Do I need an IR blocking filter with my setup?

Hi there,

I am new to astro imaging and want to get into webcam pics of the moon and planets. I have a N11 GPS, Phillips 2Ucam pro (newest model) and a threaded adapter. I got some semi decent moon pics but jupiter looks terrible. It could be alot of things but I was wondering if an IR blocking filter would be a prerequisite to obtaining good images with this setup (as there is a corrector plate in the N11 it may be the cause of my problem?) I appreciate input. If this is necessary does anyone know the best place to get a good deal on one?
Thanks, Brooks

Baader has a UV-IR-Cut filter that threads into most 1 1/4" ToUcam adapters and, with 98% average tranmissivity between the cutoffs, can be left permanently in place:

http://www.alpineastro.com/filters/filters.htm#UV-IR-Cut%20Filter

As a side benefit it seals the sensor from dust, and that alone is worth the forty bucks this filter costs!

Paul

--- http://www.astro-nut.com ---

Brooks,
I think that the jury is still out regarding the necessity of an IR blocking filter for the gas giants. My personal experience is that on Saturn and Jupiter, the filter makes no discernible improvement. Factors that will influence your results are:

Seeing conditions - Jupiter is too low in the sky currently for high resolution

Collimation - SC's and Newtonians must be collimated well to see much detail on the planets.

Cool down - Optics must be equilibrated with their surroundings

Aperture - bigger is better