Cloud Break Optics

Magnesium I (b2) QUARK

Magnesium I (b2) QUARK - Main image
$941.85 $1495 In stock

Category: Solar Filters

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Description

Explore highly magnetized and powerful excitations in the bright Magnesium I (b2) line.
For use on refractors of F/4 - F/8 focal ratio refractors.

This latest and likely the last wavelength offered for Quark reveals a whole new area of highly magnetized high energy in the bright 5172.8Å wavelength. The eye is most sensitive at this wavelength so the image is significantly brighter than calcium. Views show both plage and dark mottling of chromospheric network.  

Why Magnesium I (b2)-line?

Magnesium is a highly magnetised chemical on the sun.  The temperatures for energetic activity emitting this line are calculated to be extremely high. Spectroscopically, a line "splitting" called the Zeeman effect can be observed, whereas the dark absorption "splits" and occurrs slightly above and below the typical wavelength where light from non-magnetized activity is absorbed. Strong absorption can be seen spectroscopically at 5172Å.

TViews in Magnesium reveal plage, large scale magnetic structure and dark absorptive mottling of the chromospheric structure. The line is brighter than Calcium, Hydrogen Alpha and even Sodium. So it's going to be very easy for observers to see and the exposures will be very short.

The MgI b2 lines are a triplet.  Our target is the middle, 5172.8Å line. 

Magnesium I b2 line Quarks will all be 0.4 or narrower.

Specifications

  • For use on F4 - F/8 focal ratio refractors, the user needn't worry about configurations. Just insert in your diagonal, add an eyepiece and view.
  • Exact filter bandpass will vary based on final telescope application. No specific FWHM bandpass is designated, but it will be around 0.4Å or lower. 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.
  • Red and Yellow glass ERF filters will not pass Magnesium. Daystar also recommends use with a UV/IR cut filter for safety. Users need to purchase an Energy Rejection Filter specific to their telescope for safe operation. 
  • Baffles have been added to increase contrast and AR coatings are optimized for the 517nm wavelength. We even reduced power consumption, so the Quark can now operate all day off an optional small, palm-sized battery pack.
  • *The QUARK* assembly is a product of DayStar Instruments, using DayStar Filters' Fabry Perot etalon technology.

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United States · Return window (days after delivery): 30. Return method: By mail. Return postage: Seller pays.

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Customer Reviews (4.6 / 5 · 5 reviews)

James O. ★★★★★

The b2 line came through with beautiful detail even during a mild haze, and the filter felt solid when I mounted it. For the price, I'm surprised how much contrast it added to the solar disk.

Alexander W. ★★★★★

I was blown away by how clearly the b2 line pops—the contrast is far sharper than with my old filter. The detail on sunspot penumbrae is stunning, and it handles high surface brightness without washing out. Definitely worth the careful selection process.

John ★★★★★

This filter lets me see the b2 line so clearly that I noticed details in the sun's magnetic fields I'd never spotted before. The contrast is sharp and the image stays steady, even when my mount wobbles a bit.