Why Magnesium I (b2)-line?

Magnesium is a highly magnetised chemical on the sun. The temperatures for energetic activity emitting this line are calculated to be extremely high. Spectroscopically, a line "splitting" called the Zeeman effect can be observed, whereas the dark absorption "splits" and occurrs slightly above and below the typical wavelength where light from non-magnetized activity is absorbed. Strong absorption can be seen spectroscopically at 5172Å.

TViews in Magnesium reveal plage, large scale magnetic structure and dark absorptive mottling of the chromospheric structure. The line is brighter than Calcium, Hydrogen Alpha and even Sodium. So it's going to be very easy for observers to see and the exposures will be very short.

The MgI b2 lines are a triplet. Our target is the middle, 5172.8Å line.

Magnesium I b2 line Quarks will all be 0.4 or narrower.

For use on F4 - F/8 focal ratio refractors, the user needn't worry about configurations. Just insert in your diagonal, add an eyepiece and view.

Exact filter bandpass will vary based on final telescope application. No specific FWHM bandpass is designated, but it will be around 0.4Å or lower. The fully optimized design eliminates the need for any adapters. It's all combined in one lightweight eyepiece sized device.
The new, compact design configuration eliminates unnecessary components, weight and associated costs. We even reduced power consumption, so the Quark can now operate all day off a small, palm-sized optional battery pack.

Red and Yellow glass ERF filters will not pass Magnesium. Daystar also recommends use with a UV/IR cut filter for safety. Users need to purchase an Energy Rejection Filter specific to their telescope for safe operation.

Baffles have been added to increase contrast and AR coatings are optimized for the 517nm wavelength. We even reduced power consumption, so the Quark can now operate all day off an optional small, palm-sized battery pack.