[AZ-Observing] Re: Refractor Comparison

At 13:46 -0700 9/16/04, Brian Skiff wrote:
>>>   ...but most deep sky objects are seen best at low power where
>>>   tracking is not critical.
>
>      This is not a universally held opinion.  The "typical" deep-sky
>object (beyond the showpieces) are about twice the size of Jupiter,
>so obviously you end up using fairly high power, equivalent to a
>1.5 to 1mm exit pupil on whatever telescope is in use (smaller for
>small telescopes, larger (maybe 2mm) for larger telescopes).
>
>\Brian

While I agree with Brian, most objects seen at star parties, at least 
public star parties, are the showpieces. M57 is certainly an example 
of where high power is needed, but most of the M objects can be seen 
nicely with low power.  And yes, sometimes even the showpieces 
sparkle at higher power.

My point was an unguided DOB is very cost effective for visual 
observing of deep sky objects and tracking is not normally a worry 
because most of the time, low power eyepieces will be used.

By contrast a smaller fast refractor with tracking will not usually 
be as satisfying for deep sky objects as the larger DOB reflector.

As I mentioned, I love my refractors (60 mm, 102 mm and 152 mm) and 
use them exclusively for solar system and double stars observing. I 
have lugged them to dark sky areas, but was disappointed. My 13.1" 
DOB really shines at the dark sky star parties and even the brighter 
public star parties when looking at the moon.

Back to Stan's dilemma, I think if he want to attend events where 
solar system objects or double stars re view, a refractor will be 
great. If he wants to use the telescope at dark sky star parties, a 
larger DOB would be a better choice.

Jeff
-- 
Jeff Hopkins
HPO SOFT
http://www.hposoft.com/Astro/astro.html

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