From: "CSC" 
To: "Atm" 
Reply-To: "CSC" 



Your impulse to collimate is right on.  F/5 requires critical and tight
tolerances, though a spherical primary might be less fussy. You should get
superb images, as 6" is less susceptible to atmospheric disturbances. 
You are probably dealing with a 25% obstruction which is partly to blame
for some loss of contrast.  No matter, collimate, and let the scope cool
well before observing and mars will be memorable.

If you're a planet type, then a 6" long focus flex mirror is the way to go.

colin
-----Original Message-----
From: owner-atm{at}shore.net [mailto:owner-atm{at}shore.net]On Behalf Of Byron
Ader
Sent: Tuesday, August 05, 2003 10:51 AM To: atm{at}shore.net
Subject: ATM Mars



In talking to a local Astronomer in my Astronomical Society, I have found
out that my Meade is not performing where it needs to reveal planetary
detail on Mars.  At best I can see patches of gray in it's center.  I need
to collimate my scope, that is evident by star testing it.  I hope this
will allow me to see better detail on both Mars and Jupiter.  I have a
6" F5 Schmidt-Newtonian.  So, with this size and type of scope, should
I get crystal clear images of planets?

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