The Daystar Quark Chromosphere Model is the first Hydrogen Alpha “Eyepiece”. This version is intended for use on refractor telescopes between f/4 and f/9. If the telescope has an aperture of less than 80mm, the only other components you will need are a diagonal and a UV/IR cut filter. If your refractor has a larger aperture, you will also need an energy rejection filter for the front of the scope.

The Chromosphere model is intended to highlight surface details on the Sun. While some prominences will be visible, if you want to concentrate on them, you may want to consider the Prominence version of the Quark.

Note: the Quark relies on light from the Sun being focused through a telescope. Oil-spaced objectives, Petzval designs and telescopes with built-in corrector lenses are not suitable for solar viewing as concentrated light can damage components. We recommend you use a simple doublet or triplet refractor.

The Quark design combines high-quality components. Light enters through a refractor, normally including an energy rejection filter or a UV/IR cut filter. It passes through a blocking filter, which rejects light of inappropriate frequency while leaving light around 656nm uncompromised. A telecentric Barlow then increases the focal ratio by a factor of 4.2 in preparation for the final etalon. The Daystar hydrogen alpha filter selects only the required frequency, which is focused onto the image plane in preparation for viewing with a Plössl eyepiece or recording using a camera.

For use on refractors of F/4 to F/9, the user needn’t worry about configurations. Just insert in your diagonal, add an eyepiece and view. The QUARK contains a custom Daystar Instruments 4.2X telecentric Barlow lens fully optimized in coatings and optical design specifically for the Hydrogen Alpha wavelength. This highly specialized telecentric lens offers superior field flatness. Exact filter bandpass will vary based on final telescope application, so QUARK assemblies are qualified to show either prominence or surface (chromosphere). No specific FWHM bandpass is designated. Now observers can buy a filter based on their desired observing goals instead of their budget. Choose prominences and surface (Chromosphere) detail. Both are available for the same low price! The fully optimized design eliminates the need for any adapters. It’s all combined in one lightweight eyepiece sized device. The new, compact design configuration eliminates unnecessary components, weight and associated costs. We even reduced power consumption, so the Quark can now operate all day off a small, palm-sized optional battery pack. Baffles have been added to increase contrast and AR coatings are optimized for the 656nm wavelength.

Features

• The QUARK assembly is a product of Daystar Instruments, using Daystar Filters’ Fabry Perot etalon technology.
• 1.25″ or 2.0″ combo eyepiece nosepiece with safety indent slot directly into your diagonal
• Standard 1.25 eyepiece drawtube output with optional 2″ and SCT accessories available
• Brass compression ring to protect eyepiece.
• Uses USB power, 5v 1.5amp
• Includes 90-240VAC wall adapter with international plug adapters
• Tuning knob allows wing shifting +/- 0.5Å with detents at every 0.1Å
• LED indicator for power, warming, ready, fault
• Optional 8-hour battery pack available.
• Integrated, fully baffled 2 element telecentric 4.2X Barlow optimized for 656nm
• Integrated 12mm blocking filter 21mm clear filter aperture
• Best performance with f/4 – f/8 refractors
• Full disk viewing possible on refractors up to ~450mm focal length
• No aperture limitations. May be used on larger refractors for higher magnification views (using energy rejection filter as necessary)
• Ships in convenient Twist-Case for safe, dust-free storage
• Not suited for off-axis application
• 5 year warranty