What can I expect to see with a 6inch mirror?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the expectations and capabilities of a 6-inch mirror reflector telescope for astrophotography, particularly in comparison to a smaller 3-inch lens refractor. Participants explore the implications of light gathering and resolution in relation to atmospheric conditions.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses hope for improved astrophotography with a 6-inch mirror telescope compared to a 3-inch refractor, questioning if the resolution will be twice as good.
  • Another participant notes that while the 6-inch telescope collects four times the light, the resolution does not necessarily increase by a factor of two, highlighting the relevance of atmospheric conditions.
  • A follow-up question seeks clarification on whether the increase in light gathering would correspond to a fourfold increase in resolution, assuming consistent conditions.
  • A response clarifies that achieving a factor of two improvement in resolution requires a factor of four increase in light, and emphasizes that atmospheric conditions may prevent reaching theoretical improvements in image quality.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the relationship between light gathering and resolution, with differing views on how atmospheric conditions affect these factors.

Contextual Notes

Participants discuss assumptions regarding atmospheric conditions and the theoretical limits of resolution, which remain unresolved.

kolleamm
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I purchased a 6 inch mirror reflector telescope with GPS tracking, and hoping to do some astrophotography.

I previously had a 3in lens refractor. Will the resolution be twice as good?
 
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Seeing will become (more) relevant, depending on atmospheric conditions. You collect four times the light, but resolution does not have to go up by a factor 2.
 
mfb said:
Seeing will become (more) relevant, depending on atmospheric conditions. You collect four times the light, but resolution does not have to go up by a factor 2.
So if it would be 4x the light gathering then the resolution would be 4x right? Assuming conditions/distances of planets are the same.

Thanks
 
kolleamm said:
So if it would be 4x the light gathering then the resolution would be 4x right?
No, a factor 2 in resolution (in both axes) at the same light per pixel already needs a factor 4 more light. Without the atmosphere, you could get the same image quality with a 2 times better resolution (4 times the number of pixels). With the atmosphere, you probably won't reach that theoretical improvement.
 
Okay makes sense thanks a lot for the help :D
 

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