Re: Yet another noob question

Yes, a bigger scope will gather more light pollution too. But I think
it's more accurate to say that it's the objects in the sky that are
susceptible to light pollution, not any particular brand or size of
scope (I'm sure there will be dissenting views :-)

Given that you want to see things clearer/bigger, go ahead and get a
bigger scope. For a given amount of light pollution, the big scope WILL
reveal more detail than a smaller one.

There are various brands of LP filters available too. They cut the
total amount of light getting to the eye - but mostly at polluting
wavelengths (e.g. sodium emission). They work best (visually) when the
eye is well dark adapted.

Which leads me to point out that what I've just said refers to general
light pollution painted across the sky; the orange glow. Your posting
implies you're more affected by local light pollution, the glare from
the street lamps. Providing you're not pointing in their general
direction, and providing your scope is properly baffled and blacked etc
- they will have little or no effect on the scope's performance
(whatever it's size). They WILL have a detrimental effect on your
ability to dark adapt and that will limit visual detail you can see and
reduce the efficacy of a light pollution filter (again this is nothing
to do with the scope - and a big scope will be "better" than a small
one).

There are many ways to counteract streetlamps. Letters to the local
council, a green laser pointed at the daylight sensor, screening around
your scope, a blanket over the head, an air rifle :-)

There are plenty of postings on this topic, so I won't repeat them
here. Hope this helps.

Cheers
Beats

.

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