My initial plans were to purchase the orion 8" dob, with a 2x barlow, telrad, and the computer. Total cost about $800.

I just got off the phone with the scope shop. I do not want to become dependant on the computer, so I had not planned on using it until I had Identified at least 100 Messier Objects on my own.

Here is the dilemma. The guy as the shop said, that If I wasn't going to use the computer right off the bat, don't get it yet, and move up to the 10" dob, get the computer later. The 10" without the computer is about the same price as the 8" with the computer

I am on a plan to save $100/month until I have enough, I plenty of time to be tortured by this.

Oh The pain of decision. Any advice?

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Eagle Eye Observatory

Will the 10 inch fit in your vehicle?

How far will you carry it?

A 10 inch dob will provide very nice views. I think of it as the largest of the small telescopes. A 12 inch dob is then the smallest of the large telescopes.

The "hotrodders" say "there's no substitute for cubic inches". Substitute "square inches" and you have the astronomical equivalent.
The 10" has over 1 1/2 times the light gathering power and 1 1/4 times the resolving power. You can always add the computer later.

PS 100 Messier objects is a little steep, there's only 110 of them. 20 or 25 would be a good start.

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T. Anderson

oh yeah, I'll fit, I have a van. Here is my issue.

My personal Goal as I have said is to locate at least 100 Messier Objects manually. Now, My wife is also interested in astronomy as are my kids. They may want to make use of the computer.

Now, the 10" comes wired for the computer and the computer is $150. I think that would be a good personal reward for locating the objects, and its sooo much easier to ask for forgiveness than permission (wife wise that is). Additionally, I have been told that If I can locate at least 100 of the 110 without a computer, I might not NEED a computer to find other things I may want to observe.

/edit
I purchased the book Messier Marathon, and as I figure it will take about 8 months to save for the scope, I am going to use that time to learn the sky inside and out. I think (optimistically) that by time I get the scope I could concievably locate 5 per night. Yes it is a steep goal, and I realize that. But it's not unreasonable. I am patient and I think I will value the experience more than the goal.

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Eagle Eye Observatory

In that case, I would suggest the 10". Star-hopping is far more satisfying than relying on a computer (provided you have the time during your observing run), and there is a noticeable difference between the 8" & the 10". If you can carry it and it fits in your car, go the aperture everytime!

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As Kaptain K said, there is no substitute for square inches. I would also recommend the 10 inch, if both scopes are of the same quality and make.

yep, right now its a choice between an orion 8" and the orion 10", I am leaning HEAVILY toward the 10 inch. I have a van so portabulity won't be a problem. The 10" is already wired for the computer, it's just that the computer unit is an additional $150.

As I said I wish to locate at least 100 Mo's and keep detailed documents as to how I did it and how long it takes me to find it each object.

I have a fairly detailed plan on how I am going to develop my amature astronomer skills, and the computer doesn't fit into those plans until much latee. I do not want to be crippled by relying on the computer. I want the computer to be a luxury, not a neccessity. So in the future, I can use it to take friends on a tour, so to speak.

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Eagle Eye Observatory

The astronomical league also has a binocular Messier list. You can find quite a few of them with just bino's.

Just an idea while you are awaiting your scope.

If you're looking for deep-sky objects, the extra 2 inches of aperture will really help.

... as long as your skies are dark enough to make use of them.

I live less than an hour away from the darkest skies you can imagine
Central Texas, there's one park in particular on the top of a hill in the middle of a flood plain. I used to hang out there when I was younger.

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Eagle Eye Observatory

Enchanted rock?

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Any day you wake up on "the right side of the dirt" is a good day.

T. Anderson

I assume you are reffering to the Orion IntelliScopes. There is no rule saying that you must use the computer..in fact the IntelliScope works just fine without one. You can always get one later on down the road.

Not Enchanted Rock, but a very similar, Lesser known park. Enchanted Rock if about 40 miles south of this particular area. If you are familier with Central Texas and the Colorado river and various dams and lakes in the area, this one would be closer to Inks Lake, but Not in Inks Lake state park.

Besides, Who would want to Haul a 10" dob up enchanted rock?

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The More I learn, The More Ignorant I Become

Eagle Eye Observatory

skrap, ya need to trundle yer tuchus down to the local bookstore and pick up a copy of the May issue of Sky & Telescope. Not only is there a nice article by Our Esteemed Host (and I've referenced the sources mentioned in it already on the web tonite...good stuff), there's a quickie evaluation of TEN ten inch Dobs. Perfect material for you to drool over and start your search from...and there's a VERY comprehensive in-depth review of a 10-inch Dob from Hardin Optical. That price is exxxxxxxxxxtremely interesting....

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