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Specifically designed for photographing and viewing the sun and solar eclipses through an optical device such as telescopes, binoculars, or camera lenses, this 7.9x11.8" sheet of Baader AstroSolar White-Light Safety Film 5.0 from Alpine Astronomical filters the sun's intense light to a safe level and blocks harmful ultraviolet (UV) and infrared (IR) radiation. Viewing through the film reveals solar surface details including penumbral detail, solar granulation, and lighter-colored faculae. The film improves sharpness and contrast while showing the sun in its proper white color, instead of the orange/red or blue tint common with broad-band filters which filter a portion of the visible spectrum and inhibit observing fine details. Also, since the entire spectrum is being passed through, the use of secondary filters is possible to selectively observe specific bands or highlight targeted solar features.
Use of this filter is intended only for the front apertures of telescopes, binoculars, spotting scopes, and camera lenses, and shouldn't be used without an optic for direct solar observation. Learn how to fabricate custom filter mounts at the manufacturer website.