{"product_id":"baader-planetarium-solar-shade-with-m68-drilled-hole","title":"Baader Planetarium Solar Shade with M68 drilled hole","description":"\u003cul class=\"DAV-feature-list\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eProtects Imaging Equipment from Solar Heating\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eClamps Securely Between Any M68 Threads\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eReduces Tube Currents and Thermal Instability\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLightweight and Rigid Construction\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c!-- more --\u003e\n\u003cul class=\"tabs\"\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"active\"\u003eDescription\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFAQ\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSpecifications\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIn the Box\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWarranty\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cul class=\"tabs-content\"\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"active\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n  \u003cdiv class=\"DAV-bg-light\"\u003e\n    \u003cdiv class=\"DAV-section-center\"\u003e\n      \u003ch2\u003eSolar Shade with M68 drilled hole\u003c\/h2\u003e\n      \u003cp\u003eThe Baader Solar Shade is a purpose-built heat shield that integrates directly into any M68 threaded optical train. It physically blocks direct sunlight from striking your focuser, camera body, and other accessories during solar observation or imaging. This passive cooling is essential for preventing heat buildup that can cause image-degrading tube currents and protect sensitive electronics from damage.\u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003c\/div\u003e\n  \u003c\/div\u003e\n  \u003cdiv class=\"DAV-bg-light\"\u003e\n    \u003cdiv class=\"DAV-section\"\u003e\n      \u003ch3\u003eM68 Thread-In Heat Shield for Solar Imaging\u003c\/h3\u003e\n      \u003cp\u003eThis shield is engineered to be clamped between any two components with standard M68 x 1 threads, such as between a high-end focuser and a camera adapter or filter wheel. By positioning it within the optical path, it casts a protective shadow over the rear of your telescope and imaging equipment, which is critical during long solar imaging sessions where sustained sun exposure can heat equipment to damaging levels.\u003c\/p\u003e\n      \u003cul\u003e\n        \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePassive Thermal Control:\u003c\/strong\u003e Reduces localized heat on your equipment, minimizing thermal tube currents and protecting sensitive camera electronics without requiring power.\u003c\/li\u003e\n        \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSecure M68 Integration:\u003c\/strong\u003e Installs rigidly between any M68-threaded components, ensuring a secure, non-flexing connection that maintains optical alignment.\u003c\/li\u003e\n        \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMaintains System Balance:\u003c\/strong\u003e Its lightweight design adds minimal mass and leverage to the focuser, preserving the balance of your telescope setup.\u003c\/li\u003e\n        \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eEssential Solar Accessory:\u003c\/strong\u003e While not an optical filter, it is a critical part of a safe and stable solar imaging setup by managing the thermal load on your gear.\u003c\/li\u003e\n      \u003c\/ul\u003e\n    \u003c\/div\u003e\n  \u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n    \u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion\"\u003e\n    \u003ch3 class=\"DAV-accordion-Q\"\u003eHow does the Baader M68 Solar Shade install in an imaging train?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n  \u003c\/div\u003e\n  \u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003eThe Solar Shade installs by being \"sandwiched\" or clamped between any two accessories that use the M68 x 1 thread standard. You simply unscrew your existing M68 connection, place the shade between the two parts, and thread them back together for a secure fit.\u003c\/p\u003e\n  \u003c\/div\u003e\n    \u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion\"\u003e\n    \u003ch3 class=\"DAV-accordion-Q\"\u003eWhat is the primary purpose of this M68 Solar Shade?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n  \u003c\/div\u003e\n  \u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003eIts main function is to prevent direct sunlight from heating the body of your telescope, focuser, and camera. This passive cooling helps to prevent localized heat currents (tube seeing) that degrade image sharpness and protects sensitive electronics from potential damage due to overheating.\u003c\/p\u003e\n  \u003c\/div\u003e\n    \u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion\"\u003e\n    \u003ch3 class=\"DAV-accordion-Q\"\u003eCan I use the M68 Solar Shade with a Baader Steeltrack focuser on a refractor for solar imaging?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n  \u003c\/div\u003e\n  \u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003eYes, this is an ideal application. Many Baader Steeltrack focusers and compatible accessories utilize the M68 thread system, allowing the Solar Shade to be integrated seamlessly to protect your high-end focuser and camera during dedicated solar observation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n  \u003c\/div\u003e\n    \u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion\"\u003e\n    \u003ch3 class=\"DAV-accordion-Q\"\u003eWill this M68 Solar Shade protect my camera from overheating during a solar eclipse?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n  \u003c\/div\u003e\n  \u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003eIt will protect the \u003cstrong\u003ebody\u003c\/strong\u003e of the camera and other external equipment from direct solar radiation, which is crucial during the long hours leading up to and after totality. It does not cool the sensor itself, but by keeping the camera body cooler, it helps the camera's internal cooling system work more effectively.\u003c\/p\u003e\n  \u003c\/div\u003e\n    \u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion\"\u003e\n    \u003ch3 class=\"DAV-accordion-Q\"\u003eIs this M68 Solar Shade a substitute for a full-aperture solar filter?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n  \u003c\/div\u003e\n  \u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAbsolutely not.\u003c\/strong\u003e This is a heat shield for your equipment, not an optical filter for your telescope. You must always use a certified, full-aperture solar filter, a Herschel wedge, or a dedicated H-alpha scope on the front of your telescope to safely observe or image the sun. This shade is an accessory used \u003cstrong\u003ein addition\u003c\/strong\u003e to your primary solar filter.\u003c\/p\u003e\n  \u003c\/div\u003e\n    \u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion\"\u003e\n    \u003ch3 class=\"DAV-accordion-Q\"\u003eWhat components are compatible with the M68 thread on this Solar Shade?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n  \u003c\/div\u003e\n  \u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003eThe M68 thread is a common standard on many high-end astronomy components. This includes focusers from Baader, Feather Touch, and others, as well as various filter wheels, off-axis guiders, and camera adapters designed for full-frame sensors and large optical systems.\u003c\/p\u003e\n  \u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ctable class=\"DAV-specifications\"\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNet weight (kg)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e0.21\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eInner Diameter \/ Clear Aperture (mm)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eM68 (68mm)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eUsage\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eUse as shade (glare protection) for visual observation \/ imaging through eyepiece or camera\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSolar Filter with mount\/thread?\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eYes\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n  \u003cul class=\"DAV-grid\"\u003e\n  \u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/davidastro.com\/pages\/baader-planetarium-warranty-policy\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eBaader Planetarium Warranty\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Baader Planetarium","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52913277108509,"sku":"BAA-2959281","price":73.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0753\/5280\/1565\/files\/BaaderPlanetarium-Solar-Shade-with-M68-drilled-hole-1_54341197-1a60-483e-be1c-0263fb478c99.jpg?v=1789089013","url":"https:\/\/davidastro.com\/en-us\/products\/baader-planetarium-solar-shade-with-m68-drilled-hole","provider":"David Astro","version":"1.0","type":"link"}