Solar Astronomy
The Sun is the only object in astronomy that changes visibly within an hour, and the only one that can permanently damage your eyes in a fraction of a second. Done with proper equipment, solar observing is the most accessible branch of the hobby, no dark sky, no late night, no travel. David Astro carries solar astronomy products in Canada: hydrogen-alpha telescopes, white-light filters, Calcium-K modules, wedges and dedicated solar accessories, in Canadian inventory and shipped domestically.
Safety here is absolute, and we will not sell an unsafe combination. If you are unsure whether a filter or setup is appropriate, ask us before you point anything at the Sun.
Filters
Daystar Sol 80mm Dedicated Solar Telescope
80mm Aperture Dedicated Hydrogen-Alpha Solar Telescope 1400mm Effective Focal Length (f/17.5) Chromosphere Model: 0.5Å FWHM Bandwidth or Narrower ...
View full detailsDaystar Solar Eclipse Glasses - ISO & CE Certified
4.83 / 5.0
30 Reviews
Experience the awe of solar eclipses safely with the Daystar Solar Eclipse Glasses. Conforming to the Transmission Requirements of ISO 12312-2, Fi...
View full detailsDaystar SolarLite Film Sheet
SolarLite Film Sheet in 6" x 6", 12" x 12" and 12" x 20" Sizes Meets ISO 12312-2:2015 Requirements for Direct Solar Viewing Thousand Oaks SolarLit...
View full detailsDaystar SR 127mm Solar Telescope - 0.3-0.7Å PE Grade
127mm Aperture Solar Refractor Dedicated Hydrogen-Alpha Telescope PE Grade Etalon for Professional Uniformity Selectable Bandpass from 0.7Å to 0.3...
View full detailsDaystar SR 127mm Solar Telescope Chromosphere - SE Grade
127mm Refractor Design Dedicated Hydrogen-Alpha Solar Telescope Observe the Sun's Chromosphere Integrated, Heated, On-Band Etalon SE (Standard Edi...
View full detailsDaystar SR 127mm Solar Telescope Prominence - SE Grade
127mm Aperture Solar Telescope Dedicated Hydrogen-Alpha System Prominence-Tuned for Solar Limb Events SE (Standard Edition) Grade Filter Integrate...
View full detailsDaystar Universal Lens Filter
Universal Fit for Camera Lenses & Small Scopes Safe for Direct Solar Viewing & Imaging Features ISO-Compliant Solar Filter Film Renders th...
View full detailsDaystar Universal Lens Filter - 3 Pack
Contents: Two 50mm filters and one 70mm filter Compatibility: Fits camera lenses, binoculars, and small spotting scopes Safety Standard: meets ISO...
View full detailsDaystar Universal Lens Filter - 50mm Binocular and Eclipse Glasses Bundle
Includes two 50mm universal-fit solar filters Comes with 5 pairs of ISO-certified eclipse glasses Safe for direct solar viewing through optics Fil...
View full detailsDaystar Universal Lens Filter - 50mm, 70mm, 90mm Combo Pack
Includes three filter sizes: 50mm, 70mm, and 90mm Safe for direct solar photography with cameras, spotting scopes, and small telescopes Meets the ...
View full detailsDaystar Universal Lens Filter - Two 50mm + One 90mm Combo Pack
Includes two 50mm filters and one 90mm filter Film meets ISO 12312-2:2015 requirements for direct solar observation Made with Thousand Oaks Densit...
View full detailsDaystar Universal Lens Filter for Binoculars - Set of Two
Set of two filters for binoculars, spotting scopes and camera lenses Choice of 50mm, 70mm or 90mm clear aperture Fits optics from 50mm to 109mm ou...
View full detailsDaystar Universal Lens Filter with 5 Eclipse Glasses
Available in 50mm, 70mm & 90mm Apertures Passes ISO 12312-2 Safety Standards Renders the Sun in a Crisp Orange Hue Foldable, Glare-Reducing Ca...
View full detailsDaystar Universal Solar Finder
Safe, no-look solar alignment Projects a dot of sunlight onto a target screen Dual mounting system fits most telescopes Includes both a dovetail b...
View full detailsDaystar White Light Solar Filter
Thousand Oaks Solarlite Film Meets ISO 12312-2:2015 Requirements for Direct Solar Observation ND 5 Rating Rejects 99.999% of Sunlight Durable Meta...
View full detailsExplore Scientific Solar Filter/Sun Shade for Galileoscope Refractor Telescope STEM Kit
Designed for the Galileoscope STEM Kit Enables Safe, Direct Observation of the Sun Features Durable, Tear-Resistant Solarlite Film Produces a Cons...
View full detailsiOptron 70mm Adjustable Solar Filter
70mm Clear Aperture Fits Telescope Tubes with 86mm to 106mm Outside Diameters SolarLite Film with Optical Density 5 Rating Blocks All but 1/1,000t...
View full detailsLunt 2" to 1.25" Adapter for Blocking Filters
Adapts 2" focusers and diagonals to use 1.25" accessories Specifically designed for Lunt Solar Systems 2" Blocking Filters Features a non-marring ...
View full detailsLunt 40mm Double Stack Solar Filter for LS40THa
Double-stack upgrade for Lunt LS40THa telescopes Reduces system bandpass to <0.29Å 40mm clear aperture Front-mounted, tilt-tuned etalon Reveals...
View full detailsLunt 40mm Solar Telescope
5.0 / 5.0
1 Review
40mm Aperture 400mm Focal Length (f/10) 0.45 Angstrom Bandpass External, Tilt-Tuned Etalon Multiple Blocking Filter Options (B500, B600, B1200) ...
View full detailsLunt 50mm Double Stack Module - LS50THa
Double-Stack Filter for LS50THa Telescopes Dramatically Increases Chromospheric Contrast Reveals Fine Detail in Filaments and Prominences Compact,...
View full detailsLunt 50mm Ha Etalon Filter
50mm Clear Aperture Tilt-Tuned Hydrogen-Alpha Etalon Verified Bandpass of <0.4Å Enables <0.28Å Double-Stacking on LS60MT Front-Mount Filter ...
View full detailsLunt 60mm Ha Etalon Filter
60mm Aperture 0.4Å Bandpass H-Alpha Filter Tilt-Tuned Etalon Double-Stacks Lunt 60mm Scopes to <0.28Å Front-Mount Filter Design Description ...
View full detailsLunt 6x30mm SUNoculars Mini White Light Binoculars
6x Magnification 30mm Objective Lenses Internal CE-Certified White Light Dye Filters Individual Eyepiece Focusing Compact, Portable Design Desc...
View full detailsWays to Observe the Sun Safely
Different wavelengths reveal completely different Suns. White light shows the photosphere and sunspots; hydrogen-alpha shows the chromosphere with prominences and filaments; Calcium-K shows the plage network above it.
- White-light filters: Full-aperture film or glass filters fitted in front of the objective, showing sunspots, granulation and faculae. They must always be at the front, never at the eyepiece.
- Hydrogen-alpha telescopes: Dedicated instruments with sub-angstrom etalons that isolate the 656.28 nm line, revealing prominences at the limb and filaments and flares on the disc.
- Solar filter modules: Etalon and blocking filter assemblies that convert a suitable refractor into a hydrogen-alpha instrument.
- Calcium-K filters: Narrow filters at 393 nm showing the chromospheric network, best captured with a camera since the wavelength is at the edge of human sensitivity.
- Herschel wedges: High-contrast white-light observing for refractors, diverting most solar energy out of the optical path rather than reflecting it back.
- Solar accessories: Finders, blocking filters, tuning aids and mounting hardware designed for daytime work.
Why Choose David Astro for Solar Astronomy
This is the one category where getting the recommendation wrong has consequences beyond a disappointing view.
- Safety verified, not assumed: We confirm that any filter is full-aperture and front-mounted, and we will not supply eyepiece-end solar filters, which can fail catastrophically under concentrated heat.
- Aperture limits for etalon modules: Front-mounted etalons have maximum aperture and focal ratio limits, and exceeding them risks both poor performance and thermal damage. We check your telescope against them.
- Authorized dealer: Genuine solar equipment with full manufacturer warranty, critically important in a category where counterfeit filters exist.
- Inspection and service: We can inspect solar filters for pinholes and coating damage, which should be done before every season.
Solar Astronomy in Canada: Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use an eyepiece-mounted solar filter?
No. Filters that screw into an eyepiece sit where the telescope has concentrated the Sun's full energy, and they can crack without warning. Only full-aperture filters mounted at the front of the telescope are safe.
White light or hydrogen-alpha first?
White light is far less expensive and shows sunspots and granulation well. Hydrogen-alpha shows prominences and surface activity that white light cannot, and is the more dramatic view, at several times the cost.
How do I know my filter is still safe?
Hold it up to a bright indoor light and look for pinholes, scratches or delamination in the coating. Any visible defect means it should be replaced, not repaired or taped.
Can I observe the Sun in winter?
Yes, and low winter sun means long atmospheric path and often poor seeing, but activity is visible year round. Cold also keeps etalon tuning more stable than a hot summer afternoon does.
Starting with solar observing?
Tell us your telescope and we will confirm a safe, effective setup. Genuine filters, Canadian stock, expert guidance.