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- From: baierr@einstein.franklin.edu (Richard Baier)
- Date: Wed, 12 Feb 1997 08:50:49 -0500
- Apparently-To: atm-owner@shore.net
An article in issue #10 of the ATM Journal has caught my eye. Ouch! ;) Dr. Mark D. Russell and Val German claim that that by using a precurved 6 inch precurved mirror blank, polishing pads and a "modified star test" the amateur can make a 5.75" mirror with apochromat like quality. This is a very bold claim. I remember eight or so years ago, at the Warren Rupp observatory in Mansfield, Ohio I viewed both Saturn and Mars through a 4 inch SP-C102F refractor. Saturn's rings were beautifully subdivided and Mars showed and impressive wealth of detail with a prominent polar cap. If the average person can make a mirror that will produce the similar views, the world is suddenly a much more interesting place! Does anyone know what the authors mean by a "modified star test"? They did not elaborate... They also make mention of displaying to the public at Riverside '95 and Astrofest '95 two eight inch reflectors to see if the general public could distinguish differing levels of optical quality. Did anyone see these instruments and how did they perform? What were their focal ratios? On a different note, I have received a brochure from Obsession Telescopes. They claim that the Endurobrite coatings on their secondary mirrors, and I quote, "blows away ordinary enhanced coatings!". Is this claim legit or enhanced BS? Thanks, Richard Baier
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