Filters

What are Filters for Telescopes?

Telescope filters are used by professional and budding astronomers alike to improve the clarity of objects in the sky when viewed through the telescope eyepiece. Filters can reduce the appearance of specific colors and wavelengths of light. By doing this, the filter enhances visual contrast and brings out the details of stars, planets and other astronomical bodies. There is a telescope filter for just about every different application. Telescope light pollution filters are some of the most popular — no filter can block all forms of light pollution, but these can reduce it to provide a better viewing experience.

Different Telescope Filter Types

There are many different telescope filter types available to suit a wide range of stargazing needs. First of all, many telescope filters are categorized as one of the following:

• Narrowband
• Midband
• Broadband

While these aren't necessarily telescope filter types in and of themselves, the terms are used to describe the wavelength of light transmission that each filter will allow, with narrowband allowing the smallest portion of the light spectrum through and broadband allowing the widest.

Beyond that, some of the most common types of telescope filters are:

• Solar Filter: The light of the sun is bright and potentially damaging because of infrared radiation. Solar filters reduce the sun's intensity to allow for safe viewing. These filters usually go on the front of the telescope, possibly on the aperture, rather than the eyepiece, which could damage the user's eyesight.
• Moon Filter: Similarly, a moon filter is used to dim the light of the moon. While it may seem contradictory, this actually makes it easier to view the moon's surface, bringing out its details and allowing you to look at it comfortably. A variable-polarizing filter rotates to let you adjust the brightness level.
• Color Filter: Also known as planetary filters, color filters can be used to see the planets in the night sky, narrowing in on certain parts of the light spectrum to enhance the color of specific features. Different planets require different color filters depending on what features you want to see. These often come in a telescope filter set so you can get different options all at once.
• Deep Sky or Deep Space Filter: These are the best telescope filters for deep space objects, but again, the exact one you need will depend on what you're trying to see.

To learn more about the different telescope filter types, make sure to check out the High Point Scientific Filter Guide.

The Best Telescope Filters for Deep Space Objects

As mentioned, when it comes to the best telescope filters for deep space objects, it depends on what you're trying to view. Broadband telescope light pollution filters block out a variety of manmade and natural light sources, including Mercury vapor and sodium, allowing you to view certain nebulae and larger galaxies under the right conditions. On the other hand, narrowband telescope filters are best for seeing emission nebulae. Once you know which deep space objects are of most interest to you, do some research into what telescope filter features will provide the best viewing.

Buy the Best Telescope Filters Online at High Point Scientific

The best telescope filters for you always depend on your experience and your needs. There are some general rules, though. For example, everyone should have a quality moon filter! No matter what you need, we have you covered here at High Point Scientific. Browse our telescope filter selection, and if you have any questions, please contact us — our non-commissioned experts are ready to help you get the best stargazing experience possible.

RELATED ACCESSORIES & ARTICLES

Filter Guide

Telescope Users Guide

How to View The Moon Through a Telescope