HESTIA
Finderscope Assembly and Alignment Guide
How to use the solar pointer?
Eclipse Mode - Hestia
We released a special Eclipse mode to witness the April 8th, 2024 total solar eclipse. Please click here to access the released tutorial. This mode is currently not available on the Gravity by Vaonis app.
Where can I purchase a Hestia solar filter?
The Hestia solar filter is available exclusively as part of the Solar Pack or Ultimate Pack and cannot be purchased separately.
Where can I find the first feedbacks & pictures taken with Hestia ?
We've launched a Facebook Group called 'My Gravity by Vaonis - Hestia' where users are already sharing their first shots, tips, and engaging in discussions. We invite you to join the community and be part of the conversation!
How to adjust the focus with Hestia?
Please check this video to help you adjust the focus with Hestia:
How to install my phone on Hestia?
Check this video to help you install your smartphone on Hestia:
How to set up Hestia on its tripod
You can find a video to help you set up Hestia on its tripod:
How do I make a solar observation?
1. Open the Gravity by Vaonis application and make sure you are in solar mode. 2. Instal the solar filter on Hestia. Note that the application will not detect whether the solar filter is present or not. It's important to put it on correctly to avoid ...
How do I use the Focus Assistant?
If the image doesn't seem sharp enough, you can use the Focus Assistant feature in the following steps: 1. Drag your finger along the line to select the position where the image seems sharpest. 2. For more precise focus, click on Focus Assistant. 3. ...
Where are my images saved?
Captured images are automatically saved in your smartphone's photo gallery.
How do I access Hestia's different modes?
After clicking on the camera icon in the Space Center, click on the menu or shortcut to change modes (landscape / sun / moon / deep sky / planet).
How do I access landscape mode?
Click on the application's camera tab and select landscape mode.
What is a watermark?
Watermarking is a display option for your saved images:
What's the Space Center for?
The Space Center is the home screen of the Gravity by Vaonis application. Here you'll find information on ephemeris and application options: Solar Mode Night Mode Application settings: Click on the 3 dots Access the app settings
What permissions do I need for Gravity by Vaonis?
When you start using the application for the first time, we will suggest the following permissions: For optimum use of your instrument and the application, we recommend that you accept the requested accesses. Geolocation: Gravity by Vaonis needs to ...
How many smartphones can be connected to the same Hestia?
We allow a maximum of 5 smartphones per instrument. If the limit is reached, you can replace a previous user via the application:
How do I connect my Hestia to the Gravity by Vaonis application?
The Gravity by Vaonis application will ask you to scan the QR code on the underside of the instrument to authenticate it. We recommend you perform this step before installing on the tripod, and you will need an internet connection for this step. You ...
Can I use Hestia with my case on?
Yes, you won't need to remove your case to use Hestia.
What is the Hestia battery life?
Hestia does not include a battery. It is an optical system that works without electronics or mechanics. The autonomy will therefore depend mainly on your smartphone.
Is the Vespera or Stellina tripod compatible with Hestia?
It is necessary to add to the Vespera and Stellina tripod a fluid head, pan-tilt type with 2 axes (horizontal and vertical) and a ⅜” thread to be able to use Hestia correctly.
Which tripods are compatible with Hestia?
The tripod must: be equipped with a fluid head, pan-tilt type with 2 axes (horizontal and vertical), and a ⅜” thread, support a load of at least 500 g (1.1 lbs), be stable and robust enough to prevent vibrations. This tripod type is available in all ...
Can we observe the planets with Hestia?
The Hestia telescope will allow you to observe the phases of Venus, the Jupiter’s moons and distinguish the rings of Saturn.
Can Hestia track objects?
No, Hestia will not be able to track objects. The Gravity by Vaonis app will guide the user to do the tracking manually.
Does Hestia have a GoTo system?
No, Hestia does not integrate the Go-To function and will not be able to track objects. The Gravity by Vaonis app will guide the user to point and track the objects manually.
Does the Hestia telescope allow observation of daytime landscapes, birds, etc.?
The Gravity by Vaonis app will not offer a dedicated mode for this type of observation. However, it will still be possible to observe distant objects by day (landscapes, animals, etc.) using Hestia and your smartphone’s camera.
What can be observed with Hestia?
Hestia, along with the Gravity by Vaonis app, includes 2 modes that will allow you to observe the following objects: Day mode: observation of the Sun and sunspots, total and partial solar eclipses. A solar filter is necessary to observe the Sun ...
Can Hestia take pictures of the Milky Way?
No, because Hestia's field of view is not large enough to photograph the Milky Way.
Is there a motor in altitude to keep the target stable in the field of view?
No, Hestia will have no motor. Tracking will be done manually with the help of the Gravity application.
How can I take deep-sky photos if there's no object tracking for long observations?
Long exposures are obtained by reframing and stacking exposures of a duration compatible with the absence of tracking.
Is Hestia designed for observing the Sun and Moon?
Hestia has been designed for observing the Sun and Moon, as well as the brightest deep-sky objects (magnitude 7-8).
Which smartphones are compatible with Hestia?
The compatibility depends on what you want to observe and your smartphone’s OS (Operating System) If you are using an Apple iPhone: Sun & Moon: iPhone under iOS 16 and above, or iPhone 8 and above. Deep Sky: iPhone 13 + iOS 15 and above Please note ...
Is Hestia available on both iOS and Android?
Yes, we've developed Hestia to be compatible with both Android and iOS. You can check your smarthone compatibility here.
How will it adapt to each smartphone's camera configuration?
The application will manage settings automatically.
What is the picture resolution?
Image resolution will depend on the resolution of your smartphone's camera.
What is Hestia's field of view?
Hestia's field of view is 1.8°.
Will Hestia offer more detailed images of the Sun than Stellina or Vespera?
As with Stellina and Vespera, Hestia will be able to observe sunspots. Solar photos taken with Hestia will be stacked by the Gravity application, but there will be an advantage in terms of resolution for photos taken with Stellina or Vespera.
Will Hestia stack images?
Yes, the Gravity by Vaonis application incorporates image stacking technology to amplify the light collected and enhance the image.
How will you prevent smartphones from falling off during tracking?
Removable magnets hold your smartphone in place on Hestia. This will also ensure that the phone's lens is properly aligned with the eyepiece.
Will Hestia work with smartphones that have 4 cameras on the back?
Hestia is compatible with smartphones equipped with 4 cameras, but will only use the main, most sensitive camera to take photos.