The Solar Continuum Filter is a narrow-band photosphere filter for solar observation in white light. It ensures maximum contrast when observing the photosphere.
Lens systems – including those of apochromats, catadioptrics and eyepieces – are traditionally optimised for the range around 540 nm, as this is where our eyes are most sensitive. This filter therefore narrowly cuts out the spectral range in which a lens optic produces the sharpest and most contrast-rich images. The effect is greatest with achromatic lens telescopes, but it is also noticeable with apochromatic telescopes, catadioptric systems and even pure mirror systems due to the reduction in air turbulence.
As a monochrome filter, it is ideal for use with monochrome cameras and can even bring enormous benefits to colour-pure systems.
Please note: This filter is not a solar filter and is only suitable for observing the sun in combination with a solar filter.
This version of the filter is actually two filters housed one behind the other in a single housing (double stack). This further enhances the contrasts, but at the expense of transmittance. This variant is therefore particularly well suited for photography. For this reason, the scope of delivery includes an Astrosolar solar filter film with ND0.3, i.e. a protective film optimised for photography – not visual observation (!) – which must be attached to the front end of the telescope.
