Ideal for those who do not want to have to choose what part of the sun they can optimally view, the Daystar Filters QUARK Gemini H-Alpha Switchable Chromosphere/Prominence Eyepiece Solar Filter is unique in its ability to view both the chromosphere and prominences.

The sun's chromosphere (surface) structure behaves differently in active regions than quiet areas, where magnetic field lines are stronger, so viewing this portion of the sun provides a constantly changing observational experience. By contrast, prominences—details of the chromosphere projected against the blackness of space behind the sun—are seen with improved contrast. Since the bandpass requirements to view these separate features are different, two different etalons are required, so Daystar uses a push-pull etalon changer system that allows you to quickly and easily choose and change the filter without having to remove or power down the entire unit.

This all-in-one hydrogen-alpha filter is engineered to eliminate unnecessary components, which reduces the size and weight and enables it to fit in a compact form factor that simply inserts into 1.25" or 2" diagonals and accepts 1.25" eyepieces. This design enables the use of nighttime telescopes for solar viewing. In addition to the tunable H-alpha filter, the QUARK Gemini also functions as a 4.2x Barlow lens, with a 2-element lens system designed to be telecentric, which flattens the field of view and reduces parallax, and optical coatings that are optimized for the 656nm H-alpha wavelength.

While there are no OTA aperture limitations, Daystar recommends the use of UV/IR cut filters or front-mount energy rejection filters on OTAs over 80mm for long-duration solar viewing sessions. For best results, they suggest using refractor-style scopes with focal ratios between f/4 and f/8, and you can enjoy full-disk viewing with focal lengths up to 450mm.

The filter is powered via a micro-USB port, and Daystar includes a power cord and an AC adapter to meet the high-power requirements of 5 VDC 1.5A. To enable its use at home and abroad, a set of international outlet plugs is provided with adapters for the US, UK, EU, and Australia.

Use Astronomical OTAs for Solar Viewing    Use for Both Chromosphere & Prominences    656nm H-Alpha Filter with 12mm Blocking    0.5 and 0.6Å Bandpass Etalons    2-Element Telecentric 4.2x Barlow Lens    Optical Coatings Tuned to H-Alpha Band    Best Performance with f/4-f/8 Refractors    No OTA Aperture Limitations    5 VDC, 1.5A micro-USB Port

• Separate individual Fabry Perot etalons allow a single unit to view both prominences and the sun's chromosphere (surface)
• Change etalon using a simple slider, no need to change gear or refocus OTA
• <0.5Å bandpass etalon is used for viewing the chromosphere
• >0.6Å bandpass etalon is for viewing prominences
• 656nm hydrogen-alpha filter
• Integrated 12mm blocking filter
• 22mm clear filter aperture
• Tuning knobs allow for ±0.5Å wing shift for Doppler-shift compensation
• Markers at every 0.1Å for reference and repeatability
• LED indicators for power, warming, ready, and fault

• Integrated 4.2x Barlow lens
• Lens and optical coatings designed specifically for 656nm H-alpha wavelength
• Two-element telecentric lens design keeps light waves parallel to flatten the field of view and reduce parallax as magnification increases
• Fits into both 1.25" and 2" focusers, drawtubes, and accessories like diagonals
• Standard 1.25" holder with brass compression ring to protect eyepiece
• Optional 2" and SCT adapters available separately

• No aperture limitation
• Best performance with f/4-f/8 refractors
• Full-disk viewing on refractors up to 450mm focal length
• For apertures over 80mm (3.1"), or for long-duration solar viewing, an UV/IR cut filter should be used for energy rejection
• Not suited for off-axis applications

• 5 VDC, 1.5A micro-USB port
• 90-240 VAC wall adapter
• Set of international outlet plugs for US, UK, EU, and Australia

Related Questions and Answers

Q: 1. How long of a cable could you put on the imager? (max distance from imager to computer)

A: The Imager comes with a 10' USB 3.0 Cable. I would say that would be the maximum, since that's what the Manufacturer includes.

Q: 2. I would like to know what I need to mount my Canon 80D to this Celestron 6se? Thanks!

A: You will need a Celestron T-Adapter for Schmidt-Cassegrain Telescopes #93633-A and a T-Ring for Canon EOS Camera #93419. Sincerely, Garrett at Celestron

Q: 3. will the neximage 10 work with my 114gt ?

A: Yes, its 100 % compatible.

Q: 4. Durability and practicality ?

A: The SMC XF 6.5-19.5 eyepiece is very well made, with high quality optics. I have used my scope in rain and fog without any problems. The actual scope is some kind of durable plastic construction which has held up, especially with the case that allows you to open the front and back and leave the case on for added protection. My ONLY con is the eye relief is real short, I wish I had a little more space, but that being said the view is crystal clear, bright, and detailed. Hope this helps in your decision.Note: the original one I had was stolen in a home robbery and covered by insurance. I could have bought any other brand, and I re-chose getting the Pentax again.

Q: 5. Will the Celestron NexImage 10 Solar System Imager work with Celestron 5se?

A: It will work with the Celestron 5SE

Q: 6. How much detail can you get with a decent 8" SCT (mine's a Celestron EdgeHD)? Could I hope to make out Jupiter's red spot, for instance? (My eyepiece projection attempts with my DSLR and an 8mm eyepiece give me the main bands, but no luck making out the red spot)

A: The Celestron NexImage 10 Solar System Color Eyepiece Imager (1.25") will give you no magnification at all, your telescope's Focal Length, is all you will get.

Q: 7. Is this compatible with the Sony A1?

A: This will not work on a Sony A1. The Sony A1 uses a different eye piece from the other older A7 cameras this is for.

Q: 8. Has anyone purchased the square trade protection plan for their telescopes? If so do you recommend it?

A: The Celestron 6se telescope comes with a 2 year warranty from Celestron. However, Celestron will not cover damage done to the telescope caused by tripping over the tripod in the dark or other types of accidental damage. Square Trade will cover those types of accidents and if they cannot repair it, they would send you a check for the original purchase price.

Q: 9. Is this just for prime focus (no eyepiece) shooting, or can it be adapted for eyepiece projection? I'm a beginner with eyepiece projection, so would you even want to use it that way if you could?

A: The Celestron NexImage 10 Solar System Color Eyepiece Imager (1.25") BH #CENM10SSI • MFR #93708 is an eyepiece camera. It is powered by your laptop and the images appear on the laptop screen via a USB connection.

Q: 10. What is needed to mount a Sony a77 mark 2 DSLR camera to the celestron 6se tripod? Thanks!

A: The A77 Mark II is an A Mount Lens. Here is the Vello T Mount Lens to Sony A-Mount Camera Adapter, BH #VELASAT. https://bhpho.to/311LRJn