How do you deal with light pollution when observing from the suburbs?

General
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I’ve been trying to get clearer views from my backyard, but the light pollution makes faint objects really tough. What methods or setups have actually worked for you in similar conditions?

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You can try a light pollution filter but with all the new LED lighting the filters aren’t as effective as they used to be. The single best filter that will help the most…the gas filter. Load the scope up and head to darker skies.

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The Gas Filter… ROTFL :rofl:
True dat, Sweet16.
Like they say in real-estate, it’s location, location, location…

Are there any that help with seeing? I thought they generally worked for cameras.

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4

Welcome Shampee!
I just do astrophotography, not really visual.
When starting out I had a Moon Filter from Orion Telescopes. That squelched down the moon so I could see it.
But I do use two now for my AP. I have no idea if they would work for visual.

I did find this. So, you might get some ideas HERE

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I am far from a filter expert, but here is the little bit i know. When you use a LP filter what it does is effectively darken the sky a bit. The only way to know for sure is to get one and try it. Normally I would recommend the Orion version but they are gone. SVBony sells one for a reasonable price but i can not atest to how good they are. Remember a camera is not your eye. Cameras can see things you eye can’t even dream of seeing. I would hop on your favorite astro vendors website and see what they offer in the way of light pollution filters and maybe even ask them a question or two. Then get one headed your way, because in reality, the only way to know, is to try.

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Hi Sweet16,
Yeah, cameras don’t blink. I can’t hold my eye open as long. LOL!

My trek with visual was very short.

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Best thing you can do is drive to a dark sky site . No filter can compete with viewing under a good dark sky site . Don’t know where you’re located so I can’t make any suggestions .

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Where are you located ?

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My skies are bortle 5, pretty washed out. We did a trip up to the mountainside once, and wow. That was bortle 1-2 I guess. Absolutely awesome. But sadly the scope was not with me! Thinking of planning a trip again.

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And take the scope with you this time

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