Telescope-Solar Telescopes-DayStar Quark H-Alpha Eyepiece for the Chromosphere

Chromosphere Model
DayStar offers the Quark in a
number of configurations, for viewing the Chromosphere,
Prominences, or
both in Ha — as well as in a
Calcium K configuration. This model is the
Chromosphere optimized Quark, which focuses the Fabry Perot etalon on a FWHM
of about 0.5Å that is best suited for bringing out solar filaments,
spots, flares, and other Chromosphere details on the surface of the Sun!
This incredible detail can be revealed with a telescope sporting a focal
ratio between f/4 and f/9, though the Quark shines its brightest at a final
focal ratio of f/27 to f/32 — about f/6 to f/7 ratio prior to the
built in 4.2x telecentric Barlow. This magnification will help you see the
Sun’s awe-inspiring detail in a more up close and personal way, and yet
still allows for full disc viewing when paired with a telescope around 450
mm in focal length or shorter. Honing in this view can be done in
0.1Å increments, with a total of a +/- 0.5Å of adjustment to
find the perfect view for your equipment and conditions!

Unique Ha Filtering Approach
Traditional H-alpha
dedicated solar telescopes feature a front mounted or mid-mounted filter,
what is known as an etalon. These work passively, and are most often
integrated in such way that telescope is a solar only scope. DayStar’s Quark
takes a different approach, designed to complete its filtering at the rear
of the telescope. This is done by passing incoming light through a blocking
filter, re-parallelizing it with the 4.2x telecentric Barlow, and then
passing it through an active etalon. This active approach heats the internal
components to 100-150°F to precisely control the wavelength being
passed. While this active, rear mounted, approach lacks in deployment and
adjustment speed compared to more traditional solar scopes, it is hard to
argue with the unmatched versatility this system brings!

Easy Operation
Using the DayStar Quark H-Alpha
Eyepiece with your telescope is a straightforward process! First be sure to
check the table above and install a UV/IR or front mounted energy rejection
filter as needed. Then insert the Quark into your visual back and clamp it
in place; with a combination eyepiece barrel connection, this will work with
both 2″ and 1.25″ visual connections. Insert your eyepiece or camera into
the 1.25″ connection on the Quark itself, and then connect the included
power supply or other Micro USB solution capable of 5V 1.5A output. After
5-10 minutes, the LED status indicator will turn green and you’ll be ready
to view the stellar features of the Sun! To adjust the center wavelength and
best highlight the features of the Sun for your gear and conditions, turn
the tuning knob, wait 5-10 minutes for the status LED to turn Green again,
then recheck your view.

Visual and Imaging Compatible
DayStar’s Quark can
transport you to the solar surface for both incredible live viewing
experiences and astrophotography alike! An 1.25″ visual equipment
compression ring allows you to connect a wide variety of visual and imaging
equipment, with a brass compression ring to securely hold your gear in
place. With a 12 mm blocking filter, the DayStar Quark can offer a full disc
image when paired with a 450 mm or shorter focal length telescope and a
suitable eyepiece or camera. While you can use a plethora of eyepieces with
the Quark, for best results DayStar recommends 25-40mm eyepieces with
simpler optical designs (like Plossls)!

Don’t Forget Your Finder!
The DayStar Quark can
provide a safe and enjoyable solar viewing experience when used properly
with your telescope, but don’t forget about your finder! Much like a
telescope,
you should never look through a finder scope (magnified or not) at the
Sun without a proper finder scope solar filter in place. Even with a filter, we don’t recommend an unmagnified or red dot finder
scope as it is easy to accidentally look around these types of filters and
into the Sun. Instead we recommend using a dedicated solar finder like the
Apertura Solar Finder
(sold separately) which allows you to easily and safely locate the Sun!
Lastly
if you do not intend to use a magnified finder with a solar filter, you
should remove it
as these can pose a fire hazard by focusing the Sun on the ground or other
objects behind the telescope.