For visual observation - with additional optics
All Baader AstroSolar® solar filter foils are interferometrically tested to 94-96% definition brightness - and are therefore as good as the best astronomical Lens, e.g. an APQ Lens from Carl Zeiss (Pleiger test protocol can be found on the Internet under Baader Planetarium). Unfortunately, we ourselves find it difficult to recognize a difference in quality compared to our much more expensive plano lenses. This is only possible at very high magnifications beyond 250x. For higher magnifications, we recommend our Baader Cool-Ceramic Safety Herschel Prism. Our film is demonstrably sharper than all competitor products known to us, especially including US glass filters.
What is particularly important, our film shows the sun in its natural color - neutral white! Other films only show a blurred, bluish or orange image of the sun.
The AstroSolar® Safety film is made from a special film that is free of streaks and bubbles and, with a thickness of just 0.010 mm, achieves the optical quality of plane-parallel glass filters. The carrier material is not "Mylar"! This film was originally developed for nuclear and elementary particle research laboratories.
In contrast to glass filters, AstroSolar® is almost completely free of pinholes (holes in the reflective layer) as it is coated on both sides. The coating is subject to constant quality control. The filter effect and its safety for solar observation are measured regularly. The quality of the solar image and the safety for the eyes are incomparably better than when using so-called rescue films or similar. Aids, which have to be used in several layers.
The development of the AstroSolar® film was only possible due to the enormous demand during the solar eclipse in 1999. Dozens of kilometers of film were destroyed during tests in order to develop the manufacturing process for a completely uniform molecular film on our behalf.
Notes and specifications for Baader AstroSolar Safety Film OD = 5.0
The patented Baader AstroSolar® Safety Film 5.0 is manufactured for visual and photographic observation of the sun at high magnification (with additional optics) - for use with telescopes and binoculars as well as for camera and telephoto lenses.
With AstroSolar® Safety Film 5.0 - mounted in front of your Lens - you can photograph the sun while using the camera viewfinder in complete safety - or look directly at the sun through a telescope or binoculars at any magnification.
The coating of the AstroSolar® Safety Film 5.0 is subject to constant quality control. The filter effect and its safety for solar observation are measured regularly.
The intensity of sunlight is reduced by 99.999% to less than 1 : 100,000 with the AstroSolar® Safety Film 5.0 with a neutral density of 5.0. The double-sided coating of AstroSolar Safety Film 5.0 ensures excellent uniformity of the filter effect and neutralizes the occasional microscopic holes in the coating that cannot be avoided even with expensive glass filters that are only coated on one side.
A single layer of this film is enough to build a safe solar filter with maximum sharpness performance. We have been producing this film for over 25 years
Important note:
The EN ISO 12312-2:2015 standard for eye safety when using sunglasses with the naked eye does not apply to lens filters for use on distance optics. AstroSolar® Safety Film 5.0 must not be used for observation with the naked eye without additional optics or for the manufacture of sunglasses. For direct solar observation without telescope, binoculars or camera, please ask for our EN ISO 12312-2:2015 certified sunglasses with AstroSolar® Silver/Gold film.
Build your own solar filter for camera, binoculars, telephoto lens or telescope
You can build a safe solar filter from Baader AstroSolar® Safety Film 5.0 in just a few steps - at an incredible price-performance ratio.
You will need Baader AstroSolar® Safety Film, two sheets of sturdy white cardboard, scissors, a pair of compasses, "Kleenex" cosmetic tissues, double-sided adhesive tape and glue.
Detailed assembly instructions are included with every AstroSolar Safety foil. You can also find the instructions and a lot more information on our website www.astrosolar.com
Never look at the sun with the naked eye without an adequate filter - danger!
Only during the few seconds and minutes of a total solar eclipse (when the moon completely covers the sun) can the solar corona be safely observed with the naked eye. The entire, hour-long spectacle - while the moon moves in front of the sun and leaves it again - may only be observed with safe eye protection - the Baader AstroSolar® Safety Film 5.0 (in combination with additional optics). For solar observation with the naked eye, please use our certified Solar Viewer AstroSolar® Silver/Gold.
For all other types of solar observation, e.g. during a partial solar eclipse, an annular solar eclipse or a short daily check of the sun (looking for large sunspots), you must also protect yourself safely. Even when the sun is 99% covered by the moon, the remaining photospheric crescent is still dazzlingly bright and can only be observed safely with suitable eye protection.
Never try to observe the sun with the naked eye, with normal sunglasses or with unsuitable filters! Any negligence in choosing the right sun protection can lead to permanent eye damage or blindness.
