Brightwell Horizon lunar filter 1.25 in

Specifications

Description

The Horizon lunar filter is a neutral-density filter for the Moon in a 1.25 in threaded cell. It passes about 15 percent of incident light across the visible spectrum, which reduces the brightness of the lunar surface to a level that is more comfortable at high magnification. Because the filter is neutral in color, it does not shift the tones of the Moon's surface, so maria and highlands keep their natural gray and tan appearance.

Lunar observing often produces glare near the bright limb and along the terminator, especially when the Moon is near full and the telescope is at high power. The filter reduces that glare and lets your eye adapt less often between the dim and bright parts of the surface. It is most useful when the Moon is above about 60 percent illumination and the disk is large in the eyepiece. Under those conditions it helps you follow surface detail in craters and rilles near the limb.

The filter screws into the barrel of any 1.25 in eyepiece or the nosepiece of a 1.25 in diagonal. Place it on the eyepiece side of the optical train, and check that it is fully seated before use, because a loose cell can shift and allow stray light past the glass. Store the filter in its case when not in use to protect the coatings from dust and handling marks. Do not use this filter for solar observing, since it does not reduce ultraviolet or infrared light to safe levels.

About this configuration

This listing covers one configuration of the Brightwell Horizon lunar filter 1.25 in, defined by its grade, coating, case, and edition year. The standard grade uses the same coating design as the higher grades, with wider tolerances on flatness. Standard grade glass suits visual observing at low and medium magnification. Anti-reflection coatings on both faces reduce halos around bright stars in the field.

The padded pouch protects the filter from knocks and fits in a jacket pocket at the telescope. This is the 2023 edition of the Horizon line, the earliest version that is still listed in the catalog. A filter does not make objects brighter; it darkens the sky background more than the target, which raises contrast.

What's in the box

• Lunar filter in 1.25 in threaded cell
• Plastic storage case
• Padded pouch

Compatibility notes

• Threads into 1.25 in eyepieces, diagonals, and filter wheels (M28.5 x 0.6).
• Suitable for any telescope aperture when the Moon is the target.