Globular Clusters And Telescopes?

[Refractordude]

What is the best telescope for globular clusters? Thanks to you all.

[Bigzmey]

This is the case when aperture rules, the more the better. I would pick a large size (>8") SCT or DOB.

[notFritzArgelander]

This is the case when aperture rules, the more the better. I would pick a large size (>8") SCT or DOB.

What he said!

I start to get happy with globs at 8" of aperture. My Z12 is quite nice on them!! However one of the most stunning visual astronomy experiences I had was with a 1 meter RC at 600x. There was enough light that the red giant stars were indeed RED and the blue horizontal branch stars were a bluish white. Type of scope doesn't matter only aperture does.

[Bigzmey]

Don't get me wrong. Brighter globs are very rewarding targets and look nice even in 10x50 binos.

But if you have a chance to look at them through several scopes side-by-side the difference is quite clear. Unresolved cotton ball in smaller scopes becomes a giant swarm of stars, resolved to the core. This is were I take larger SCT/DOB over smaller premium APO refractor any day (or night).

[Refractordude]

Thinking this is what I need.

[Bigzmey]

I have a strong bias towards refractors. I don't see any reason to own anything other than fracs up to 6", but above 6" due to weight and cost one have to switch to reflectors, which your pic illustrates quite clearly.

[avid.astronomer]

I guess if you want to stick to refractors, but want a lot of aperture and don't have a station wagon handy to haul it, you can go with a refractor array, similar to Project Dragonfly.

[pakarinen]

However one of the most stunning visual astronomy experiences I had was with a 1 meter RC at 600x.

Hmmm. Methinks somebody co-opted the 1-m at LARC...

[pakarinen]

Thinking this is what I need.

Why would you want an old Volvo?

[notFritzArgelander]

However one of the most stunning visual astronomy experiences I had was with a 1 meter RC at 600x.

Hmmm. Methinks somebody co-opted the 1-m at LARC...

I was asked to perform observations that evening by Hynek. He had a social function and so did other more senior students. So I was it. The image intensifying eyepiece that showed green phosphors was, by my great good fortune, OFF the Cassegrain spectrograph. A regular eyepiece was in place. So in between taking spectra of the designated research target according to the required schedule I took breaks looking at pretty things, It was the most satisfactory visual astronomy experience I had. M13, M57 and Saturn in the intervals. Talk about color saturation!