{"id":10108,"date":"2025-08-27T17:54:13","date_gmt":"2025-08-27T15:54:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/deep-space-astronomy.ch\/?post_type=product&p=10108"},"modified":"2026-05-21T18:28:47","modified_gmt":"2026-05-21T16:28:47","slug":"daystar-quark-chromosphere","status":"publish","type":"product","link":"https:\/\/deep-space-astronomy.ch\/en\/product\/daystar-quark-chromosphere\/","title":{"rendered":"DayStar Quark - Chromosphere or Prominence"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Daystar QUARK, the H-alpha filter that turns your telescope into a solar telescope<\/h1>\n

<\/p>\n

A choice of two versions, Prominence<\/strong> or Chromosphere<\/strong>, at the same price. The hardest part will be choosing.<\/p>\n<\/header>\n

Visit QUARK<\/strong> fits in the hand and slips into an angled eyepiece like a simple eyepiece. Yet it comes with everything you need to observe the Sun in H-alpha (656 nm): a 4.2\u00d7 telecentric Barlow optimized for this wavelength, a Fabry-P\u00e9rot etalon, built-in blocking and 1.25\u2033 and 2\u2033 adapters to integrate with your existing equipment.<\/p>\n

In concrete terms, you don't touch your telescope. You remove your eyepiece, insert the QUARK, put the eyepiece back on, and observe. It's as simple as that.<\/p>\n

QUARK performs at its best on refractors between f\/4 and f\/8. It works outside this range, but with some compromises on brightness or bandwidth finesse (details below).<\/p>\n<\/section>\n

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Technical specifications<\/h2>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Summary table<\/caption>\n
Type<\/th>\nH-alpha all-in-one eyepiece format filter<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Available versions<\/th>\nProminence (wider band, brighter image) or Chromosphere (narrower band, better surface contrast)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/th>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Integrated optics<\/th>\n4.2\u00d7 telecentric barlow, 2 elements, optimized for 656 nm<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Free opening<\/th>\n21 mm<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Interface<\/th>\n1.25\u2033 eyepiece output, 1.25\u2033 and 2\u2033 adapters supplied<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Power supply<\/th>\nUSB 5 V (1.5 A recommended), 90-240 VAC power adapter and international plugs supplied<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Setting<\/th>\nTuning wheel \u00b10.5 \u00c5 with 0.1 \u00c5 steps, status LED<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Accessories included<\/th>\nBrass clamping ring, Twist-Case, adapters<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Warranty<\/th>\n5 years<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Autonomy<\/th>\nLow power consumption, compatible with optional battery pack (up to 8h)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
The ideal beach<\/th>\nf\/4 to f\/8 refractors, full-disc up to approx. 450 mm focal length<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/section>\n
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Chromosphere or Prominence, how to choose?<\/h2>\n

<\/p>\n

This is the question I'm asked most often. The answer can be summed up in one sentence: both show the surface and the protuberances, but with a different bandwidth, and therefore a different compromise between brightness and contrast.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Criteria<\/th>\nChromosphere<\/th>\nProminence<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
Bandwidth (FWHM)<\/td>\nNarrower, higher spectral selectivity<\/td>\nWider, more light<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Filaments and surface details<\/td>\nClearly visible, that's its strong point<\/td>\nLess pronounced, sometimes invisible depending on conditions<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Limb protuberances<\/td>\nVisible, sometimes with less contrast than in Prominence<\/td>\nVery bright and spectacular<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Chromospheric contrast (patches, spots, granulation)<\/td>\nExcellent, ideal for detailing<\/td>\nWeaker, the emphasis is on brightness<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Public type<\/td>\nVersatile observers, astrophotographers of the solar disk<\/td>\nObservers who mainly want spectacular protuberances<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Visual sensation<\/td>\nSlightly darker image, rich in fine detail<\/td>\nBrighter image, eye-catching protuberances<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n
In plain English:<\/strong> take the Chromosphere<\/em> if you want to see the filaments and surface detail. Take the Prominence<\/em> if you want shiny protuberances on the limb.<\/div>\n<\/section>\n
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In the field<\/h2>\n
    \n
  • On a scope between f\/4 and f\/8, this is the ideal configuration. You insert the QUARK, add a 1.25\u2033 eyepiece behind it, wait a few minutes for the standard to warm up, and observe.<\/li>\n
  • At f\/4, the image is brighter but the effective bandwidth widens, so you lose a little selectivity.<\/li>\n
  • Above f\/9, the image becomes visually darker. This is often a good choice for long exposure photography, less so for direct observation.<\/li>\n
  • The tuning wheel allows the standard to be precisely centered on the H-alpha line. Notches of 0.1 \u00c5 make the adjustment repeatable from one session to the next.<\/li>\n
  • The optional battery pack is a real plus for field trips far from a mains socket.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

    Compatibility with your instrument<\/h3>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
    Telescope type<\/th>\nWhat it looks like<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
    Refractors f\/4 to f\/8<\/td>\nRecommended configuration for optimum performance<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    Refractors beyond f\/9<\/td>\nWorks, but darker visual image. More photo-oriented.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    Refractors below f\/4<\/td>\nWorks, brighter image but wider bandwidth<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    Large diameters<\/td>\nNo aperture limit, QUARK accepts large instruments to increase magnification<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    Off-axis configurations<\/td>\nThe QUARK is not designed for this purpose.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/section>\n
    \n

    What you get<\/h2>\n
      \n
    • QUARK (Prominence or Chromosphere version, depending on your choice)<\/li>\n
    • 1.25\u2033 and 2\u2033 snouts with safety catches<\/li>\n
    • Brass clamping ring to protect your lens<\/li>\n
    • 90-240 VAC power adapter with international plugs<\/li>\n
    • Twist-Case carrying case<\/li>\n
    • Documentation and 5-year warranty<\/li>\n
    • Optional: 8-hour battery pack<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/section>\n
      \n

      Frequently asked questions<\/h2>\n

      Do both versions show the protuberances?<\/h3>\n

      Yes, without exception. The difference is that Prominence makes them brighter and more spectacular, while Chromosphere reveals the filaments and fine texture of the surface.<\/p>\n

      Can I use QUARK on a frame already fitted with a front filter?<\/h3>\n

      No. The QUARK is a stand-alone H-alpha unit, designed to stand alone in the optical chain. Stacking unsuitable front-end filters is at best inefficient, at worst dangerous. The only exception is ERFs (Energy Rejection Filters), which are designed to operate upstream.<\/p>\n

      Is it safe to observe the Sun directly?<\/h3>\n

      Yes, as long as you follow the manufacturer's instructions. Never point the Sun without equipment specifically designed and certified for this purpose.<\/p>\n<\/section>\n

      \n

      Our recommendation<\/h2>\n
      \n

      Take the Chromosphere<\/em><\/strong> if :<\/p>\n

        \n
      • You want a versatile instrument that shows filaments, patches and chromospheric details.<\/li>\n
      • You're doing or want to do solar astrophotography and are looking for contrast<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

        Take the Prominence<\/em><\/strong> if :<\/p>\n

          \n
        • Your priority is the luminous protuberances on the limb<\/li>\n
        • You want a brighter, more immediate image for fast visual sessions<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

          In practice, the majority of our customers choose the Chromosphere<\/em> for its versatility. But if you already know that what makes you tick is the protuberances, the Prominence<\/em> will not disappoint.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n