Daystar Interference Eliminator - Quark to M42

Tilt Adjustment:

• Fully adjustable tilt up to 5°, optimized for solar use
• Three-point screw system allows controlled plane manipulation without flexure

Camera Orientation:

• Clocking angle adjustable in 30° increments via a removable thumbscrew system
• Aids in cable strain relief and optimal sensor alignment

Back Focus Support:

• Native design supports cameras with 17.5mm flange focal distance
• Includes 5mm spacer ring for use with 12.5mm flange distance cameras

Mechanical Design:

• Black anodized aluminum construction for thermal stability
• Internal threading and matte finish to suppress stray light and reflections

Understanding Newton’s Rings in Solar Imaging

When imaging in narrowband monochromatic light—such as Hydrogen Alpha—photographers often observe a wavy pattern of alternating light and dark lines across their images. These are known as Newton’s Rings, also referred to as interference fringes or banding artifacts. They are a result of coherent light reflecting between parallel surfaces within the optical path, often between the sensor cover glass and filter elements.

In setups with long focal ratios and narrowband filters, the nearly collimated light increases the likelihood of internal reflections inside the camera or sensor assembly. These reflections cause constructive and destructive interference, which manifests as unwanted visible patterns superimposed on the image.

The Daystar Tilt Adapter addresses this issue by introducing a controlled off-axis tilt to the sensor without shifting the sensor’s center position. This maintains focus, framing, and vignetting, while altering the angle of incidence and the optical path lengths across the sensor. The result is a disruption of the conditions necessary for coherent interference, effectively eliminating Newton’s Rings from the captured image.