Moon filters

[mikemph]

When to use a moon filter, last night I preferred looking at the moon without the filter.

Are there vastly different qualities of moon filter.

What should I expect from the filter and at some point will it become essential as the moon gets fuller/brighter.

Thanks in advance

mike

[johninderby]

I never use an ND moon filter to dim the image. The only moon filter I use is the Baader Neodymium which improves contrast a bit and gives the moon a nice neutral tone.

Some people seem to have trouble adjusting to the brightness and need an ND filter whereas many aren't bothered at all so just try it and if it does bother you then get a filter.

John

[mikemph]

thanks, think I will be one who prefers not useing a filter.

Really amazed at the detail which can be seen, really looking forward to a full moon.

thanks

mike

[John]

I don't use a filter for the moon or for the planets for that matter. As has been said, the eye adjusts quite quickly to the ambient light.

I find full moon the least interesting part of the lunar cycle as it happens - the most detail is to be seen along the terminator which does not exist at a full moon of course and the details of the lunar landscape are washed out in sunlight.

I thought the phase tonight (before the clouds arrived here !) was really lovely - so much detail to be seen.

[mikemph]

the most detail is to be seen along the terminator which does not exist at a full moon of course and the details of the lunar landscape are washed out in sunlight.

thanks, makes sense, lets hope for clear skies

mike

[mikev1]

I don't filter the moon unless its full and that's only because my eyes are sensitive to the brightness of it in my scope when its full.

[sanmatt]

I bought a cheapy £5 MF recently tried it the other night, and I find it dims things a bit and makes it easier on my eyes. I quite like it

[knobby]

Try masking the ota, leave about a 3 " hole ... works a treat and costs nothing!

[Duns]

I use an ND 0.9 filter and I find it helps - just more comfortable and when you switch to a new target vision is better. I also used it on Mars the other night and I thought the level of detail was slightly improved.

[marshy123]

Got a variable moon filter. I can dial in just what I need to take the edge off the glare.

[John]

Try masking the ota, leave about a 3 " hole ... works a treat and costs nothing!

It's an often quoted solution but bear in mind that doing it means you have the resolution and contrast of a 3" scope

[umadog]

I too don't bother with a moon filter. I just light-adapt and get on with it. It's no brighter than it is naked eye, after all.