About this product
Model: cel_nb_filter_rasa_8
Part Number: 93619-CGL
Bring out the best in your nebulae astro-images with this H-alpha H-beta OIII (Hα-Hβ-OIII) Imaging Filter for the 8” RASA.
This specialised filter allows high transmission of light from emission nebulae while blocking light pollution, helping to make your images pop with detail off the black sky background with superior contrast.
Fortunately, many sources of light pollution have relatively discreet emission spectra; they emit primarily at specific wavelengths of light. By strategically blocking these “bad” wavelengths, the filter essentially eliminates the effect of light pollution while letting the “good” wavelengths of light associated with the emission nebula pass through to the camera. You’ll notice much higher contrast in your images immediately, even if imaging from your light-polluted backyard! And since the transmission at the key wavelengths is so high, the nebula will not be dimmed—only the background will be blacker.
Nebula Hunting
The Hα-Hβ-OIII Imaging Filter for the 8” RASA is perfect for imaging emission nebulae like the North America Nebula (NGC 7000), Lagoon Nebula (M8), Orion Nebula (M42), and the Carina Nebula (NGC 3372). The imaging filter transmits key Hα-Hβ-OIII wavelengths that produce high contrast for emission nebulae.
The transmission spectrum for the Hα-Hβ-OIII Imaging Filter is 85% or greater at key wavelengths (486nm, 496nm/501nm, 656nm) and less than 0.5% transmission elsewhere. The Hα-Hβ-OIII Imaging Filter for the 8” RASA is a narrowband filter that blocks much of the visible spectrum and only lets specific wavelengths through. Because of this, it will not work well on broadband emission objects, such as galaxies and star clusters.
Other similar imaging filters on the market have much narrower bandpasses at the critical Hα-Hβ-OIII wavelengths, but these filters will block much of the incoming Hα-Hβ-OIII light for an F/2 optical system. This is because the light is coming into the filter at a steeper angle, which causes a spectral shift. Using filters not designed specifically for use at F/2 will block some of the light from the nebula, resulting in a dimmer image. The Celestron Hα-Hβ-OIII Imaging Filter for the RASA 8 was custom-engineered to work at F/2, so the filter blocks none of the “good” light from the nebula.
Body and Storage
The filter is fitted into a machined aluminium black anodised cell with a knurled rim for easy grip during installation. An anti-reflection coating has been added to the filter to help suppress reflections on the glass. The filter fits directly into the internal filter mount in the RASA 8’s front lens cell, where the optical window normally mounts. By removing the clear window and replacing it with the filter, optical performance for the entire system is maintained. No other adapter is needed.
The filter is supplied in a foam-lined plastic storage case and retaining ring to safely store the filter or the placeholder optical window glass that came with your RASA when not in use.
A spectral transmission graph unique to your unit is also included to verify its performance.
FEATURES
- Enhance imaging of nebulae with your 8” Rowe-Ackermann Schmidt Astrograph (RASA) by blocking light pollution, improving image contrast, and darkening the sky background.
- This filter transmits only the key Hα-Hβ-OIII wavelengths from emission nebulae, providing high contrast that makes them “pop.”
- This filter selectively blocks light wavelengths from light-polluted skies and natural sky glow sources.
- Unlike similar filters with narrower bandpasses, this filter was engineered specifically to work with RASA’s fast F/2 optics.
- It fits into the 8” RASA’s integrated filter mount, maintaining peak optical performance.
- Optically flat surfaces are defect-free and constructed from Schott glass with anti-reflection coatings.
Specifications
Glass type | Schott B270 |
Glass thickness | 2mm (0.078") |
Filter diameter | 46mm (1.81") |
Clear aperture | 43mm (1.69") |
Optical coatings | Dichroic multi-bandpass and multi-layer anti-reflection coatings |
Filter cell | Aluminum, black anodized, knurled rim |
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