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From: canopus@amdahl.UUCP (Frank Dibbell)
Newsgroups: net.astro
Subject: Re: pluto in opposition
Message-ID: <1465@amdahl.UUCP>
Date: Mon, 29-Apr-85 13:58:39 EDT
Article-I.D.: amdahl.1465
Posted: Mon Apr 29 13:58:39 1985
Date-Received: Wed, 1-May-85 06:52:57 EDT
References: <1874@decwrl.UUCP>
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> 
> 	A couple of footnotes to Ms. Byrd's script on the Pluto opposition.
> If I recall, Pluto is relatively near its perihelion which means it's a bit
> netter observationally.  Any hints on what the smallest telescope one is
> likely to be able to pick it up with would be?

        Pluto is about as bright as a 14.5 magnitude star.  Theoretically,
this means it should be visible in a 10" scope.  I've seen it easily in
a 16", and I've seen it, with some difficulty, in a 12 1/2".  I know of
two respected members of our local Astronomical Association who claimed
to have seen it in a Questar 3 1/2!

        Since it is such a faint object, atmospheric "seeing" is going
to be the limiting factor.  To answer your question... you will most
likely need a 12 1/2 inch scope.  (I am assuming you are talking about
visual, and not photographic, observation).

Clear Skies...
-- 
Frank Dibbell     (408-746-6493)                 {whatever}!amdahl!canopus
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