What solar features can I see with the Daystar Magnesium Quark?
The Daystar Magnesium Quark is designed to reveal features in the sun's lower chromosphere. You can expect to see plage (bright areas), the fine, web-like chromospheric network, and details in and around sunspots that are distinct from other wavelengths.
What kind of telescope is required for the Daystar Magnesium Quark?
The Magnesium Quark is optimized for use with refracting telescopes with focal ratios between f/4 and f/9. It is not suitable for off-axis use on reflector or Schmidt-Cassegrain telescopes. Use a UV/IR cut filter in front of the diagonal on telescopes of 80mm aperture or more, or when tracking the Sun for long periods. Red or yellow glass ERFs cannot be used with the Magnesium Quark.
Do I need an Energy Rejection Filter (ERF) with the Daystar Magnesium Quark?
Use energy rejection on telescopes of 80mm aperture or more, or when tracking the Sun for long periods. For telescopes under approximately 120mm of aperture, use a screw in UV/IR cut filter in front of the telescope diagonal (not with oil spaced objectives or telescopes with an integrated rear field flattener or Petzval lens). Yellow or red glass front mount ERFs do not pass the green Magnesium wavelength and cannot be used with the Magnesium Quark. Only for brief sessions under 80mm of aperture without a tracking mount can it be OK to use no energy rejection; stay alert for any rise in temperature.
How do I power the Daystar Magnesium Quark in the field?
The Quark uses a standard USB power connection (5v, 1.5amp). It includes a wall adapter, but for field use, it can be powered all day by a small, portable USB power bank, similar to one you would use to charge a smartphone.
Can I use the Daystar Magnesium Quark on my 8" SCT to see chromospheric details?
No. The Daystar Magnesium Quark is designed specifically for use with refracting telescopes and is not suited for off-axis applications on reflectors or SCTs. Using it on an SCT would not produce an even, on-band image and would expose the filter to concentrated heat, risking damage.
Will the Daystar Magnesium Quark show prominences on the solar limb with my 102mm f/7 refractor?
No. Solar prominences are best observed in the Hydrogen-alpha spectral line. The Magnesium I wavelength observed by this Quark does not show prominences. Its strength lies in revealing different structures on the solar disk itself, such as plage and the chromospheric network.
