[AZ-Observing] Re: Encke minima/gap, was Re: Observing the weekend of Jan 2-5, 2003

From: "Kerry Weatherford" <ancient_light@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
To: az-observing@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Date: Tue, 31 Dec 2002 13:18:31 -0800

Jack,

Good point - when I responded to this thread yesterday I was questioning which
feature was being addressed, as I saw both Minima & Gap in the postings.

As I stated before, I've seen the Minima in my 92mm Stowaway at 300x, and even
then it wasn't really a steady hold.  If seeing would have been better it
might have been held at all times.  

So I agree with Jack that there's no way to see the Gap with a scope that
small.  Frank K., maybe you could :-), but my eyes aren't as good as yours! 
I'm going to try this week to observe the Gap with my 14.5" SM, as I've never
been able to glimpse it in that scope yet.  Conditions are not usually good
enough when I get out, but hopefully I'll come away successful this time.

Happy New Year to everyone!

-Kerry Weatherford

On Tue, 31 Dec 2002 13:43:03 -0700 Jack Jones <spicastar@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
wrote:

> 
> The Encke what? The Encke minimum or the Encke
> Gap? Many mistake the two
> and think they have seen the gap when in fact
> they haven't, just the
> contrast effect in the A ring or a transitory
> seeing effect at the outer
> edge. A minimum 2-3" is needed to see the
> Cassini so I don't think a 3"
> will ever see the Encke Gap no matter how
> steady the seeing. You need a
> 6" at the very least to even hope, assuming
> every thing else is perfect,
> including the scope. The gap also varies in
> width so there's another
> variable. The rings are wide open, so now's the
> time to do it.
> 
> Jack
> 
> >
> > I have seen the Encke minima twice in my
> Synta 120 mm
> > f8.3 refractor. The first time was about a
> year ago from
> cut>
> > How small a scope can resolve the Encke? I
> imagine a 3" APO/ED
> > could do it on a great night in the hands of
> a skilled observer . . .
> >
> > Matt
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[AZ-Observing] Re: Encke minima/gap, was Re: Observing the weekend of Jan 2-5, 2003

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