Re: [ATM] Thin Titanium Spiders & Diffraction Spikes

[Daniel Fundo <fundo@bellsouth.net>]

<<  What is the argument for titanium spider vanes? 
... I can't imagine how Ti's abrasion
and high temperature resistance could be of any
possible benefit in a telescope built mainly from
plywood and soft aluminum tubing. >>

Ross,  Ahhhhh....but what would happen if you were observing a distant
galaxy when the type 1-A supernova of the century occured???  The
increase in photon pressure could easily raise the temperature of the
components along the line-of-sight/optical axis!!!  And just think of
what could happen to the primary and its support system.  These thin
mirrors would shatter like a.......well like a piece of glass!  There
probably wouldn't be a piece of glass siliconed to a piece of wood big
enough to see with the naked eye!!!

Now....will someone help me get my tongue out of my chubby cheek! <G>
*****-----
Dan F.
Secretary/MAS
Memphis, TN
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