Solar Filters and Why They're Important

Solar Filters and Why They're Important

solar filters

For years, humans have gazed towards the heavens with a sense of wonder and amazement – though they haven’t always done so having taken proper precautions. Some pretty incredible cosmic events take place in the stars right above us on a daily (and nightly) basis, and every so often a truly remarkable phenomenon captures the attention of more than just your casual star-gazer: a solar eclipse.

Whether you’re interested in deepening your scientific knowledge of the sun’s everyday behavior or you’re looking forward to the next solar eclipse, it is critical that you keep your eyes protected with only ISO Compliant; ISO 12312-2:2015 and ISO Certified Eclipse Shades, viewers, and solar filters.

At Rainbow Symphony, we’ve been designing products like diffraction glasses and Eclipse Shades for decades. Over the years, we have invested in research and development – and applied what we’ve learned from our own experience – to create our line of black polymer filters for a variety of viewing instruments.

Read on to learn more about solar filters and why they’re important!

How They’re Made

Our solar filter lenses are engineered from black polymer material that is designed to filter out all harmful solar radiation. This material makes them scratch-resistant and provides a safe optical density five+. The other benefit of black polymer over aluminum cell or glass filters? They’re lightweight, more affordable and saving you money.

solar filters

We offer our black polymer solar filters in the following diameters:

These lenses provide superior protection, filtering out 100% of ultraviolet and infrared light and 99.999% of intense visible light. All of our solar filters are CE Certified, meet the standard for ISO 12312-2:2015, and the transmission requirements of scale 12-16 of EN 169/1992 for safe direct solar viewing.

Why They’re Important

Attempting to view the sun during a solar event can damage your retina. During a solar eclipse, the moon moves in front of the sun, leading many to believe that it is safe to stare directly at the event. However, there are still an incredible amount of powerful, invisible solar rays hitting the naked eye, which can burn your retina – in some cases, permanently. This is known as “eclipse blindness,” which can actually result in a serious loss of vision or even blindness.

Your standard sunglasses, even if they are polarized or are made with darkened lenses, are not safe for viewing the sun as the amount of sunlight they allow to penetrate the lens is many times above the safe or acceptable limit. Glasses or devices properly outfitted with solar filters are the only safe way to look directly at the sun. While there are alternatives to black polymer solar filters, this material is lightweight, effective, and far more affordable than most other options.

orange-yellow image of the sun

Our line of black polymer filters includes multiple diameters. These solar filters are for cameras, telescopes, and binoculars; simply measure the outside diameter of your viewing instrument and purchase the filter with a diameter that’s larger than your instrument’s diameter. That way, you can be sure the filter covers the entirety of your lens, and by applying the felt tape included with the purchase of your filter, you can customize the fit to guarantee total coverage.

Once the polymer filter is properly in place around your viewing device, you’ll be able to safely view an unforgettable orange-yellow image of the sun – or even a solar eclipse.

Keep in mind: in order to ensure you’re fully protecting your eyes, you’ll need to pick up a pair of eclipse glasses, too. At some point during your solar viewing experience, you’ll likely need to move your eyes away from your viewing device (be it a telescope, binoculars, or a camera). Even when looking away, make sure your eyes are protected.

Various Applications

Our black polymer solar filters are for cameras, telescopes, binoculars, and more.

Professional photographers use solar filters for cameras to capture the incredible moments of the partial phases of a solar eclipse, while casual observers can use solar filters for binoculars and telescopes to experience the rare celestial event in real time!

But you don’t need to wait for a rare solar eclipse to take advantage of our solar filters. You can appreciate the everyday wonder of the sun safely and, if you’re a photographer, capture priceless photographs of our closest star.

A Few Helpful Tips

You must inspect your filter before applying to your viewing instrument; if there is any visible damage, you should throw it out and not use it for solar viewing.

When operating devices with solar filters around children, be sure to supervise their usage.

Always cover your eyes with a filtered device while looking away from the sun and then direct your gaze at the sun. When you’re finished looking at the sun or solar event, keep the filtered device and eclipse glasses over your eyes, avert your gaze to a safe angle and then remove the glasses and filtered device. Eclipse Shades can be worn over your prescription eyeglasses.

You should always consider seeking the advice of an expert, such as a professional astronomer or astronomical organization, before attempting to outfit your camera with a solar filter to take photographs to ensure you are taking all necessary precautions.

During a solar eclipse, if you are outside the path of totality, you need to always use eclipse shades and solar filtered equipment to view the sun directly. If you are inside the path of totality, you may remove the filter once the moon covers the sun completely; however, as soon as the edge of the sun begins to reappear, you must immediately replace your solar filtered devices and eclipse glasses.

Find the Right Fit

If you’re still looking for a reason to invest in our high-quality, dependable black polymer solar filters, don’t take our word for it: the American Astronomical Society has included Rainbow Symphony on its list of reputable vendors for eclipse glasses, viewers, and solar filters for binoculars! Explore every size of our premium and AAS and NASA-approved Eclipse Shades and filters now!

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