What size of telescope will show both Uranus and Neptune as discs?

[Matt1979]

I have heard that to see Neptune as a disc, a 6-inch reflector is needed. Have any other members been able to see Neptune as a disc with a telescope this size?

I am unsure how much magnification or what size of telescope is needed to show Uranus as a disc. I use a Celestron 3-inch refractor with a 2x Barlow Lens (x72 magnification) and when I saw Uranus in August 2010 near Jupiter, it looked like a greenish point of light and appeared to look similar to Jupiter's moons, ie. it appeared near and didn't look faint.

I have yet to see Neptune. I did try to hunt for the planet in late November when it was in Aquarius, although there was a bright Moon at the time and I heard that moonlight would make Neptune difficult to see.

[Brian Nordstrom]

I have seen Neptune as a tiny disk with my 6 inch refractor , but its so small even at 250x plus .

Lovely colour though .

Brian.

[DiamondSmiles]

I have a Celestron Nexstar 8 inch and even though I live in a very light polluted city I can see both planets as discs and colour can be seen too.

[Matt1979]

I have seen Neptune as a tiny disk with my 6 inch refractor , but its so small even at 250x plus .

Lovely colour though .

Brian.

I can imagine how lovely Neptune's colour looks through your telescope. I am not sure if, with a more powerful Barlow Lens, I would be able to see Uranus as a tiny disc with my 3-inch refractor.

[Brian Nordstrom]

From a good dark site with above average seeing I think your 3 inch frak will do it . Above 200x should not be a problem with your scope but the colour will be very subdued .

Let us know if you manage this , I am most interested .

Brian.

[Islander]

Ive seen Uranus as a tiny disc with obvious colour at 200x with my Tal 100RS

[Peter Drew]

It's more a question of what magnification is needed rather than what aperture. Most telescopes that can stand 200X should show a disc.