Some questions... (I ordered a new scope!)

[vgeric]

Hey guys- you might remember me from years ago on here <br />practically everyday (I was happy to see some familiar faces <br />after all these years: NEVERS, TFWThom, crazyeddie, heyscottie, etc.) as the kid with the 4.5" Orion reflector...<br /><br />Now I have money from graduation (how sweet it is...) and ordered a new scope with it that I had always wanted since about 3 or 4 years ago- the Orion XT8 Intelliscope (without the locater, but I'll get it later... I didn't have enough money for that package...) and it's on its way as we speak from California... I couldn't be any more excited right now.<br /><br />Now- to the questions! As this scope is tons better than my old 4.5", I was wondering a few things...<br /><br />First, how much detail can I see in galaxies with an 8 inch? Is it possible to see spiral arms/any discernible shapes?<br /><br />Second, how much more detail can I see in Jupiter with an 8 inch rather than a 4.5"? Is it possible to see the different cloud belts? I could barely make them out with the 4.5", but only two different belts I'd say.<br /><br />I guess I mainly want to know what I can expect from this new addition to the family that I didn't have with my 4.5". <br /><br />Thanks as always guys- you were always there when I had tons of questions ages ago, and I'm in that swing again!<br /><br />Eric P<br /><br /><br />

 

[heyscottie]

Hey, Eric! Good to see you again.<br /><br />I'm jealous of your new scope; I'm still on my 4.5", and wanting to get a 10" Orion or 9.25" Celestron SCT.<br /><br />It should be possible to see more spiral structure in some of the better targets, such as the Pinwheel, Whirlpool, and Andromeda Galaxies. You may also expect to see some globulars resolve a bit to show actual stars...

 

[vgeric]

Thank you both very much! I'm still waiting on the darn thing... trying to wait patiently is a totally different story... <img src="/images/icons/laugh.gif" /><br /><br />It's great to see you guys again as well!<br /><br />Thanks again,<br /><br />Eric

 

[kyle_baron]

<font color="yellow"><br /> trying to wait patiently is a totally different story</font><br /><br />In the trade, that's called Aperature Fever. You'll get over it after a few week or two. Then suddenly, it will come back with a vengence, and you'll get a larger scope............ <img src="/images/icons/wink.gif" /> <br /><br />And by the way, I have the same telescope ( but an older model). I feel it's the best size, for observing the moon and planets, for most nights of the year. <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> <p><font size="4"><strong></strong></font></p> </div>