On Thu, 23 Sep 2004 20:06:53 -0400, Bill Meyers
wrote:

What in your opinion or experience is the minimum aperture necessary
for satisfying views of globular clusters and galaxies?

Hmm . . . you did specify *minimum* didn't you? When asked in that
manner my reply would be:

The smallest telescope I happen to own -- 80mm. I find satisfaction
in finding and identifying objects with small telescopes. Any visible
details that might greet me from within an object would be looked upon
as 'icing on the cake'.

As long as a person doesn't have unrealistic expectations for what
they ought to see with a given instrument they ought to be able to
find the views satisfying. It shouldn't matter if they're using 8x42
binoculars or a major observatory telescope.

Sketcher
To sketch is to see.