Video astronomy could be a good adjunct to eyepiece use. The views are just as instant, far more satisfying and available to those with vision problems.
Quote:
Originally Posted by GOTO
Hello everyone,
Geoff from Sydney Observatory here. We presently use a 16inch Meade LX200 for our public tours. It is purely for visual use. We are looking for a larger replacement but there are a few issues:
1. We don't want a German fork mount because of counterweight arm risks, ie head-butting the weights in the darkened dome. So a fork mount is preferable.
2. We can't have a Newtonian due to the height of the eyepiece.
3. It can't be a custom made one off.
4. We want a turn key solution.
So, the only option so far, other than a new 16inch, looks like a 17-20inch Planewave on a Mathis Instrument mount. Yes we know these are imaging telescopes. Despite the short focal length and huge secondary we haven't found anything else with the eyepiece in the right position, a big aperture and on a fork mount.
However one significant issue. We haven't been able to LOOK through one yet! Does anyone here have access to a large Planewave that would be willing to let our management team LOOK through it please? We are willing to travel anywhere and would appreciate your help. You can contact me here or via email at geoffw@phm.gov.au
Conversely, if anyone has a brilliant different approach please don't be shy but remember we need the bigger aperture to try and get down to the bottom of Mag 10 from Sydney's CBD, it must be visual and we don't want to use a ladder.
Kind regards and thanks for your help.
Geoff |