For the past couple of years, I've been asking on several list whether the Cassini Division can be resolved (i.e. as gap and not just detected as black "line") with a 4-inch refractor. Most answers were no and general concluded that a 5-inch and definitely 6-inch aperture would resolve the Division. But I felt disappointed that there were no answers with objective measurement.
I'm anxiously looking for the Nov. 14/15 occulation of the two stars by Saturn. Though lacking the experience, I'm making the following newbie hypothesis. With careful timings and scrutiny, as the star passes behind Saturn's ring and cross the Cassini Division, what if the star could be seen in the Cassini Division or perhaps if the black division is blotted by turning white/yellow from the airy disk of the star? Then it would prove beyond all doubt that the Cassini Division can be *resolved* by 4-inch (10.2cm) aperture, wouldn't you say? (Sort of a borrowed trick by the large aperture detecting the F ring?)
What do you guys think?
Thanks for your expert opinions,
Ron B[ee]
I'm anxiously looking for the Nov. 14/15 occulation of the two stars by Saturn. Though lacking the experience, I'm making the following newbie hypothesis. With careful timings and scrutiny, as the star passes behind Saturn's ring and cross the Cassini Division, what if the star could be seen in the Cassini Division or perhaps if the black division is blotted by turning white/yellow from the airy disk of the star? Then it would prove beyond all doubt that the Cassini Division can be *resolved* by 4-inch (10.2cm) aperture, wouldn't you say? (Sort of a borrowed trick by the large aperture detecting the F ring?)
What do you guys think?
Thanks for your expert opinions,
Ron B[ee]
