[mental4astro (Alexander)]

A larger aperture with a fast f/ratio won't help you. It will actually make things worse.

While looking into a scope is nice, the only alternative you have for live viewing is with a video camera. Not only will it show mag 10, but fainter too in the CBD with the 16". It will also overcome the problem that most novices don't know how to look into an eyepiece, & are also expecting to see things as they do in photographs. Even if you could see a mag 10 object in your scope, the image will be very, very faint, washed out & overwhelmingly underwhelming to novice eyes.

I'm speaking from experience here. I help out at frequent star parties at Randwick Girls' High, & the only way a galaxy is visible to their inexperienced eyes is with a video camera. Even using my 17.5", unless you know what to look for, you just won't see anything.

I use a video camera on my 30 year old C8, & not only can I see colour in Eta Carina, but I've also managed mag12 globular clusters in the LMC, all from Ranrwick.

It's not cheating - it is really the only way to overcome your problem of light pollution. Plus, it doesn't depend on a moonless night, the room doesn't need to be in the dark ( boon for insurance) and a whole room can view at the same time. As the scope slews, you see this on the screen. As air currents influence seeing you see this too. And it overcomes the issue of novices not being able to see things at the eyepiece.

You will also be able to increase the numbers of people who can view "through" the telescope to just about 100% as those who have mobility problems won't be left out because they can't see into the eyepiece.

Again, it's not cheating. It's using the right tools to overcome an insurmountable problem that will only get worse. The video camera will be able to be productive even after a 20" scope has been rendered useless from light pollution with just the 16" still being used. This aspect of not needing to get a more expensive scope with a short working life should appeal. The existing infrustructure remains, thus avoiding any expensive upgrade or costly down time - it will be functional straight away.

I'd be happy to bring my camera to give you a demo on the 16". This is the only way that you will see how effective it is. Just drop me a PM. All that's needed is a power point. There is now also a transmitter that connects to the camera to make the whole thing wireless for you.

Visual astronomy is no longer an option with DSO's for you. But a video camera will overcome this for a longer time than any bigger scope can do for you, and will open astronomy to a wider audience leaving more $$$ in your tills.

Alex.