Mars Scope

I'm considering buying or building a scope for mars. I figure since this is the closest it will be in my lifetime why not enjoy it with the best scope possible. Right now I'm considering three scopes.

1.)Televue 102
2.)D&G 6" f/15
3.)6-8" f/9 or so dob

I figured I'd ask you experienced planetary observers which would be the best choice? Remember this scope is only going to be used for viewing mars. I live in the midwest so I don't get many really steady nights. I look forward to hearing your opinions. Also if you have any other suggestions I would love to hear them. Thanks in advance.

Rick Riley

PS. Money really doesn't matter, I'll probably be selling this scope after mars is gone so I won't be loosing that much money.

Steve,

LOL yeah I'd love to make that offer with someone about a TV 102, as long as I paid the couple hundred for the scope! The reason I discounted a 12" SCT was my general dislike for them. I used one a couple of times and just didn't like it at all. It was a hastle to set-up and use. I also have never really heard anything about SCT's being good for planetary work. I've always heard APO's and long focus refractors or newts are best for planetary work. If this isn't the case I may consider a SCT but I really doubt I would buy one.

Rick Riley

Rick,

A Starmaster 11"-14.5" ELT would be my choice, but I live in Florida. If you plan to view from the midwest, Mars will be pretty close to the horizon for a large aperture Dob unless you have some very steady nights. An APO in the 5-6" range would be my choice in your parts. (for planetary, there is a jump from 4-5") The TEC 140 would be my best bet. For a compound scope I would take the Tak 250 Mewlon. While many would disagree, I think it would give refractor-like images, have a faster cool-down than a MN or MCT, lighter and not subject to dewing up. Even though the TECs are killer, so I've been told, the weight and cool down is getting up there for my tastes. But on an APO or Mewlon or TEC, you run into the additional cost of a mount. Hence, I would go with the a SM ELT 11" or 12.5" with tracking if you can afford it and take a trip to the southern latitudes...you said money was no object!

Have Fun and Good Luck!
Owen

(FYI, I'm using a TMB 100/800 and a Mewlon 210 dual mounted on a Giro)

If your local seeing is problematical for a big dob then I would recommend a 6" apo (if you can get one) or a 7" Mak-Newt (like an MN-76). Also consider the DGM 6.5" off-axis newtonian. It is supposedly refractor-like in the images it delivers.

I've also seen some spectacular planetary pics from the C 9.25. Some SCTs are less than ideal for planetary viewing...even when cooled and carefully collimated... but others can be fine instruments.