Re: ATM Absolute Beginner

[Ari <Ari@birmingham-us.crosswinds.net>]

Dan Brown wrote:
>         I'd think that storing the scope outdoors is suboptimal, because it'd
> get dirty, and probably wet.  A better idea might be to build a scope
> which can easily be moved outdoors; this is quite possible, and doesn't
> greatly limit the size of the scope.

In the December issue of Sky and Telescope, Larry (who's on this group,
I believe) wrote an article on his scope. All he uses to cover it is a
tarp. Not having to parabolize and having better images (smaller
diagonal) might outweigh the disadvantages of an outside scope. Besides,
consider the advantages of an exterior scope: always at equilibrium, no
set up time, etc.

Congratulations, Larry, kewl scope <drool>.

-- 
Ari Friedman
There's light at the end of the Sonotube.
http://www.mtnbrook.k12.al.us/MBJH/student/ari