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Baader Planetarium Solar Shade with T-2 Drilled Hole
Baader Planetarium Solar Shade with T-2 Drilled Hole
Baader Planetarium Solar Shade with T-2 Drilled Hole
Baader Planetarium Solar Shade with T-2 Drilled Hole

Baader Planetarium Solar Shade with T-2 Drilled Hole

by Baader Planetarium
SKU BAA-2959279
CA$56.00 - CA$56.00
CA$56.00
CA$56.00 - CA$56.00
CA$56.00
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  • T-2 Thread-Through Design
  • Installs Between Any T-2 System Components
  • Shields Equipment from Direct Solar Radiation
  • Reduces Internal Reflections and Improves Contrast
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  • Description
  • FAQ
  • Specifications
  • In the Box
  • Warranty

  • Solar Shade with T-2 Drilled Hole

    The Solar Shade with T-2 drilled hole is a critical accessory for any solar imaging setup, designed to install directly into your optical train. It physically blocks direct sunlight from hitting your camera body, filter wheel, or other accessories, preventing dangerous heat buildup and improving image contrast by cutting down on stray light.

    Inline T-2 Mounting for Universal Integration

    This shield's primary function is enabled by its simple and effective mounting system. It features a central T-2 threaded hole, allowing it to be clamped between any two components in your imaging train that use the standard T-2 (M42x0.75) thread, such as a camera nosepiece and a Barlow lens, or a T-adapter and a filter drawer.

    Shielding Equipment from Solar Heat and Stray Light

    During extended solar imaging sessions, direct sunlight can cause significant thermal issues for your equipment, potentially damaging sensitive electronics or causing thermal currents that degrade seeing. By casting a shadow over your gear, the Solar Shade keeps temperatures stable. This also darkens the area around the optical path, preventing off-axis light from entering your system and reducing the signal-to-noise ratio of your final image.

  • What is the primary purpose of the Solar Shade with T-2 drilled hole?

    Its main purpose is to protect your astronomy equipment from the Sun's heat during solar observation or imaging. It mounts in your optical train and casts a shadow over your camera and other accessories, preventing them from overheating and reducing stray light for better image contrast.

    How do I install the Solar Shade in my imaging train?

    You install it by "clamping" it between any two accessories that use T-2 threads. For example, you would unscrew your camera's 1.25" nosepiece, slide the Solar Shade over the nosepiece's male threads, and then screw the nosepiece back into the camera. The shade is held securely in place by the tension of the two threaded components.

    Does the Solar Shade with T-2 drilled hole replace my main solar filter?

    Absolutely not. This is a safety-critical point. The Solar Shade is an equipment protection device, not an optical filter. You must always use a certified, full-aperture solar filter on the front of your telescope to safely observe or image the Sun. The shade only protects the gear behind the telescope.

    Can I use this Solar Shade with a filter wheel or off-axis guider?

    Yes. As long as your accessories connect via T-2 threads, the shade can be placed anywhere in the chain. Placing it in front of a filter wheel is a common application, as it helps keep the wheel and the filters inside at a stable temperature.

    How does the Solar Shade help when imaging the Sun with a dedicated H-alpha telescope?

    Even with a dedicated solar telescope like a Lunt or Coronado, the camera body itself is still exposed to direct sunlight. The Solar Shade casts a shadow on the camera, preventing the sensor temperature from rising. This is crucial for reducing thermal noise during H-alpha imaging, leading to cleaner images of prominences and surface detail on the Sun.

    Will this shade help with imaging planets like Venus or Mercury when they are close to the Sun?

    Yes, it can be very helpful. When imaging planets during the day or near the Sun, stray light from the bright sky and the Sun itself can wash out the planet's faint details. The shade helps by blocking this off-axis light from hitting your camera or entering the optical path from an angle, improving contrast significantly.

  • Baader Planetarium Warranty