temperature nudging 30°C. Usually when we head away for a weekend in the van, we’re preparing for wind, rain, muddy boots etc… This weekend? Sun cream, cold drinks and trying to find shade.
I decided to bring along my Dwarf 3 Smart Telescope for something a little different.
Most people think of astronomy as a late-night activity, wrapped in coats, staring into freezing darkness waiting for clouds to clear. But the Sun can be just as fascinating to observe — and far more convenient when you’re already outside enjoying the weather.
Using the solar filter with the Dwarf 3, I spent some time capturing images of the Sun and was rewarded with a surprisingly active surface, including several clearly visible sunspots.
What Are Sunspots?
Sunspots are cooler regions on the Sun’s surface caused by intense magnetic activity. Even though they appear dark, they’re still incredibly hot — just slightly cooler than the surrounding areas.
What always amazes me is the scale involved. Some of the sunspots visible right now are larger than Earth itself.
It’s a strange feeling looking up at what seems like a calm, bright summer sun while knowing you’re actually watching a constantly shifting ball of plasma, magnetic fields and solar activity happening 150 million kilometres away.
Why I Love the Dwarf 3 for Travel
One of the reasons I brought the Dwarf 3 along is how ridiculously portable it is. Traditional solar astronomy setups can involve heavy mounts, complicated alignment and lots of equipment. The Dwarf 3 fits neatly into the camper van and can be up and running in minutes.
That makes it ideal for spontaneous observing sessions while travelling.
No planning.No dedicated observatory.Just clear skies and curiosity.
A Different Kind of Travel Memory
Travel photography usually focuses on landscapes, food or sunsets. This weekend’s photos were a little different — images of our nearest star during one of the hottest weekends of the year.
It’s a reminder that sometimes the most interesting things to photograph aren’t on the horizon… they’re directly above us.
Have you ever tried solar astronomy or used a smart telescope while travelling? Let me know in the comments.
