Re: [ATM] Mirror size

["Tom and Beth" <tomandbeth@theriver.com>]

Hi Charles,

  Congratulations on the 6 incher. I hope it brings you a lifetime of 
enjoyment.

 You ask for advice on a bigger mirror, but don't give us enough 
information. For
example, are you going to search for other planets? Are you wanting to image
Jovian transits? Is your planned scope going to be portable, and need to fit 
in
the back seat of a Cooper? And thus has to be extremly compact. Another 
criteria
is how you want to mount this-are you going to be always portable? Private
observatory? Without these and other facts, what might be good for us is 
terrible
for you.

  Sooooo, Telescopes is another thing where size DOES matter. Even with 
light
pollution, a scope of, say 12 inches, will show more detail and split closer 
doubles
than your 6 incher..You just need to be patient and wait for those moments 
that
allow the bigger mirror to shine (no pun intended).

  One other thing about bigger scopes. The scope that is easiest to get 
under the sky
is the one that gets used most. Keep this always in mind when designing 
whatever
you decide on.

Tom
Tucson, AZ


Date: Fri, 04 Feb 2005 20:18:21 +0000
From: "c f" <quantemlp@hotmail.com>
Subject: [ATM] Mirror size
To: atm@atmlist.net
Message-ID: <BAY101-F35E44762A2ED1DFF965701A4700@phx.gbl>
Content-Type: text/plain; format=flowed

Well, I have finished my 6" mirror and scope, it is working great but that
was just a starter mirror.  I wanted to make a good 16" mirror, but, I heard
due to my location that nothing really over a 14 inch will yield much more
quality in viewing.  I live 25 miles north of boston, needless to say I do
have some light polution. to give you an example.  I can see the Orion Neb
with the naked eye. and I can see 5-6 of the 7 sisters.  I am looking for
suggestions,  should I shoot for the 16" or drop to a 14 or 12.  any help or
advise would be great.

kind regards

Charles, wilmington MA


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