Quote:
Originally Posted by ausastronomer
Hi Rod,
Just reporting in from downtown Coonabarabran where we are keeping the 40 Texans amused, by giving them glimpses of southern skies targets, through sucker holes. We got lucky on Monday night with an excellent nights observing, where we did an "allnighter", otherwise it has been pretty cloudy. Peter Read arrived in Coona on Sunday arvo with John Trudgen and his new 20"/F5 (SDM #11). It is a lovely scope. Peter parked it next to my 18" Obsession and Andrew Murrell's 25" Obsession. While we didn't get to use it too much on Sunday Night, several of us gave it a good "shakedown" on Monday night. Our good friend from Texas, Van Robinson, who owns several Starmasters up to 22" fitted with a variety of mirrors from John Hall (Pegasus Optics) and Carl Zambuto, was also highly impressed with SDM #11. Both, in terms of looking at and through it. SDM #11's OMI mirror is outstanding. As Mark Suchting indicated, don't worry about the Strehl numbers, just go and enjoy the views. The 4 3RF 18" Obsessions and the 20" of John Trudgens all have OMI mirrors and they are all excellent. I wouldn't be too worried about any astigmatism in the mirror, your problem is going to be convincing Nina to let you play with your toy as and when required 
CS-John B |
Great to hear from you John! I am glad you have had at least one night's good observing. What do 40 Texans do in Coona when the weather is foul??
Glad to hear that Peter Read's handiwork (in concert with OMI) has made an impression. I wonder how many orders have been placed for SDM scopes? I dare say Peter would have a captive audience with money to spend!
Hope you get some decent weather before the week is over. And drive home safely, buddy.