Subdeo

Great work, adder001! Hope you are able to get many hours of great observing using your new illuminator.

Thanks for the advice and well wishes, everyone!

Thanks everyone! I have another question. What do you think about cooling fans? Do they really help? I am trying to decide between the Apertura AD10 (1st link) and the Orion SkyQuest XT10 (second link). What do you think? https://www.highpointscientific.com/apertura-ad10-10inch-dobsonian-telescope-ad10?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cse&utm_term=APT-AD10&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIqZPx_6X71QIVQgOGCh1pTwIcEAkYESABEgLLhfD_BwE http://www.telescope.com/Telescopes/Dobsonian-Telescopes/Classic-Dobsonians/Orion-SkyQuest-XT10-Classic-Dobsonian-Telescope/pc/1/c/12/sc/13/p/102006.uts Before I buy though, I plan to go to an event where these scopes are to see them for myself and make sure I want the 10'' over the 8'' versions. Lastly, is the focal ratio important? The Apertura has one that is .2 higher. Thanks! P.S. The reason I haven't looked for DSOs much is because I really haven't known how to find them in the past.

Hello All! Currently, I have a Meade ETX 90 telescope. I really like it and get great views of the moon and planets out of it. However, I am hoping to upgrade to a large reflector. I am looking at various scopes ranging from the Orion SkyQuest XT8 to the forbiddingly pricey Orion SkyQuest XT12i Intelliscope. I know that aperture is one of the most important things to consider in a telescope, but I also realize that people can get "aperture fever" and go for scopes that are unnecessarily large. I am wondering; Is a bigger aperture worth the price jump from 8'' to 10'' or from 10'' to 12''? How much more will I be able to see? I have heard that the best telescope for a person is dependent on the kinds of things they want to observe. I don't really look at deep sky objects (though I am getting increasingly interested in them), and mostly enjoy the moon, planets, and a few double stars. I want a telescope that will accommodate this, but is also able to have a great grasp on deep sky objects. Honestly I think I am on the right track with the scopes I am looking at, but I really want some advice on which size is best for me. What do you think? Thanks for the advice!