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<BR>All,<BR>
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Did anyone read those old "Deep-Sky Wonders" by Walter Scott Houston in the 60's and up? If so, you may remember that he used a very old Alvin Clark 4-inch f/15 refractor for most of his observations, at least for his last 30 years. When he was much younger and living in Kansas he ground a 10-inch mirror and built his own telescope. He often made many references to his observations of various deep-sky objects using this instrument, but they were often in the 30's 40's maybe 50's. After that I mostly remember his current viewing being with the Clark refractor. <BR>
<BR>
I also enjoyed hearing about his observations of various Messier objects when he was kid, using a 2-inch paper tube refractor of his own making. <BR>
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I really enjoy observing with my 10-inch reflector, and would also like to have a larger scope, but just don't have the room for anymore scopes as of current. <BR>
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Seems that I have this desire to see what can be seen with a small scope. It is sometimes amazing what can be observed through a "good quality" 50 or 60 mm finder.<BR>
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I want to start using my 4-inch refractor a bit more this year on the Observers Challenge. I am also going to do a supplemental and describe the view of M-51 (Spring Supplemental) and NGC-5907, a beautiful galaxy in Draco using...guess which scope? My 76 mm Celestron FirstScope. I know that many are already thinking, no way. <BR>
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It is probably not going to be spectacular, but I will describe what it as best as possible. <BR>
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Most all of the 2010 Observers Challenge should be visible in a 60 mm refractor, and for sure in a 4-inch refractor. Check out Skiff and Luginbuhl.<BR>
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I think that it would be great if someone with a good 60 mm or 80 mm refractor would attempt some of the Observer Challenge objects and submit a report. <BR>
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<STRONG>Aprils Fool Joke: Fred Rayworth sells his 16-inch for $553 dollars to make a down payment on a 4-inch APO refractor. I am surely smiling as I write this. </STRONG><BR>
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<STRONG>Best regards, Roger</STRONG><BR>
<STRONG></STRONG> <BR>
<BR><FONT face=Arial></FONT> <BR><FONT face=Arial></FONT> <BR><FONT face=Arial></FONT> <BR><FONT face=Arial></FONT> <BR><FONT face=Arial></FONT> <BR><FONT face=Arial> <BR><BR> <BR></FONT><EM><FONT face=Arial><STRONG> </STRONG></FONT>The moon and stars to govern the night..... Psalm 136:9</EM><BR><BR><BR><BR> <br /><hr />Hotmail: Trusted email with Microsoft’s powerful SPAM protection. <a href='http://clk.atdmt.com/GBL/go/201469226/direct/01/' target='_new'>Sign up now.</a></body>
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