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Explore Scientific Nebula Filter UHC - 2.0" - Discontinued
Explore Scientific Nebula Filter UHC - 2.0" - Discontinued

Explore Scientific Nebula Filter UHC - 2.0" - Discontinued

by Explore Scientific
SKU ES-310210
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CA$196.00 - CA$196.00
CA$196.00
CA$196.00 - CA$196.00
CA$196.00
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  • Ultra-High Contrast (UHC) Narrow-Band Filter
  • Designed for Two-Inch Eyepieces and Filter Wheels
  • Significantly Reduces Artificial Light and Airglow
  • Enhances Visibility of Emission and Planetary Nebulae
  • Tighter Bandpass Than Standard CLS Filters
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  • Description
  • FAQ
  • Specifications
  • In the Box
  • Downloads
  • Warranty

  • Explore Scientific Nebula Filter UHC - 2.0"

    The Explore Scientific Nebula Filter UHC is an ultra-high contrast, narrow-band filter engineered to isolate the faint light of nebulae from overpowering skyglow. Designed for standard two-inch eyepieces, it dramatically improves views of emission and planetary nebulae by selectively passing their light while rejecting common sources of light pollution.

    Isolating Nebula Emission Lines for High-Contrast Views

    This UHC filter works by transmitting light primarily in the specific wavelengths emitted by ionized hydrogen (H-beta) and doubly ionized oxygen (OIII). These are the wavelengths that cause objects like the Orion Nebula (M42) and the Dumbbell Nebula (M27) to glow, while the filter aggressively blocks the broad-spectrum light from sodium and mercury vapor streetlights.

    The result is a significantly darker sky background, which makes faint, extended structures "pop" into view. The filter effectively increases the signal-to-noise ratio, revealing details that would otherwise be completely lost in the glare of a light-polluted or moonlit sky.

    The Two-Inch Format Advantage for Wide-Field Observing

    The two-inch barrel format allows this filter to be paired with low-power, wide-field eyepieces, maximizing your telescope's true field of view. This is essential for framing large-scale objects like the North American Nebula (NGC 7000) or the Veil Nebula complex in a single, high-contrast vista.

    By threading directly onto your two-inch eyepiece or filter wheel, the Explore Scientific UHC filter becomes an integral part of your optical train for sweeping the Milky Way. It turns your telescope into a dedicated nebula-hunting instrument, perfect for exploring vast hydrogen-alpha regions.

    UHC vs. CLS: A Tighter Bandpass for Tougher Skies

    Compared to a broader City Light Suppression (CLS) filter, the Explore Scientific UHC filter features a tighter, more restrictive bandpass. This targeted approach provides a greater degree of light pollution rejection, making it the superior choice for observers under moderately to heavily light-polluted skies.

    • Higher Contrast: The tighter bandpass darkens the sky background more effectively than a CLS filter, leading to more dramatic contrast on emission nebulae.
    • Trade-Off: Because it is more restrictive, a UHC filter will dim stars more noticeably than a CLS filter. It is a specialized tool for nebulae and is not intended for broadband targets like galaxies or star clusters, which emit light across the entire spectrum.

  • What objects benefit most from the Explore Scientific 2.0" UHC filter?

    The filter is specifically designed for emission nebulae and planetary nebulae. It excels on targets like the Orion Nebula (M42), the Lagoon Nebula (M8), the Swan Nebula (M17), the Ring Nebula (M57), and the Veil Nebula, where it dramatically enhances contrast by isolating their specific emission lines.

    From my suburban backyard, can the 2.0" UHC filter help me see the Veil Nebula with an 8" SCT?

    Yes, absolutely. The Veil Nebula is a classic showcase for a UHC filter. Without a filter, it's nearly invisible from suburban skies. The Explore Scientific UHC filter will darken the sky background enough to make the delicate, filamentary structure of the nebula visible through your 8" SCT, especially when paired with a low-power, two-inch eyepiece.

    Will the Explore Scientific UHC filter make galaxies or star clusters look better?

    No, this filter is not recommended for broadband targets. Galaxies and star clusters shine by reflecting starlight across the entire visible spectrum. A UHC filter blocks most of that light, which will make these objects significantly dimmer and harder to see. For those targets, observing from a dark sky site without a filter is best.

    How is the Explore Scientific UHC filter different from a CLS filter?

    The UHC filter has a tighter bandpass than a CLS (City Light Suppression) filter. This means it blocks more light pollution and delivers a darker sky background, providing higher contrast on nebulae. A CLS filter is a more general-purpose light pollution filter, while the UHC is a more specialized and aggressive tool for nebula observation.

    Why should I get the 2.0" UHC filter instead of a 1.25" version?

    A two-inch filter allows you to observe with two-inch eyepieces, which provide a much wider true field of view at low magnifications. This is crucial for viewing large nebulae that won't fit into the field of a 1.25" eyepiece at similar power. If you have a telescope that accepts two-inch accessories, this filter unlocks its full wide-field potential.

    How do I use the Explore Scientific 2.0" UHC filter with my equipment?

    The filter has standard M48x0.75 threads. You can screw it directly into the barrel of any standard two-inch eyepiece or into a two-inch filter wheel or filter slider. Once attached, simply insert the eyepiece into your telescope's focuser as you normally would.

  • GTIN 812257017218
  • Explore Scientific Warranty