Space Forum / Amateur Astronomy / July 2008

Hi

What did the Lowell, Lick and Yerkes refractors originally use for
eyepieces? Have these changed much since these magnificent instruments
were first put to good use? The incredibly long focal lengths of these
instruments suggest that we aren't talking about typical amateur sized
eyepieces or typical focal lengths. The atmosphere will only tolerate
so much magnification despite the abundance of light. How did they get
around this problem for planetary or lunar viewing? What order of
useful magnification was possible then and now? Exit pupils, chromatic
aberration and vignetting must surely have been a severe problem from
the very start? I'd value hearing about any first hand viewing
experiences with these wonderful instuments.

Thanks

Chris