Star Diagonal

[Adamsavage]

I was just wondering how much of a difference would my eyes notice, from the stock Diagonal that comes with the 8SE and the Orion Dielectric 1.25 ?

[RickJ]

Under your skies I doubt you'd see a difference. Under very dark skies the added reflectivity and contrast is seen. Still, at your level and skies I'd not worry about it. Mirrors do deteriorate with time and will eventually need recoating or replacing. If that's an issue then I'd replace or recoat using standard coatings unless you plan to move to a very dark sky site (mag 6.5 at the zenith or better). I can think of far better ways to spend those dollars otherwise.

Rick

[Adamsavage]

Under your skies I doubt you'd see a difference. Under very dark skies the added reflectivity and contrast is seen. Still, at your level and skies I'd not worry about it. Mirrors do deteriorate with time and will eventually need recoating or replacing. If that's an issue then I'd replace or recoat using standard coatings unless you plan to move to a very dark sky site (mag 6.5 at the zenith or better). I can think of far better ways to spend those dollars otherwise.
Rick

How dark is dark ? I really only know the darkness level, based on the colors assigned to the Bortle Scale.

[RickJ]

Magnitude 6.5 at the zenith. Since this varies from night to night I don't like a fixed scale. I'd I doubt you can do that within 100 miles of Ottawa.

Rick

[Adamsavage]

Magnitude 6.5 at the zenith. Since this varies from night to night I don't like a fixed scale. I'd I doubt you can do that within 100 miles of Ottawa.

Rick

I've noticed this as well, I was seeing a borderline 5 Bortle Scale when It's normally a 6-7. It was quite the sight to see from my backyard. Usually It's between 7 and 8, so I think I was lucky enough to witness near perfect viewing conditions.
I've even seen it be good viewing for 30-60 minutes then the rest of the night it's bad.