Why Are Short Tubes An Advantage For Large Telescopes

Randall Edwards

Why Are Short Tubes An Advantage For Large Telescopes. certain advantages. First, a lighter tube tends to vibrate at a higher frequency than heavier tubes. Usually, higher frequency oscillations result in lo wer amplitudes; that is, the.

Why Are Short Tubes An Advantage For Large Telescopes
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Large telescopes are an essential tool for studying the universe and its many celestial bodies. Telescopes are incredibly complex instruments, and their design is critical for their success. Short tubes are often used in large telescopes, and for good reasons. This article will explain why short tubes are an advantage for large telescopes.

Light Gathering Ability

The primary purpose of a telescope is to gather light and create images of distant objects. The more light a telescope can gather, the more detailed the resulting images will be. Short tubes are an advantage for large telescopes because they provide a larger light gathering area. By using a shorter tube, the telescope can collect more light within the same diameter, resulting in a brighter image. Additionally, short tubes require fewer optics, which means they can be made with less weight and less cost.

Optical Performance

Another benefit of short tubes is that they provide a better optical performance. Longer tubes tend to have more optical aberrations, which can degrade the quality of the resulting images. Short tubes reduce these aberrations, resulting in sharper, more detailed images. Additionally, short tubes are more stable and require less maintenance than longer tubes. This makes them a great choice for large telescopes that need to be reliable and maintain a high level of performance.

Weight and Portability

Short tubes also offer the advantage of being lighter and more portable than longer tubes. This makes them ideal for large telescopes that need to be moved or transported. Telescopes with short tubes are much easier to transport and set up, which can save time and money. Additionally, lighter telescopes are less expensive to build and maintain, making them a great option for large telescopes.

Cost Savings

Finally, short tubes are often cheaper than longer tubes. This is because they require fewer materials and less labor to construct. Additionally, short tubes have a longer lifespan than longer tubes, which can provide significant cost savings in the long run. This makes short tubes a cost-effective option for large telescopes.

In conclusion, short tubes are an advantage for large telescopes for several reasons. They provide a larger light gathering area, better optical performance, and higher portability. Additionally, they are cheaper to build and maintain, which can provide significant cost savings. For these reasons, short tubes are often the preferred choice for large telescopes.

Astrophotography with a Short Tube 80 ST80 Achromatic Telescope

There are many routes into Astrophotography (AP). In this video I look at one option using a low cost optical tube that is readily available new or used. Is an 80mm f/5 achromat like the Short Tube or ST80 good enough to build your AP skills? Let's see.

Why are short tubes an advantage for large telescopes? Short tubes weigh less than those of refracting telescopes. Short tubes can fit inside a smaller observatory. Why are short tunes an advantage for large telescopes? All of these (Short tubes weigh less than those of refracting telescopes. Short tubes can fit inside a smaller observatory., Why Are Short Tubes An Advantage For Large Telescopes.


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