Re: [ATM] RC Multiple primaries and a single seconday

["Scott Ewart" <scotte@frontiernet.net>]

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Jerry Reddell" <jerry.p.reddell63@sbcglobal.net>
To: <atm@atmlist.net>
Sent: Saturday, September 16, 2006 12:26 PM
Subject: Re: [ATM] RC Multiple primaries and a single seconday



| One could possibly take several mirror blanks, fasten them with 
plaster(?)
| into the final desire configuration/layout and then grind, polish, 
and
| figure them as a group.  I guess this could be less expensive as far 
as the
| cost of the blanks versus a single large blank.  It still has some
| additional complexities and possible distortions.
|
| Jerry Reddell
|
|
    The above is the only way I can think of that might make this 
work.  We hear all the time about multiple-mirror telescopes, but I 
think it might be easy to forget what it takes.  Don't forget that all 
mirrors must be aligned with sub-arcsecond precision and focused 
in-phase, AND able to maintain it in any part of the sky.
    I don't think even plaster can do this.  You're better off just 
making one mirror.

Scott


_______________________________________________
ATM mailing list http://www.atmlist.net/