DayStar Quark H-Alpha Filter Eyepiece for Chromosphere

Transform Your Refractor into a High-Definition Solar Telescope

Uncover the Intricate Structure of the Sun’s Surface.

See filaments, plages, spicules, and magnetic fields dance across the chromosphere with precision H-alpha optics. Unlike standard solar filters, the DayStar Quark H-Alpha Filter Eyepiece for Chromosphere reveals the sun’s dynamic surface in stunning detail. No complicated setup—just plug it in, tune the wavelength, and start observing.

Features

• See More Solar Detail with a Precision 4.2X Telecentric Barlow: Optimized for 656nm H-alpha light, delivering exceptional contrast and razor-sharp solar details.
• Customize Your View with Precision Tuning: Adjust the wavelength by ±0.5Å in 0.1Å steps to reveal more detail in filaments, plages, and magnetic disturbances.
• Instant Setup: Works seamlessly with F/4 to F/9 refractors. Just insert, power up, and start observing—no adapters or modifications required.
• Telescope Compatibility: This DayStar Quark model is designed for refractors (F/4 to F/9) and is not suitable for off-axis use with SCTs or Dobsonian telescopes.
• All-in-One Compact Design: The Quark combines a telecentric lens, etalon, and blocking filter into a single lightweight eyepiece—eliminating extra weight and accessories.
• Maximum Contrast with Baffled Optics: Light baffles and anti-reflective coatings ensure crisp, high-contrast solar images.
• Compatible with 1.25" Eyepieces: Accepts 1.25" eyepieces but can be inserted into both 1.25" and 2" diagonals for flexible telescope compatibility.
• Power It Anywhere: Runs on USB power (5V 1.5A) for all-day reliability. An optional battery pack is available for remote solar observing.
• Fast Warm-Up Time: The Quark reaches optimal tuning in ~5-6 minutes after power-up or when making wavelength adjustments.
• Full Solar Disk Viewing: Provides full-disk solar views in refractors up to ~450mm focal length. For longer focal lengths, expect a cropped, high-magnification view of solar regions rather than the entire disk.
• Global Power Compatibility: Includes a 90-240VAC wall adapter with US, UK, Euro, and Australian plug adapters, making it easy to power your Quark anywhere.
• Built to Last: Engineered with DayStar’s renowned Fabry-Pérot etalon technology, backed by a 5-year warranty for long-term durability and performance.

Is the DayStar Quark Chromosphere Right for You?

This all-in-one solar filter is perfect if:

• You own a refractor telescope and want to explore the sun’s surface in high-definition H-alpha without investing in a dedicated solar scope.
• You’re passionate about solar astronomy and eager to see filaments, plages, and active regions in razor-sharp clarity.
• You want a plug-and-play setup—no complicated configurations or extra adapters.
• You need full control over your solar views, with tunable wavelength adjustments for enhanced contrast and detail.
  
• You’re looking for a cost-effective way to achieve professional-grade solar images with your existing telescope.

Unlock the Sun’s Hidden Secrets with the DayStar Quark

Turn your refractor into a powerful solar observatory and experience the dynamic activity of the sun’s surface in breathtaking H-alpha detail. The DayStar Quark Chromosphere allows you to observe the ever-changing solar landscape, from delicate filaments stretching across the disk to the turbulent regions around sunspots.

Unlike standard white-light filters that only reveal sunspots, the Quark unveils the intricate structures of the chromosphere, where plages, spicules, and magnetic disturbances come to life. With its precision-tuned etalon and integrated telecentric optics, this all-in-one device achieves high-contrast, detailed solar views—without the cost or complexity of a dedicated solar telescope.

Fine-tune your view with the adjustable tuning knob, which shifts the wavelength by ±0.5Å in 0.1Å increments. This allows you to experiment with different settings to optimize visibility of specific solar features, such as filaments, plages, and surface granulation.

The built-in LED indicator system provides real-time feedback, so you always know when the filter is warming up, ready to observe, or experiencing a power issue. Powered by USB or an optional battery pack, the Quark is perfect for backyard observing, astrophotography, and mobile setups. Whether you’re at home, at an astronomy event, or imaging from a remote location, you’ll never miss an exciting moment of solar activity.

For short focal-length refractors (~450mm or less), enjoy full-disk solar views. With longer focal lengths, zoom in on intricate details such as sunspot structures, magnetic disturbances, and solar granulation—giving you a flexible tool for both wide-field and high-magnification solar observing.

Designed for both visual and imaging applications, the Quark delivers stunning real-time H-alpha views when paired with an eyepiece. For solar imaging, the results depend on your camera sensor, exposure settings, and telescope setup. A monochrome astrophotography camera with short exposure times is recommended for capturing the finest details.

Built on DayStar’s renowned Fabry-Pérot etalon technology and backed by a 5-year warranty, the Quark is the trusted choice of solar astronomers and astrophotographers seeking a professional-grade H-alpha experience—all in a compact, easy-to-use package.

What’s Included in Your DayStar Quark (Chromosphere) Package?

• DayStar Quark H-Alpha Filter Eyepiece: An all-in-one solar filter with a precision-tuned etalon, 4.2X telecentric barlow, and integrated 12mm blocking filter.
• Durable Protective Storage Case: Keeps your Quark dust-free, secure, and ready for travel.
• USB Power Cord for Reliable Operation: Easily power your Quark using a power bank, laptop, or wall adapter—ideal for long observing sessions.
• Wall Outlet Power Adapter & International Plug Set: Travel-friendly design includes US, UK, Euro, and Australian plugs, so you can power your Quark anywhere.

Recommended Accessories for Peak Performance

To get the best image quality and protect your telescope, we highly recommend the following accessories:

UV/IR Cut Filter – For Refractors Under 80mm

• Reduces heat buildup and protects optics when used before the diagonal.
• Enhances contrast for sharper, more detailed views.

Energy Rejection Filter (ERF) – Required for Refractors Over 80mm

• Blocks excess infrared (IR) and ultraviolet (UV) light, keeping your telescope safe.
• Reduces thermal turbulence, improving image clarity for high-resolution solar viewing.

Energy Management & Heat Handling

The Quark generates some heat during operation but is designed to handle it safely. For refractors under 80mm, a UV/IR cut filter is recommended to reduce excess heat entering the diagonal. For refractors over 80mm, a front-mounted Energy Rejection Filter (ERF) is required to prevent internal heating and optimize image quality.