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Questions regarding ATM
Hi!
I hope you dont mind me asking two questions, regarding amateur telescope making: 1. How... Ineffective or less good is a 6 incher from an 8 inch mirror? [6 Inch with a F/8 ratio, or 8 inch with a F/6 ratio, hence focal length isnt significant]. I am aware that there will be an effective magnification drop from 400x to 300x, but I am unsure as to how that may affect planetary observing? [I know that aperture is more important, but is say, 240x with some knocked off cos of seeing enough?] I know that brightness and light gathering will be less for DSO and planets, but how significant is this? [I.e. 6 inch vs. 8 inch, how much would I lose? Cos I was gonna make a 8'' but the cost seemed too high for me, so how sufficient is a 6''? ] I am also aware that light-gathering and brightness would be reduced in the 6 inch, but for a first telescope making attempt, is a 6 inch, f/8 too small or insignificant for observing of the cosmos? [Would one be able to see clouds on Jupiter [small, of course, not like Voyager! ] and Saturns ring(s)]? N.B. I am aware that DSO wont be in colour or like pics in books etc. cos of the human retina etc., just wondering how a planet would look like through a 6 incher]. 2. Secondly, I have heard folks comment [and the FAQ!] that making one's own mirror for cost isn't a good reason for small uns. Well, I did some comparisons, and found a 6 incher mirror would cost about 150 to buy, whilst to make it would cost: ~75 [incl. p+p], including 23 for aluminising + p/p, 23 for a mirror "kit" [pitch, grit etc.], and 33 for blank incl. p+p+, roughly] Well, putting aside labour costs, it seems there is a significant saving? [If I made an 8 inch one, it would be 40 more tho.] Have I missed something out significant here in the mirror making stuff? I know that I'm missing the Tool, but would one be able to make one cheaply at home? Any advice would be much appreciated. Thanks in advance. #MK. |
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