Fwd: RE: [ATM] Mirror size

["Matthew L. Brown" <mlbrown@everstrive.com>]

>From: "David Grennan" <dave@webtreatz.com>
>  That said a bigger scope will
>always give you more satisfying results as long as that scope doesnt come at
>the cost of being too unwieldy to setup or use or too difficult to build.
>My advice build own the largest size which is practical for your own set of
>circumstances.

In particular, the limiting factors are how big the scope is and can you 
move it to your observing location.  A small, convenient scope gets used 
more than a big heavy one.  Some people design scopes to fit into their 
vehicle, and in sections that they can lift.  However, if you've a 
permanent observatory, it doesn't matter.

You can always use the larger objective size to get better resolution -- 
separating double stars better, making globular clusters more distinct, and 
resolving planetary features.  So go as big as you can transport and use.

Do check out Mel Bartels' tridob design -- it's quite lightweight, and thus 
more usable.

=Matt


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