Will scratch on primary affect performance?

Hello everyone. I just noticed today that I have a very small 1.5" hairline scratch on the outer edge of my primary mirror. Is that going to degrade performance? I don't think so, as the scratch itself is thin, and not very long but I figure I'd ask the pro's first.

Thanks and clear skies,

James

No, you will see no difference in performance. Most mirrors have a few sleeks (fine scratches) and most coating have a number of small pinholes.

No. I mean, theoretically it will scatter a little light and cause diffraction damage about like so much dust, but the level of damage here is too small to see. With several dozen of those on a mirror I'd probably have it recoated, but just a few can wait until the next recoating some years down the road.
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Mike

That is an excellent way to put it Bill. Thanks, you have set my mind at ease.