Celestron 8" SCT/EdgeHD EclipSmart Solar Filter 8"

Celestron EclipSmart Solar Filter for 8" SCT and EdgeHD Telescopes

Item #94244
Safe, secure solar viewing for your favorite 8" Celestron telescope—perfect for eclipses, transits, and everyday solar exploration.

There’s something awe-inspiring about watching the face of the Sun come alive through your own telescope. But to enjoy solar observing safely, you need a filter you can trust—one that protects your eyes, your optics, and your peace of mind. The Celestron EclipSmart Solar Filter for 8" Schmidt-Cassegrain and EdgeHD telescopes delivers exactly that: safe, secure, and ISO-certified solar viewing backed by Celestron’s Solar Safe™ technology.

Whether you’re preparing for the next eclipse, chasing sunspots, or just introducing friends and family to the dynamic surface of our nearest star, this filter transforms your 8" SCT or EdgeHD into a powerful solar telescope. And unlike improvised filter solutions or low-quality film, the EclipSmart filter is engineered for both safety and durability—with a design that stays firmly in place even in windy conditions or busy outreach events.

Built for Safety, Designed for Confidence

At the heart of this filter is Celestron’s Solar Safe™ filter technology, a premium multi-layer film that blocks 99.999% of visible light and provides complete protection from harmful ultraviolet (UV) and infrared (IR) radiation. The filter material has been independently tested by SAI Global Assurance Services and conforms to the ISO 12312-2 international safety standard for direct solar observation, along with certifications to EN 1836:2005 + A1:2007 (E) and AS/NZS 1338.1:2012.

In short: it’s safe. Guaranteed. You can observe the Sun through your telescope with total confidence, whether you’re casually viewing or capturing high-magnification solar photos.

Secure Mounting for 8-Inch Celestron Telescopes

Solar filters don’t just need to be optically safe—they need to stay put. The EclipSmart filter includes two heavy-duty Velcro® straps and four self-adhesive Velcro pads for added redundancy, ensuring the filter remains securely fastened to the front of your telescope’s optical tube. Even with movement, vibrations, or a bump from curious onlookers, the filter is designed to stay in place.

It’s a critical safety feature that’s often overlooked—and one that makes this filter ideal for public outreach, classroom demos, or high-traffic events like total eclipses, where safety and reliability matter most.

Compatible Telescope Models

This filter is sized specifically for the front corrector cell of Celestron’s 8" Schmidt-Cassegrain and EdgeHD optical tubes. It fits the following models:

• Advanced VX 8" SCT

• Advanced VX 8" EdgeHD

• CPC 800 GPS (XLT)

• CPC Deluxe 800 HD

• NexStar 8SE

• NexStar Evolution 8

• NexStar Evolution 8 HD with StarSense

• CGEM 800 SCT

• CGEM 800 HD

• CGEM II 800 SCT

• CGEM II 800 EdgeHD

• CGX 800 SCT

• CGX 800 EdgeHD

Note: This filter is designed to fit snugly on factory-standard 8" SCT and EdgeHD corrector cells. It is not compatible with 8" Newtonians or 8" RCs.

Observing Tip

Even with a high-quality solar filter, thermal turbulence in the atmosphere (known as "seeing") can blur details on the Sun's surface. For best results, observe in the early morning when the air is cooler and more stable. You’ll get sharper views of sunspots, granulation, and even solar limb darkening—especially when paired with a neutral-density eyepiece filter or a monochrome camera for imaging.

Final Thoughts

With the Celestron EclipSmart 8" Solar Filter, you don’t have to compromise between safety and performance. This is a rugged, well-designed accessory that brings solar observing into clear, safe focus—whether you're an eclipse chaser, a school demonstrator, or a curious backyard astronomer. If you've already got one of Celestron's legendary 8" SCTs or EdgeHD OTAs, this is the next must-have addition to your setup.

Solar Safety Warning 

Never look at the Sun through any telescope—without the solar filter securely attached and properly installed. Permanent eye damage or blindness will result. Always verify filter integrity before each use and follow all included safety instructions.