Re: [ATM] What can you see in a 114mm (4.5") reflector?

["David O. Trevino" <david.trevino@byu.edu>]

That is an interesting question, yet I don't think  I am qualified to give an 
authoritative answer, but I'll share my experience.  I started with a 4.5" 
scope.  Not the best, but sufficient to get me hooked.  I could see the 
planets and brightest stars and clusters from my light polluted driveway, but 
had trouble finding fuzzies.  

Aperture fever kicked in, so I attended a local class and ground my own mirror 
and built a 12".  It gives superb views (according to many compliments I have 
received) and yes, I am well pleased with the views.  I also built a simple 
4.5" (F4.7) from a cheap mirror I found on the internet, and have sometimes 
mounted it as a finder for the larger scope.

I can understand your friends point of view.  Using the 12" scope requires 
more time commitment since it takes longer to take it outside and wait for it 
to cool down than the 4.5" does.

Also, my observing skills have improved.  What I couldn't see with the 4.5" 
initially, and that I have found with the 12", I am now able to find with the 
4.5".  It does not look as good or as bright, but I can tell there is 
something there with the 4.5".  Also, I cannot stress the important of dark 
skies.  I was at a star party where I used 10" to see Jupiter, and we saw a 
moon transit taking place.  I went to look at it again with my 4.5", and lo 
and behold, with a little patience, I was able to see it too.  Now I can even 
see Jupiter's cloud belts from my driveway with the 4.5".  And in dark skies, 
find several messier objects that I was able to find before.

I guess a short viewing session with the 4.5" is better than no session at 
all.

To answer your second question, I keep the magnification low when using the 
4.5", I start with as rini 22mm EP to find objects, and then I use a zoom EP 
(scopetronix 7-21mm) to study the object.  Usually best view is around 
50-60x.
  
Remember that your own mileage my vary.

On Thu February 9 2006 16:06, stU wrote:
> I am curious about this subject because a fellow on another forum who owns
> a 10" reflector said that he seldom bothers to take it out.  He always uses
> his easy to set up 'lowly' 4.5.
>
> What can you see with yours?
>
> Which eyepiece/Barlow lenses do you use and what is the most useable
> magnification?
>
> I have a couple of Meade 114NT f/8's that I am experimenting with.
>
> BTW they come with 2" focusers and I was told that the stock diagonal will
> handle 2" eyepieces.
> _______________________________________________
> ATM mailing list http://www.atmlist.net/

-- 
David O. Trevino
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