Safety

FILTER SAFETY INTRO

During the past seven years, Solar observing has grown dramatically, both in sophistication and acceptance as a mainstream pursuit in the astronomy hobby. Because of this, and the consequent enormous increase in the number of people enjoying this aspect of their hobby, Coronado receives many enquiries regarding the technology and application of the inherent safety issues. In addition, as the hobby grows, we are well aware that other manufacturers will enter the market. After forty years experience, we are cognizant of the fact that the technology of these sophisticated filters is considerably more complex than is seen at face value and that new manufacturers may not always be aware of these subtleties. 

Coronado, due to its obsession with this aspect of its products, has always been able to give very precise and credible answers to these questions. Now, in our position as the world leader in this technology, we are going to do two things which, we feel, will give the observer and potential user more insight and even more confidence in this aspect of their equipment.

Firstly, we are establishing a section of our web page specifically for safety issues,- complete with discussions of the relevant design and construction details and examples of them. This will be updated on a regular basis when new technologies come to the fore. Hard copies of this information will be distributed to dealers, worldwide, to help disseminate the information further. Questions will be welcome, which will be dealt with in the public forum to enhance the broadcast of the information.

Secondly, Coronado is initiating a drive for international standards in this area. Currently, there are accepted limits regarding eye safety which have usually been derived from experience with lasers. However, these limits have never been translated into a set of standards to which all manufacturers have to comply. Coronado feels that this is essential for the well-being and future of this part of the astronomy hobby. On our staff, we have people with many years experience and who are well versed in these safety issues and we will be coordinating with other recognized experts to bring about proper establishment and implementation of such standards. 

We are confidant that these actions will help amateur astronomers make educated assessments of instrumentation purchases and enhance their confidence in using such equipment.

Click here for more information about filter safety.

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Coronado: 1674 South Research Loop Suite 436, Tucson Arizona, 85710
Telephone: (949) 451-1450 ext. 239, Fax: (949) 451-1460  Toll Free Telephone: 1-866-SUNWATCH (786-9282)
General inquiries: info@coronadofilters.com