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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.
Explore Scientific Nebula Filter UHC - 1.25" - Discontinued
Explore Scientific Nebula Filter UHC - 1.25" - Discontinued

Explore Scientific Nebula Filter UHC - 1.25" - Discontinued

by Explore Scientific
SKU ES-310215
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$109.99 - $109.99
$109.99
$109.99 - $109.99
$109.99
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  • UHC (Ultra-High Contrast) Narrow-Band Design
  • Standard 1.25" Filter Threading
  • Maximizes Contrast on Emission and Planetary Nebulae
  • Aggressively Blocks Artificial Light Pollution and Airglow
  • Tighter Bandpass Than Standard CLS Filters
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  • Description
  • FAQ
  • Specifications
  • In the Box
  • Warranty

  • Explore Scientific UHC Nebula Filter - 1.25"

    The Explore Scientific UHC Nebula Filter is an ultra-high contrast, narrow-band filter designed to fit standard 1.25" eyepieces and accessories, dramatically increasing the visibility of emission nebulae by isolating key wavelengths and aggressively blocking urban light pollution.

    UHC Filter Design: Ultra-High Contrast for Emission Nebulae

    The "Ultra-High Contrast" (UHC) design is specifically engineered to transmit light from the critical hydrogen-beta and doubly ionized oxygen (OIII) emission lines. These are the wavelengths that cause emission nebulae, like the Orion Nebula (M42) and planetary nebulae like the Dumbbell Nebula (M27), to glow. By selectively passing this light while rejecting most of the rest of the spectrum, the filter makes the nebula appear significantly brighter relative to the background sky.

    Light Pollution Suppression: Tighter Bandpass for Darker Skies

    This filter features a tighter bandpass than a typical broad-band or "CLS" (City Light Suppression) filter. This narrow window is more restrictive, blocking a greater percentage of unwanted light from sources like sodium and mercury vapor streetlights, as well as natural airglow. The result is a much darker sky background, which is the key to teasing out faint, extended structures in nebulae that would otherwise be lost in a washed-out sky.

    Explore Scientific UHC vs. CLS: Choosing the Right Nebula Filter

    The primary difference between a UHC and a CLS filter is the aggressiveness of the filtration. The Explore Scientific UHC is the more specialized tool, offering maximum contrast at the expense of dimming the surrounding starfield.

    • Choose the UHC Filter when observing from moderately to heavily light-polluted locations, or when targeting specific planetary and emission nebulae where the highest possible contrast is the goal.
    • A CLS Filter may be preferable at dark sky sites where only mild filtering is needed, or for objects like the North American Nebula (NGC 7000) where preserving the context of the surrounding starfield is also important.

  • What does "UHC" mean for the Explore Scientific Nebula Filter?

    UHC stands for Ultra-High Contrast. It signifies that the Explore Scientific filter has a narrow bandpass designed to isolate the specific wavelengths of light emitted by most nebulae (primarily Hydrogen-Beta and Oxygen-III). This dramatically increases the contrast between the nebula and a light-polluted or moonlit sky background.

    Will the Explore Scientific UHC Filter make galaxies or star clusters brighter?

    No, it will make them fainter. Galaxies and star clusters shine by reflecting starlight, which is broadband light. The UHC filter is designed to block most of this light. It is a specialized tool for emission and planetary nebulae only and is not recommended for broadband targets like the Andromeda Galaxy (M31) or the Hercules Cluster (M13).

    How does the 1.25" Explore Scientific UHC filter perform on the Orion Nebula (M42) from a suburban backyard?

    This is an ideal scenario for the UHC filter. From a suburban backyard, the skyglow often washes out the faint outer structures of the Orion Nebula (M42). The Explore Scientific UHC filter will darken the sky background significantly, making the glowing gas clouds pop with detail and revealing the fainter "wings" of the nebula that are typically invisible without filtration.

    Can I use the Explore Scientific UHC filter for astrophotography?

    While primarily designed for visual use, a UHC filter can be used for color cameras in astrophotography to help control light pollution. However, for serious imaging, dedicated multi-bandpass or narrowband filters (like H-alpha and OIII) will yield superior results, especially with monochrome cameras.

    When should I choose the Explore Scientific UHC filter over a CLS filter?

    Choose the Explore Scientific UHC filter when your primary goal is maximum contrast on emission nebulae, especially from light-polluted skies. Choose a CLS (City Light Suppression) filter for a more general-purpose, moderate approach that preserves more of the starfield, making it suitable for darker sites or for framing nebulae within rich star fields.

    In my 8" Dobsonian, will the UHC filter help me see the Veil Nebula (NGC 6960)?

    Absolutely. The Veil Nebula is a classic showcase object for a UHC filter. In an 8" Dobsonian, this faint supernova remnant can be challenging. The Explore Scientific UHC filter will dramatically increase its visibility, making the delicate filaments of gas stand out against a darkened background, transforming it from a barely-there smudge into a detailed and observable object.

  • Filter Type UHC (Ultra-High Contrast) Nebula Filter
    Filter Size 1.25"
    GTIN 812257017164

    • Explore Scientific UHC Nebula Filter - 1.25"

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    • Protective Case

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  • Explore Scientific Warranty