Filters.... Do I need them?

[Adrianf]

I have been trying (between clouds) to view Mars with a little sucess. However, Mars appears in the eyepiece as a bright disc and I may as well be looking at a street light in the distance. Should I be using filters of some kind to tone the brightness down? Any suggestions as to which filters I should buy?

Adrian

[Radar]

Filters? Do you need them? Yes (if you want to get the most out of your views).

Check this link out Adrian, it gives good descriptions of what different filters can do.

http://sciastro.net/portia/advice/filters.htm

I have tonnes of filters. So many now, they are strewn all over my astronomy room. For example my oxygen three filter (visual), allows me to see things like the Helix from very light polluted suburbs through my 6 inch newt, that's pretty impressive when you take into account that some larger scopes can't see the Helix from dark skies.

Light pollution filters are also quite handy, for both visual and photography.

Coloured filters for planets are a must, and are nice and cheap. When I look at the moon, using a yellow filter removes the glare and allows me to see amazing detail. Whenever I show people the moon with this cheap little filter their jaw drops.

How far is your closest astronomy shop?

Ray

[Adrianf]

My closest astronomy shop is about 700k away in Brisbane. Thanks for the advice I will have a look on Andrews and York's websites later if I get a chance. This week is getting all of the High School and TAFE results in and recorded so I have a busy week ahead also not in that much hurry at the moment &*^$#% clouds. I managed to get the scope out last night beautiful clear skies had dinner checked Stellarium to see if what I was looking for was above the horizon went out horizon to horizon clouds and lightning just manged to get the scope under cover before it poured down with rain (3inches over night). Someone up there doesnt like me :(

Adrian

[Adrianf]

Tried to order 4 filters today but the website wouldnt allow me to put my credit card details in to complete the order, then tried to call the company but forgot about day light saving.

Adrian

[Radar]

Those online payment systems can be so annoying when they don't work.

What filters are you getting mate?

Ray

[Adrianf]

These ones
http://www.myastroshop.com.au/products/details.asp?id=MAS-029
an inexpensive set at the moment to see how they go.

Adrian

[Red Giant]

I've looked through an 0III filter a few times. They are a must. I can't speak for the other filters, but if they work as well as the 0III's, then they are worth the investment mate.