{"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":"2026-07-10T11:35:03","modified_gmt":"2026-07-10T09:35:03","slug":"daystar-quark","status":"publish","type":"product","link":"https:\/\/deep-space-astronomy.ch\/en\/product\/daystar-quark\/","title":{"rendered":"DayStar Quark \u2013 Chromosphere or Prominence (please specify when ordering)"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Daystar QUARK, the H-alpha filter that turns your telescope into a solar telescope<\/h1>\n

The Daystar QUARK<\/strong> is a true H-alpha filter that fits in the palm of your hand and slides into an angled mirror just like a regular eyepiece. Yet it includes everything you need to observe the Sun in H-alpha (656 nm): a 4.2\u00d7 telecentric Barlow lens optimized for this wavelength, a Fabry-P\u00e9rot etalon, a built-in shutter, and 1.25\u2033 and 2\u2033 adapters to integrate with your existing equipment. In practice, you don\u2019t have to make any changes to your telescope. You remove your eyepiece, insert the QUARK, put the eyepiece back on, and start observing. It\u2019s as simple as that.<\/p>\n<\/header>\n

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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

Please specify the version when placing your order or contact me \ud83d\ude42\u00a0<\/strong><\/em><\/span><\/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
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  • 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
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    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