Skip to content
Daystar Quark Gemini Chrom/Prom Switchable Solar Filter

Daystar Quark Gemini Chrom/Prom Switchable Solar Filter

by Daystar Filters
SKU DAY-DSZ4G
CA$3,633.00 - CA$3,633.00
CA$3,633.00
CA$3,633.00 - CA$3,633.00
CA$3,633.00
Price Match Policy!
  • Dual Switchable H-alpha Etalons: Instantly select a ≤0.5Å bandpass for chromosphere detail or a ≥0.6Å bandpass for bright prominences.
  • Integrated 4.3x Telecentric Barlow: Optimizes your telescope's light path for the 656nm wavelength, ensuring maximum contrast and sharpness.
  • 22mm Clear Aperture: Provides a generous field of view for observing and imaging the solar disk.
  • Instant Slide-Action Switching: Change views without swapping eyepieces, filters, or losing focus.
  • Universal Power System: Operates on 5VDC 2.0 Amp power and includes a 110-240VAC wall adapter with international plugs.
1 in stock
FREE Shipping in Canada
  • Description
  • FAQ
  • Specifications
  • In the Box
  • Downloads
  • Warranty

  • Daystar Quark Gemini Chrom/Prom Switchable Solar Filter

    The Daystar Quark Gemini Chrom/Prom Switchable Solar Filter integrates two distinct Fabry-Perot etalons into a single unit, allowing instant switching between a narrow ≤0.5Å bandpass for high-contrast chromosphere detail and a wider ≥0.6Å bandpass for bright, expansive prominences. Its internal 4.3x telecentric barlow is optimized for the 656nm H-alpha wavelength, ensuring your telescope's light path is corrected for the filter's optics. With a 22mm clear aperture and a standard 1.25" drawtube, the Gemini provides two specialized solar filters in one device, eliminating the need to swap hardware mid-session.

    Instant Switching: 0.5Å Chromosphere & 0.6Å Prominence Views

    The core of the Gemini is its dual-etalon system, operated by a simple slider. Pushing the arm to one side engages the ≤0.5Å bandpass filter, which darkens the solar disk to reveal stunning surface details like filaments, spicules, and active region plage with maximum contrast. A slide to the other side engages the ≥0.6Å filter, which offers a brighter view and wider bandpass ideal for capturing faint, dynamic prominences and flares erupting from the solar limb. This instant switching requires no refocusing, allowing for immediate A/B comparisons—a powerful tool for outreach and for adapting your view to changing solar activity.

    Integrated 4.3x Telecentric Barlow for 656nm Optimization

    A Fabry-Perot etalon requires a highly parallel light beam to perform correctly. The Quark Gemini includes a built-in 4.3x telecentric barlow specifically designed and coated for the 656nm H-alpha wavelength. This crucial component ensures that light from your telescope's objective enters the etalon at the proper angle, regardless of your telescope's native focal ratio. This optimization is key to achieving a uniform, high-contrast image across the entire 22mm field of view.

    5VDC Power and 1.25" Telescope Integration

    To maintain its precise bandpass, the Quark Gemini's etalons must be heated to a stable operating temperature. The unit requires a 5VDC, 2.0 Amp power source and includes a universal 110-240VAC wall adapter with international plugs for home use. For field observations, it can be powered by a common portable USB battery pack. The Gemini fits any standard 1.25" focuser or diagonal, and optional T-thread, C-mount, and 2" adapters are available for full compatibility with imagers and larger focusers.

    Quark Gemini vs. Single-Bandpass: Two Filters, Zero Swapping

    While an observer could purchase separate Chromosphere and Prominence Quarks, the Gemini offers a decisive advantage in convenience and workflow. Owning two separate filters means physically swapping them, re-focusing, and potentially re-balancing the telescope with each change. The Gemini consolidates this into one accessory with one power cable, allowing you to see both views in seconds. This makes it the superior choice for public outreach, educational demonstrations, and for imagers who need to capture both surface and limb detail efficiently during a single session.

  • What is the main advantage of the Daystar Quark Gemini's dual filter system?

    The primary advantage is the ability to instantly switch between two different H-alpha bandpasses (≤0.5Å for the chromosphere and ≥0.6Å for prominences) without changing hardware. This eliminates the need for swapping filters, refocusing, or rebalancing your telescope, allowing for seamless comparison between high-contrast surface detail and brighter limb phenomena.

    What kind of telescope is best suited for the Quark Gemini?

    The Quark Gemini is ideal for refracting telescopes, particularly those with focal ratios of F/7 or longer. While it can be used with Schmidt-Cassegrain or Maksutov-Cassegrain telescopes, these designs require a full-aperture UV/IR cut filter to be placed over the front of the telescope to prevent internal heat buildup and potential damage.

    How does the Quark Gemini improve views of a solar flare compared to a standard filter?

    For a dynamic event like a solar flare, you can instantly slide the Quark Gemini to the ≥0.6Å prominence setting. This wider, brighter bandpass is better at capturing the faint, extended structures of a flare as it erupts from the solar limb, making it appear more dramatic and detailed against the black background of space compared to a narrower, dimmer chromosphere filter.

    Do I need to refocus when switching between the 0.5Å and 0.6Å bandpasses on the Quark Gemini?

    No. A key design feature of the Quark Gemini is that the two Fabry-Perot etalons are paired to be parfocal. You can switch between the chromosphere and prominence views using the slider without any need to adjust your telescope's focuser.

    Can I power the Daystar Quark Gemini from a field battery?

    Yes. The Quark Gemini requires a 5VDC, 2.0 Amp power source. It can be easily powered in the field using a common portable power bank or USB battery pack that meets this specification, connecting via a standard USB cable.

    Will the Quark Gemini work with my 2-inch focuser and eyepieces?

    The Quark Gemini comes standard with a 1.25" female drawtube for 1.25" eyepieces and fits into a 1.25" focuser. To use it with a 2-inch focuser or 2-inch eyepieces, you will need to purchase an optional 2-inch adapter, which is available separately.

  • Filter Type Dual, Switchable Fabry-Perot Etalon
    Wavelength Hydrogen-alpha (656nm)
    Bandpass 1 (Chromosphere) ≤0.5Å FWHM
    Bandpass 2 (Prominence) ≥0.6Å FWHM
    Switching Mechanism Manual Slider, Parfocal
    Integrated Barlow 4.3x Telecentric (fully multi-coated)
    Clear Aperture 22mm
    Eyepiece Connection 1.25" Female Drawtube
    Off-Band Blocking X-ray to 2 microns
    Power Requirement 5V DC, 2.0 Amp (10W) via USB

    • Quark Gemini Chrom/Prom Switchable Solar Filter

      × 1

    • 110-240VAC Wall Power Adapter

      × 1

    • International Plug Set

      × 1

    • Pelican-Style Protective Case

      × 1

  • Daystar Filters Warranty