Filters for DSO viewing.

[old glyn]

I seek your advice, gentle readers! What filter might you recommend for a telescope when attempting to see more clearly the various nebulas in DSOs. At present all I can usually discern is a rather feeble smudge. The telescopes in question are 6" Dob, 6" LS6 and a 120mm refractor. Thank you.

[rowan46]

a fillter may help you tease out some detail on some of the nebula's. I don't have any so can't advise as to what is best. But I feel I should point out that in all but the largest telescopes a faint smudge is all you will see. the pics you see are the result of long exposure images and the eye can't compete with those.

[John]

I've found UHC and O-III type filters work well on nebulae, especially planetary nebulae and supernova remnants (eg: the Veil Nebula).

For galaxies and clusters the way to improve the views is to observe under dark skies - filters don't bring any improvements with those objects.

[E621Keith]

I have a Orion Ultrablock. It works really well showing nebula in my light polluted backyard. Occasionally, it makes the difference between whether I can detect the presence of a nebula or not.

[swamp thing]

Hi

Another vote for the oxyIII they work very well as do the UHC on emission Nebula But Galaxies, clusters and reflection Nebula need dark skies.

Regards Steve

[JamesM]

Another vote for the O-III and UHT which definitely improves the view. However the best item you can add to your scope is a dark sky:) and that really makes all the difference to your viewing.

James

[old glyn]

Thank you for the replies. It looks as if I should go for an O-III.

Fortunately I live in a darkfield site!

Now if only there was a way of getting rid of nocturnal clouds..................

[bcfcciderhead]

Sorry for jumping on your thread Old glyn, but been thinking of getting a filter for a while now to do the same, i kept leaning towards a O-III and then looking at others but i think you guys have made up my mind...cheers O-III it is then:icon_salut:

[Mark at Beaufort]

You may wish to read this as well.

The Prairie Astronomer

Mark

[old glyn]

What a carefully researched and beautifully written study from the Prairie Astronomer! Inspirational.

[acey]

I use a Lumicon UHC, which transmits O-III and H-beta. I've used it successfully on all my scopes from 80mm to 12" aperture. With the 12" and UHC I've seen the Horsehead (just!) from a dark site.

[twotter]

I have an OIII filter and it allowed me to see the Veil nebula last year. Lovely sight