Re: ATM Astronomy Club's Choice: Big DOB or CCD?

[Daniel Fundo <fundo@bellsouth.net>]

<< As many of you know the Atlanta Astronomy Club is currently locked in
debate about the future of our astronomy club. Key in the debate are 
several initiatives: a 24 or 25 inch class dobsonian; smaller aperture 
scope with CCD in a robotic or remote observatory;  refurbishing our 
current club observatory under light polluted skies; and/or locating a 
remote (1 1/2 to 2 hour) dark site for observing and possible
observatory. >>

Art, This almost amounts to a no-brainer! Go for the 'scope!! A big
telescope will always be a big telescope, but a state-of-the-art CCD
will be a paper weight in two years. The cost of the telescope will go
up, the cost of the same CCD will go drastically down as soon as the
next generation comes along. Just look at anything electronic and
extropolate.

Also, find a better site, nothing will enhance you veiwing pleasure like
a good observing site. Its bad enough, probably unavoidable now, that we
will be relegated to a few dozen regional star parties in a few years. 
*****-----
Dan F.