A hypothetical question. If you had to pick just one telescope to use for the rest of your life, what would it be? Explain your reasoning.
I'll play. I'd like perfect eyesight. Maybe a 10 or 12mm pupil diameter. And an equatorial joint system at my neck or waist. Barring that, I'd choose my first "real" telescope, my 10-inch homemade alt/az (or Dob, if you prefer). Top-notch f5.1 Parks mirror. I've found it to be perfect for me. Gives great high-powered images when I want and the portability factor is getting more and more important the older I get. I choose a manual "go-to" over electronic gizmos for simplicity and the pace and joys of star-hopping. Kim -----Original Message----- From: utah-astronomy-bounces@mailman.xmission.com [mailto:utah-astronomy-bounces@mailman.xmission.com] On Behalf Of Chuck Hards Sent: Thursday, February 02, 2012 5:20 PM To: Utah Astronomy Subject: [Utah-astronomy] Pick one and stick with it A hypothetical question. If you had to pick just one telescope to use for the rest of your life, what would it be? Explain your reasoning.
I always have said that my 8" refractor would be the last to go. Having said that, I have already sold the 22" and given my 6" away, but still have my 12.5" f8 and my 10" f10. Perhaps the order would be: 1. 8" refractor 2. 12.5" f8 dob 3. 10" f10 planetary newt The secondary on the 10" is only 7/8" minor axis, and it has a BK7 window in front ground parallel and flat. No spider. It gives great images, almost as good as a refractor. I am glad I don't have to choose. But then, none of my scopes gets used much.
I've always been jealous of your refractor, Brent. I think it was in that scope that I first identified the Gallilean moons by their respective brightness/size and color - something I've only been able to do a handful of times since. Kim -----Original Message----- From: utah-astronomy-bounces@mailman.xmission.com [mailto:utah-astronomy-bounces@mailman.xmission.com] On Behalf Of Brent Watson Sent: Friday, February 03, 2012 11:06 AM To: Utah Astronomy Subject: Re: [Utah-astronomy] Pick one and stick with it I always have said that my 8" refractor would be the last to go. Having said that, I have already sold the 22" and given my 6" away, but still have my 12.5" f8 and my 10" f10. Perhaps the order would be: 1. 8" refractor 2. 12.5" f8 dob 3. 10" f10 planetary newt The secondary on the 10" is only 7/8" minor axis, and it has a BK7 window in front ground parallel and flat. No spider. It gives great images, almost as good as a refractor. I am glad I don't have to choose. But then, none of my scopes gets used much.
It's pretty difficult to beat a refractor image. I built the 10" to attempt besting it. As Siegfried mentioned, the 9" beat it, but only subtly. Not to mix topics, but I purchased a 4.5 mm Nagler to use with the 10" I don't really like it because it has too many internal reflections. I believe a simpler design would perform better than the Nagler for that high power. 4.5 mm yields 542 power on the 10". ________________________________ From: Kim <kimharch@cut.net> To: 'Utah Astronomy' <utah-astronomy@mailman.xmission.com> Sent: Friday, February 3, 2012 2:26 PM Subject: Re: [Utah-astronomy] Pick one and stick with it I've always been jealous of your refractor, Brent. I think it was in that scope that I first identified the Gallilean moons by their respective brightness/size and color - something I've only been able to do a handful of times since. Kim -----Original Message----- From: utah-astronomy-bounces@mailman.xmission.com [mailto:utah-astronomy-bounces@mailman.xmission.com] On Behalf Of Brent Watson Sent: Friday, February 03, 2012 11:06 AM To: Utah Astronomy Subject: Re: [Utah-astronomy] Pick one and stick with it I always have said that my 8" refractor would be the last to go. Having said that, I have already sold the 22" and given my 6" away, but still have my 12.5" f8 and my 10" f10. Perhaps the order would be: 1. 8" refractor 2. 12.5" f8 dob 3. 10" f10 planetary newt The secondary on the 10" is only 7/8" minor axis, and it has a BK7 window in front ground parallel and flat. No spider. It gives great images, almost as good as a refractor. I am glad I don't have to choose. But then, none of my scopes gets used much. _______________________________________________ Utah-Astronomy mailing list http://mailman.xmission.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/utah-astronomy Send messages to the list to Utah-Astronomy@mailman.xmission.com The Utah-Astronomy mailing list is not affiliated with any astronomy club. To unsubscribe go to: http://mailman.xmission.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/utah-astronomy Then enter your email address in the space provided and click on "Unsubscribe or edit options".
" It gives great images, almost as good as a refractor." :) Wedge Overlook On Fri, Feb 3, 2012 at 11:05 AM, Brent Watson <brentjwatson@yahoo.com>wrote:
I always have said that my 8" refractor would be the last to go. Having said that, I have already sold the 22" and given my 6" away, but still have my 12.5" f8 and my 10" f10. Perhaps the order would be:
1. 8" refractor 2. 12.5" f8 dob 3. 10" f10 planetary newt
The secondary on the 10" is only 7/8" minor axis, and it has a BK7 window in front ground parallel and flat. No spider. It gives great images, almost as good as a refractor.
I am glad I don't have to choose. But then, none of my scopes gets used much. _______________________________________________ Utah-Astronomy mailing list http://mailman.xmission.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/utah-astronomy
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-- Siegfried
Getting old is the pits but I wouldn't have it any other way. 1. The 9" Clark 2. 160mm TEC 3. 14.25" newtonian I'll probably end up with the 160mm but still have access to the 9" ( I hope) Sig On Fri, Feb 3, 2012 at 5:58 PM, Siegfried Jachmann <siegfried@jachmann.org>wrote:
" It gives great images, almost as good as a refractor." :) Wedge Overlook
On Fri, Feb 3, 2012 at 11:05 AM, Brent Watson <brentjwatson@yahoo.com>wrote:
I always have said that my 8" refractor would be the last to go. Having said that, I have already sold the 22" and given my 6" away, but still have my 12.5" f8 and my 10" f10. Perhaps the order would be:
1. 8" refractor 2. 12.5" f8 dob 3. 10" f10 planetary newt
The secondary on the 10" is only 7/8" minor axis, and it has a BK7 window in front ground parallel and flat. No spider. It gives great images, almost as good as a refractor.
I am glad I don't have to choose. But then, none of my scopes gets used much. _______________________________________________ Utah-Astronomy mailing list http://mailman.xmission.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/utah-astronomy
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-- Siegfried
-- Siegfried
Got plans in mind for the 9", Ziggy? ;-) On Feb 3, 2012 6:03 PM, "Siegfried Jachmann" <siegfried@jachmann.org> wrote:
Getting old is the pits but I wouldn't have it any other way.
1. The 9" Clark 2. 160mm TEC 3. 14.25" newtonian
I'll probably end up with the 160mm but still have access to the 9" ( I hope)
Sig
On Fri, Feb 3, 2012 at 5:58 PM, Siegfried Jachmann <siegfried@jachmann.org>wrote:
" It gives great images, almost as good as a refractor." :) Wedge Overlook
On Fri, Feb 3, 2012 at 11:05 AM, Brent Watson <brentjwatson@yahoo.com wrote:
I always have said that my 8" refractor would be the last to go. Having said that, I have already sold the 22" and given my 6" away, but still have my 12.5" f8 and my 10" f10. Perhaps the order would be:
1. 8" refractor 2. 12.5" f8 dob 3. 10" f10 planetary newt
The secondary on the 10" is only 7/8" minor axis, and it has a BK7 window in front ground parallel and flat. No spider. It gives great images, almost as good as a refractor.
I am glad I don't have to choose. But then, none of my scopes gets used much. _______________________________________________ Utah-Astronomy mailing list http://mailman.xmission.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/utah-astronomy
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-- Siegfried
-- Siegfried _______________________________________________ Utah-Astronomy mailing list http://mailman.xmission.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/utah-astronomy
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It will be an inheritance. On Fri, Feb 3, 2012 at 6:19 PM, Chuck Hards <chuck.hards@gmail.com> wrote:
Got plans in mind for the 9", Ziggy? ;-) On Feb 3, 2012 6:03 PM, "Siegfried Jachmann" <siegfried@jachmann.org> wrote:
Getting old is the pits but I wouldn't have it any other way.
1. The 9" Clark 2. 160mm TEC 3. 14.25" newtonian
I'll probably end up with the 160mm but still have access to the 9" ( I hope)
Sig
On Fri, Feb 3, 2012 at 5:58 PM, Siegfried Jachmann <siegfried@jachmann.org>wrote:
" It gives great images, almost as good as a refractor." :) Wedge Overlook
On Fri, Feb 3, 2012 at 11:05 AM, Brent Watson <brentjwatson@yahoo.com wrote:
I always have said that my 8" refractor would be the last to go. Having said that, I have already sold the 22" and given my 6" away, but still have my 12.5" f8 and my 10" f10. Perhaps the order would be:
1. 8" refractor 2. 12.5" f8 dob 3. 10" f10 planetary newt
The secondary on the 10" is only 7/8" minor axis, and it has a BK7 window in front ground parallel and flat. No spider. It gives great images, almost as good as a refractor.
I am glad I don't have to choose. But then, none of my scopes gets used much. _______________________________________________ Utah-Astronomy mailing list http://mailman.xmission.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/utah-astronomy
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-- Siegfried
-- Siegfried _______________________________________________ Utah-Astronomy mailing list http://mailman.xmission.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/utah-astronomy
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-- Siegfried
So, like most of our stuff when we depart this earth, it's going on eBay. ;-) On Feb 3, 2012 10:50 PM, "Siegfried Jachmann" <siegfried@jachmann.org> wrote:
It will be an inheritance.
On Fri, Feb 3, 2012 at 6:19 PM, Chuck Hards <chuck.hards@gmail.com> wrote:
Got plans in mind for the 9", Ziggy? ;-) On Feb 3, 2012 6:03 PM, "Siegfried Jachmann" <siegfried@jachmann.org> wrote:
Getting old is the pits but I wouldn't have it any other way.
1. The 9" Clark 2. 160mm TEC 3. 14.25" newtonian
I'll probably end up with the 160mm but still have access to the 9" ( I hope)
Sig
On Fri, Feb 3, 2012 at 5:58 PM, Siegfried Jachmann <siegfried@jachmann.org>wrote:
" It gives great images, almost as good as a refractor." :) Wedge Overlook
On Fri, Feb 3, 2012 at 11:05 AM, Brent Watson < brentjwatson@yahoo.com wrote:
I always have said that my 8" refractor would be the last to go. Having said that, I have already sold the 22" and given my 6" away, but still have my 12.5" f8 and my 10" f10. Perhaps the order would be:
1. 8" refractor 2. 12.5" f8 dob 3. 10" f10 planetary newt
The secondary on the 10" is only 7/8" minor axis, and it has a BK7 window in front ground parallel and flat. No spider. It gives great images, almost as good as a refractor.
I am glad I don't have to choose. But then, none of my scopes gets used much. _______________________________________________ Utah-Astronomy mailing list http://mailman.xmission.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/utah-astronomy
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-- Siegfried
-- Siegfried _______________________________________________ Utah-Astronomy mailing list http://mailman.xmission.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/utah-astronomy
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That or to a yard sale, or out into the dumpster. ________________________________ From: Chuck Hards <chuck.hards@gmail.com> To: Utah Astronomy <utah-astronomy@mailman.xmission.com> Sent: Saturday, February 4, 2012 8:35 AM Subject: Re: [Utah-astronomy] Pick one and stick with it So, like most of our stuff when we depart this earth, it's going on eBay. ;-) On Feb 3, 2012 10:50 PM, "Siegfried Jachmann" <siegfried@jachmann.org> wrote:
It will be an inheritance.
On Fri, Feb 3, 2012 at 6:19 PM, Chuck Hards <chuck.hards@gmail.com> wrote:
Got plans in mind for the 9", Ziggy? ;-) On Feb 3, 2012 6:03 PM, "Siegfried Jachmann" <siegfried@jachmann.org> wrote:
Getting old is the pits but I wouldn't have it any other way.
1. The 9" Clark 2. 160mm TEC 3. 14.25" newtonian
I'll probably end up with the 160mm but still have access to the 9" ( I hope)
Sig
On Fri, Feb 3, 2012 at 5:58 PM, Siegfried Jachmann <siegfried@jachmann.org>wrote:
" It gives great images, almost as good as a refractor." :) Wedge Overlook
On Fri, Feb 3, 2012 at 11:05 AM, Brent Watson < brentjwatson@yahoo.com wrote:
I always have said that my 8" refractor would be the last to go. Having said that, I have already sold the 22" and given my 6" away, but still have my 12.5" f8 and my 10" f10. Perhaps the order would be:
1. 8" refractor 2. 12.5" f8 dob 3. 10" f10 planetary newt
The secondary on the 10" is only 7/8" minor axis, and it has a BK7 window in front ground parallel and flat. No spider. It gives great images, almost as good as a refractor.
I am glad I don't have to choose. But then, none of my scopes gets used much. _______________________________________________ Utah-Astronomy mailing list http://mailman.xmission.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/utah-astronomy
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-- Siegfried
-- Siegfried _______________________________________________ Utah-Astronomy mailing list http://mailman.xmission.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/utah-astronomy
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Just one? The James Webb. Dan On Feb 2, 2012, at 5:19 PM, Chuck Hards wrote:
A hypothetical question.
If you had to pick just one telescope to use for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Explain your reasoning. _______________________________________________ Utah-Astronomy mailing list http://mailman.xmission.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/utah-astronomy
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-- Daniel Holmes, danielh@holmesonics.com "Laugh while you can, monkey boy!" -- Lord John Whorfin
And how would you transport it? Just one? The James Webb.
Dan
On Feb 2, 2012, at 5:19 PM, Chuck Hards wrote:
A hypothetical question.
If you had to pick just one telescope to use for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Explain your reasoning. _______________________________________________ Utah-Astronomy mailing list http://mailman.xmission.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/utah-astronomy
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-- Daniel Holmes, danielh@holmesonics.com "Laugh while you can, monkey boy!" -- Lord John Whorfin
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That's the beauty of it. By stating that's the only scope I get to use, that presupposes that it's completely funded, launched and deployed successfully, that I have access to a complete ground control station, etc. Being an infra-red instrument doesn't bother me. I have mad Photoshop skillz. Gimme the data, I'll figure it out. Dan On Feb 3, 2012, at 10:05 AM, erikhansen@thebluezone.net wrote:
And how would you transport it?
Just one? The James Webb.
Dan
On Feb 2, 2012, at 5:19 PM, Chuck Hards wrote:
A hypothetical question.
If you had to pick just one telescope to use for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Explain your reasoning. _______________________________________________ Utah-Astronomy mailing list http://mailman.xmission.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/utah-astronomy
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-- Daniel Holmes, danielh@holmesonics.com "Laugh while you can, monkey boy!" -- Lord John Whorfin
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On Fri, Feb 3, 2012 at 9:42 AM, Daniel Holmes <danielh@holmesonics.com>wrote:
Just one? The James Webb.
LOL, it's primarily an ifra-red instrument, and I don't think it would even work in a non-zero-G environment. Too, I'm sure the image plane is huge in comparison to your pupil diameter. You could never use the full aperture visually.
Kim, a long time ago there was an article in S&T about what the human eye would be like if optimized for night-time use. The illustration was kinda creepy. If you get a huge pupil diameter, you need a larger diameter eyeball so that the retina can be appropriately curved to match it. I suppose the brain would have specialized image-processing abilities too, though.
Chuck, I remember that article. I wanted to send a letter to the editor with an observation: It doesn't make sense to optimize your optical system without also ensuring that the mounting system was stable enough. I would have suggested rigid legs, solidly anchored to the ground, and an equatorial hip joint. I thought a sketch to go with it would have been fun. Alas, I never got around to doing either. Kim -----Original Message----- Kim, a long time ago there was an article in S&T about what the human eye would be like if optimized for night-time use. The illustration was kinda creepy. If you get a huge pupil diameter, you need a larger diameter eyeball so that the retina can be appropriately curved to match it. I suppose the brain would have specialized image-processing abilities too, though.
I would go with my 10" Orion Dob. It is big enough to see galaxies and other deep space stuff. It does well at high power on planets and the Moon. It is light enough that I can handle it now and when I am older. It will fit in cars. I can sit while observing and I don't need a ladder. Thanks, Dave David Dunn Software Engineer Sr. SUPERVALU | Salt Lake Hardware Building 155 N. 400 W. 3rd Floor Salt Lake City, Utah 84103 Cell: 801.750.3198 | Home: 801.544.7705 | Office: 801.961.3253 david.dunn@supervalu.com -----Original Message----- From: utah-astronomy-bounces@mailman.xmission.com [mailto:utah-astronomy-bounces@mailman.xmission.com] On Behalf Of Chuck Hards Sent: Thursday, February 02, 2012 5:20 PM To: Utah Astronomy Subject: [Utah-astronomy] Pick one and stick with it A hypothetical question. If you had to pick just one telescope to use for the rest of your life, what would it be? Explain your reasoning. _______________________________________________ Utah-Astronomy mailing list http://mailman.xmission.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/utah-astronomy Send messages to the list to Utah-Astronomy@mailman.xmission.com The Utah-Astronomy mailing list is not affiliated with any astronomy club. To unsubscribe go to: http://mailman.xmission.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/utah-astronomy Then enter your email address in the space provided and click on "Unsubscribe or edit options".
See, now, Dave is going along with the spirit of the question. I tend to agree with him, although I may go for a 12.5" Newt if kept lightweight. You can get unobstructed off-axis views of reasonable aperture and longer f/ratio if you mask it; really such a scope would be two scopes in one. On Fri, Feb 3, 2012 at 10:16 AM, Dunn, David <David.Dunn@supervalu.com>wrote:
I would go with my 10" Orion Dob. It is big enough to see galaxies and other deep space stuff. It does well at high power on planets and the Moon. It is light enough that I can handle it now and when I am older. It will fit in cars. I can sit while observing and I don't need a ladder.
What, didn't you read everything that I wrote? I agree with Dave, for exactly the same reasons. I also opt for my 10-inch because it is just that much more portable. My 12.5-inch Cave is too heavy. I could put the Cave mirror in an alt-az, truss-tube system, but a truss-tube mount takes more time to put together. I can lift the 10-inch out of the car and be observing within 5 minutes of arriving at any site. How about eyepieces? Picking just one is tougher than picking a single telescope, but I would opt for a mid-range wide-field eyepiece. In my collection and for my 10-inch f5.1 scope, that would be my 18-point-something (I forget the fraction) Meade ultra-wide angle eyepiece. There might be better choices out there, but I already own this one. ;-) My Meade eyepieces are the only Meade products that I still use. The 18.?mm gives great magnified views of deep sky objects with good contrast, and I can attach my 1-1/4 OIII filter to it. Planetary and lunar views, while maybe not spectacular (a bit lower magnification than optimum when the seeing is good and some contrast problems on really bright objects) are still pretty good. All around it's a good eyepiece for most of my needs with that scope. Kim -----Original Message----- From: utah-astronomy-bounces@mailman.xmission.com [mailto:utah-astronomy-bounces@mailman.xmission.com] On Behalf Of Chuck Hards Sent: Friday, February 03, 2012 10:23 AM To: Utah Astronomy Subject: Re: [Utah-astronomy] Pick one and stick with it See, now, Dave is going along with the spirit of the question. I tend to agree with him, although I may go for a 12.5" Newt if kept lightweight. You can get unobstructed off-axis views of reasonable aperture and longer f/ratio if you mask it; really such a scope would be two scopes in one. On Fri, Feb 3, 2012 at 10:16 AM, Dunn, David <David.Dunn@supervalu.com>wrote:
I would go with my 10" Orion Dob. It is big enough to see galaxies and other deep space stuff. It does well at high power on planets and the Moon. It is light enough that I can handle it now and when I am older. It will fit in cars. I can sit while observing and I don't need a ladder.
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The solution is to mount the scope in an observatory. The only thing I would change is I would upgrade to a 6 or 7 inch apochromatic refractor, assuming I still live in a city. Refractors do need less up-keep.
The Grim seems like an ideal scope also, you do have to be realistic about what could be afforded. It does seem those with big scopes seem to eventually stop getting them out. See, now, Dave is going along with the spirit of the question.
I tend to agree with him, although I may go for a 12.5" Newt if kept lightweight. You can get unobstructed off-axis views of reasonable aperture and longer f/ratio if you mask it; really such a scope would be two scopes in one.
On Fri, Feb 3, 2012 at 10:16 AM, Dunn, David <David.Dunn@supervalu.com>wrote:
I would go with my 10" Orion Dob. It is big enough to see galaxies and other deep space stuff. It does well at high power on planets and the Moon. It is light enough that I can handle it now and when I am older. It will fit in cars. I can sit while observing and I don't need a ladder.
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On Fri, Feb 3, 2012 at 11:15 AM, <erikhansen@thebluezone.net> wrote:
The solution is to mount the scope in an observatory.
Erik, when I was young, I had the wild dream of buying a large UPS-type van and converting it into a "mobile observatory", with a roll-back roof and maybe a 14" Celestron. It was to have a pier that lowered through a trap door in the floor and rest on the ground, isolated from movements of the van and it's occupants. Then two things happened. First, John Dobson started his paradigm shift in large-aperture thinking, and then life and financial reality smacked me in the butt HARD, lol!
Ever meet the guy with the 16" ( I think) reflector mounted in a trailer? Similar to what Jerry Foote had (or still has?) but much larger.
On Fri, Feb 3, 2012 at 11:15 AM, <erikhansen@thebluezone.net> wrote:
The solution is to mount the scope in an observatory.
Erik, when I was young, I had the wild dream of buying a large UPS-type van and converting it into a "mobile observatory", with a roll-back roof and maybe a 14" Celestron. It was to have a pier that lowered through a trap door in the floor and rest on the ground, isolated from movements of the van and it's occupants.
Then two things happened. First, John Dobson started his paradigm shift in large-aperture thinking, and then life and financial reality smacked me in the butt HARD, lol! _______________________________________________ Utah-Astronomy mailing list http://mailman.xmission.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/utah-astronomy
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Fun topic... I'd have to go with my current 16" truss dob. With its lightweight design and build, it is not hard to move. Believe it or not, the most physically demanding thing about that telescope is taking out the back seat of our minivan so it can ride there. The 'scope itself is not too heavy and though it does take about 15 minutes to set up, that just gives the mirror time to start cooling down. As Chuck has already mentioned, off-axis masks are a great thing. I have one and sometimes use it with this 'scope. Having a relatively slow (for a dob) f-ratio of 5.5 gives me outstanding views of everything from the moon to tiny planetary nebulae. Yes, I need a ladder, but that is no problem for me. I made the scope myself, mirror included so I know the quality of it, and I would be happy with it for the rest of my time here on mother earth. Okay, now for the funny part... if anyone wants to buy the scope, it is for sale so that I can finance a 24" dob! :) If my plan works out, I will probably eventually downsize to a 16" or 18" again, but I'm still willing to haul a 24" around for now. Keep looking up! Mat -----Original Message----- From: utah-astronomy-bounces@mailman.xmission.com [mailto:utah-astronomy-bounces@mailman.xmission.com] On Behalf Of Chuck Hards Sent: Thursday, February 02, 2012 7:20 PM To: Utah Astronomy Subject: [Utah-astronomy] Pick one and stick with it A hypothetical question. If you had to pick just one telescope to use for the rest of your life, what would it be? Explain your reasoning. _______________________________________________ Utah-Astronomy mailing list http://mailman.xmission.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/utah-astronomy Send messages to the list to Utah-Astronomy@mailman.xmission.com The Utah-Astronomy mailing list is not affiliated with any astronomy club. To unsubscribe go to: http://mailman.xmission.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/utah-astronomy Then enter your email address in the space provided and click on "Unsubscribe or edit options". ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- This message and any included attachments are from Siemens Medical Solutions and are intended only for the addressee(s). The information contained herein may include trade secrets or privileged or otherwise confidential information. Unauthorized review, forwarding, printing, copying, distributing, or using such information is strictly prohibited and may be unlawful. If you received this message in error, or have reason to believe you are not authorized to receive it, please promptly delete this message and notify the sender by e-mail with a copy to Central.SecurityOffice.Healthcare@siemens.com Thank you
On Fri, Feb 3, 2012 at 3:24 PM, Hutchings, Mat (H USA) < mat.hutchings@siemens.com> wrote:
Having a relatively slow (for a dob) f-ratio of 5.5 gives me outstanding views of everything from the moon to tiny planetary nebulae.
I remember Vaughn Parsons telling me once that he thought f/5.5 was just about the best f-ratio for largish mirrors. It's an excellent compromise between keeping the overall tube length manageable, yet not so short that it results in ridiculous amounts of coma in low-powered views. IMO, it's not particularly slow for 16 to 20 inch mirrors. The ladder is still on the short side. I think you nailed the optimum f-ratio for a 16-inch, Mat.
participants (9)
-
Brent Watson -
Chuck Hards -
Daniel Holmes -
Dunn, David -
erikhansen＠thebluezone.net -
Hutchings, Mat (H USA) -
Joe Bauman -
Kim -
Siegfried Jachmann