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IMPORTANT: Our store is located in Canada. All orders that include products manufactured outside of Canada or USA will be subject to tariffs and duties, regardless of the order value. US customers are responsible for all applicable duties and tariffs, and those will be billed by the carrier, except for the Lacerta upgrade kit, for which we collect them at checkout.
IMPORTANT: Our store is located in Canada. All orders that include products manufactured outside of Canada or USA will be subject to tariffs and duties, regardless of the order value. US customers are responsible for all applicable duties and tariffs, and those will be billed by the carrier, except for the Lacerta upgrade kit, for which we collect them at checkout.
Baader Planetarium Baader Solar Projection Screen (BSPS)
Baader Planetarium Baader Solar Projection Screen (BSPS)
Baader Planetarium Baader Solar Projection Screen (BSPS)
Baader Planetarium Baader Solar Projection Screen (BSPS)
Baader Planetarium Baader Solar Projection Screen (BSPS)
Baader Planetarium Baader Solar Projection Screen (BSPS)
Baader Planetarium Baader Solar Projection Screen (BSPS)
Baader Planetarium Baader Solar Projection Screen (BSPS)
Baader Planetarium Baader Solar Projection Screen (BSPS)
Baader Planetarium Baader Solar Projection Screen (BSPS)
Baader Planetarium Baader Solar Projection Screen (BSPS)

Baader Planetarium Baader Solar Projection Screen (BSPS)

by Baader Planetarium
SKU BAA-2420400
$59.00 - $59.00
$59.00
$59.00 - $59.00
$59.00
Price Match Policy!
  • Safe, Enclosed Solar Projection
  • Ideal for Group Viewing and Public Outreach
  • Observe Sunspots, Limb Darkening, and Eclipses
  • Compatible with T-2 Eyepiece Projection Adapters
  • Includes Cardboard Housing Kit with Option for 3D Printing
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  • Description
  • FAQ
  • Specifications
  • In the Box
  • Downloads
  • Warranty

  • Baader Solar Projection Screen (BSPS)

    The Baader Solar Projection Screen (BSPS) offers a completely safe method for observing the Sun, projecting a clear image for small groups to view together. This closed-system design eliminates the risks of open projection, making it ideal for tracking sunspots, limb darkening, and the progression of a solar eclipse without any danger of accidental viewing through the eyepiece.

    Safe Solar Projection: A Closed System for Group Viewing

    Unlike traditional open projection screens, the BSPS creates an enclosed light path from the eyepiece to the viewing surface. This design prevents anyone from accidentally placing a hand in the focused beam of light or looking directly into the eyepiece, making it an exceptionally safe tool for educational settings and public events.

    The rear-projection screen allows multiple people to observe solar phenomena simultaneously. When used with a tracking mount, you can follow the Sun for hours, watching sunspots traverse the solar disk or monitoring the steady progress of a solar eclipse in real-time.

    Integrating the BSPS: Telescope and Accessory Requirements

    The Solar Projection Screen is designed for use with refractor telescopes equipped with a star diagonal or prism. To reduce heat stress on your optics, refractors with faster focal ratios are recommended, and stopping down the aperture on larger instruments may be necessary for prolonged viewing sessions.

    A complete setup requires a variable eyepiece projection adapter with a T-2 thread, such as the Baader OPFA, and a suitable glass or metal eyepiece like the Baader Classic Orthos. The BSPS connects to star diagonals using a standard 2" nosepiece, creating a secure and straightforward attachment to your existing equipment.

    Beyond Basic Viewing: Public Outreach and Polar Alignment

    The BSPS excels in public outreach scenarios. By mounting it on a small guide scope or finder that is co-aligned with a larger, solar-filtered telescope, you can provide a live projected view for waiting guests. This keeps the line moving and shows everyone what to expect when their turn at the main eyepiece arrives.

    For amateur astronomers, the screen serves a dual purpose as a daytime polar alignment aid. By turning off your mount's tracking, you can observe the Sun's drift across the projection surface. The direction of drift provides a clear, immediate indication of how to adjust your mount's altitude and azimuth for a more precise alignment.

    Build Your Projector: Cardboard Kit or 3D Printed Housing

    The BSPS is supplied as a component kit that you assemble. It includes the specialized projection screen, a T-2 thread adapter, and a pre-cut, three-piece cardboard kit with pre-mounted adhesive strips for easy construction of the housing.

    For a more durable and permanent solution, Baader provides free downloadable STL files. This allows you to produce a robust plastic housing and protective cover using your own 3D printer, offering a modern, customizable alternative to the included cardboard structure.

  • How can I use the Baader Solar Projection Screen (BSPS) at a public outreach event?

    The Baader BSPS is perfect for outreach. You can attach it to a small guide scope or finder scope that is aligned with your main telescope (which should have its own dedicated solar filter). This allows you to show a projected image of the Sun to people waiting in line, keeping them engaged while also confirming the Sun is still centered for the person at the main eyepiece.

    Can the Baader BSPS help me polar align my German Equatorial Mount during the day?

    Yes. After pointing your telescope at the Sun with the BSPS attached, simply turn off the mount's tracking. By observing the direction the Sun's image drifts across the screen, you can determine your polar alignment error. The drift direction tells you precisely how to adjust the mount in altitude and azimuth for a much more accurate alignment, a task that is typically difficult to perform in daylight.

    Is the Baader Solar Projection Screen (BSPS) safe to use?

    The Baader BSPS is designed with safety as the top priority. It creates a closed, enclosed system from the eyepiece to the screen. This prevents anyone from accidentally putting a hand or eye in the focused, intense light path, which is a significant risk with open projection methods.

    What kind of telescope works best with the Baader Solar Projection Screen (BSPS)?

    The BSPS is ideally suited for refractor telescopes. To minimize heat build-up in the star diagonal and eyepiece, telescopes with faster focal ratios are recommended. For refractors with large apertures, it's advisable to use an aperture stop to reduce the heat load during long observation periods.

    What other accessories do I need to use the Baader BSPS?

    To use the Baader BSPS, you will need the following:

    • A telescope suitable for solar projection (ideally a refractor).
    • A star diagonal or prism with a 2" nosepiece connection.
    • A variable eyepiece projection adapter with a T-2 thread (like the Baader OPFA).
    • A glass/metal eyepiece suitable for solar projection (like a Baader Classic Ortho).

    Do I have to build the Baader Solar Projection Screen (BSPS) myself?

    Yes, some assembly is required. The Baader BSPS kit includes the screen, a T-2 adapter, and a pre-cut cardboard housing that you assemble. For users wanting a more permanent housing, Baader also provides STL files so you can 3D print a plastic version yourself.

  • Baader Planetarium Warranty