From: hermit 
To: MATTHEW SIMMONS 
CC: atm{at}shore.net
Reply-To: hermit 


MATTHEW SIMMONS wrote:
>
> Scott-
>
>   I thought it seemed small! However, and forgive my ignorance, I don't
> quite understand how the fully illuminated field of view is different. My
> understanding of this whole idea is that the primary mirror reflects all of
> the light that it gathers in a cone shaped beam of light that converges(sp)
> to a single point of light, equal in height to the focal length of the
> mirror.

If it were a 'single point' you would no longer have an ant fryer.  You
would be able to weld! Or more!  But in truth when you catch an image with
your mirror and reflect it, it you can see the image.  You  are confusing
those 'helplful' diagrams with reality. ;-)  Play around reflecting some
real world images onto surfaces.  That may help get you thinking more along
practical lines.

Ken

--- BBBS/NT v4.00 MP