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Need help on Celestron 9.25 SCT

Started by Mark Van Tiem, 03/03/2003 06:46PM
Posted 03/03/2003 06:46PM Opening Post
I have been thinking of purchasing the C 9.25 SCT I read the review on Cloudy Nights for the C9.25 SCT. The part that is holding me back from purchasing a C9.25 is the statement that the auther made (But on soso nights I don't bother with the C9.25 at all as the 120mm blows it out of the water).Now my qustion is what kind or performace will the C9.25 do on the average night? I would appreciate any input you have.
I live Just outside of Milwaukee WI my skys are at best Mag 4 and must of the time they are Mag 2. I would like to use the C9.25 mostly form my backyard.
Mark Van Tiem




Posted 03/03/2003 08:11PM #1
I think this question can't really be answered without
knowing more about where you live, and what kind of
observing you do.

For spotting faint galaxies and nebula, the
9.25" is always going to win against a 5" scope.

For planetary detail, the C9.25 will win big
on the best nights and reward you with unbelievable
detail, and the 5" won't even be close. On
really bad nights the 5" will look sharper
and more steady and might even show more detail.

There are 2 relevant problems with the C9.25.

(1) It is 9.25" in aperture. Nights where the
air is steady enough to make best use of that
aperture for planets are going to be rare, unless
you live somewhere like Florida. This would apply
to any scope of that size or larger.

(2) It is a closed SCT, which means its going to
take a while to cool. Mine sometimes takes
a couple hours to fully stabilize. A plain-old
open tube Newt will cool maybe 2 - 3 times faster.
In this sense, the C9.25 has some disadvantage,
though after-market accessory fans can be added
to help.
Posted 03/03/2003 08:24PM #2
Does anyone have a link to some Astrophotography taken through a 9.25? I just orderd a one myself, and would love to see a few picture of planets etc.
John in Cleveland.