Planetary and lunar observation is almost always improved by the use of color filters. They bring out subtle details by selectively increasing the contrast among markings of different hues, and by reducing "irradiation," the smudging of the boundaries between light and dark regions due primarily to turbulence in the Earth's atmosphere.

With the right color filter, suddenly the indistinct, pale bands of Jupiter resolve into loops and festoons. Delicate markings appear on Saturn's globe, and the Cassini and crepe divisions darken and solidify. Mars' polar caps stand out like tiny pearls, and vague lunar rilles acquire greater depth and contrast. Bad "seeing" becomes acceptable; good seeing becomes superb!

Because many planets have a characteristic color (e.g., Mars is reddish), a color filter will reduce the predominant hues to enhance contrast and uncover hidden surface markings. That's why "the Red Planet" is most effectively enhanced with a green filter!

Orion color planetary filters are the absolute best available. Made from high-grade Hoya optical glass, each is vat-dyed for even color distribution and then fully antireflection coated. The glass is held in an anodized aluminum cell labeled with the appropriate Wratten filter number. The cell is double-threaded to permit threading of the filter into the barrel of an eyepiece as well as the stacking of filters for additional filtration options.

Basic Set of Four Filters
Four of the most important filters. If you buy no other filters, buy these! Both 1.25" and 2" sets include a new foam-lined hard case that holds all four filters!

#15 Deep Yellow Planetary Filter

• red and orange features on Saturn, Jupiter, and Mars
• contrast of lunar features
• low-contrast cloud detail on Venus

#25 Red Planetary Filter

• Martian surface details in large scopes
• bluish cloud regions on Jupiter and Saturn
• contrast of Mercury against blue sky
• cloud definition on Venus
  

#58 Green Planetary Filter

• contrast of blue and red structures on Jupiter (including Red Spot)
• melt lines around Martian polar ice caps
• Saturn's cloud belts

#80A Medium Blue Planetary Filter

• details in Jupiter's cloud belts and Red Spot
• high clouds and polar caps on Mars
• lunar surface details
• Venus cloud features

Need Instructions?
Download a PDF file of the Instruction Manual for this product. Requires Adobe Reader version 3.0 or higher.