Stargazing Schmidt-Cassegrain Telescope Image Quality - Karl's Questions

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the quality and capabilities of a Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope priced at 1,999 euros, likely a 203 mm model from Meade or Celestron. Users confirm that with a minimum aperture of 4.5 inches, one can observe significant details such as Jupiter's Great Red Spot and Saturn's rings. However, the telescope's high focal ratio (f/10) limits its field of view, making it less suitable for wide-field observations like the Andromeda Galaxy. Overall, the telescope is deemed a good choice for planetary viewing and basic deep-sky observations.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope design
  • Familiarity with telescope aperture and its impact on image quality
  • Knowledge of focal ratios and their effect on field of view
  • Basic concepts of astronomical observation techniques
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the differences between Meade and Celestron Schmidt-Cassegrain telescopes
  • Learn about telescope eyepieces and their impact on magnification and field of view
  • Explore the benefits of using binoculars for astronomical observations
  • Investigate the use of diffraction gratings in spectroscopy for analyzing astronomical gases
USEFUL FOR

Astronomy enthusiasts, aspiring astrophysicists, and anyone interested in purchasing a Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope for planetary and deep-sky observations.

  • #31
Artman said:
One last option that has not been mentioned is the possibility of building your own. Very rewarding, you can get a lot of aperture for the money, and decent mirrors and other components are available commercially for a reasonable price. This option doesn't sound quite right for you, but I just thought I should bring it up. :smile: Actually, a Newtonian scope on an equatorial mount might work for your needs and is easily built by amateur scope makers. Just something else to think about.

Have any good resources (book names or URLs) for building a telescope?
 
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  • #32
The general name for it is "amateur telescope making," sometimes abbreviated ATM. There are many yahoo groups and websites dedicated to it -- just do a little googling. You can also find lots of great ideas in back-issues of Sky & Telescope magazine, www.skypub.com[/url]. A company called Willmann-Bell, [url]www.willbell.com[/URL], sells a lot of books for amateur telescope making.

- Warren
 
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  • #33
Artman said:
One last option that has not been mentioned is the possibility of building your own. Very rewarding, you can get a lot of aperture for the money, and decent mirrors and other components are available commercially for a reasonable price. This option doesn't sound quite right for you, but I just thought I should bring it up. :smile: Actually, a Newtonian scope on an equatorial mount might work for your needs and is easily built by amateur scope makers. Just something else to think about.



Yea that would be a good idea to build one just to see how it works and find out how good it is, but id still be buying one.
 
  • #34
singleton said:
Have any good resources (book names or URLs) for building a telescope?

Chroot's response was right on the money.

I have a couple of sites to add

Telescope planner

http://members.aol.com/sfsidewalk/cdobplans.htm

Orion Mirrors

Good place for ready made mirrors.

It's a fun hobby, I've built 5 telescopes so far.
 
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