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Guy wrote, regarding Astra IIIB
> we will get to the whole mirror VS. the traditional mirror next.

Please reconsider the whole-horizon mirror, although you could swap out
later From my experience, strongly consider new from Celestaire or other
vendors of their Astra.  You won't find better (or more informed) folks to
do business with before, during, and after the sale than Celestaire IMHO.  I
am not a shill, but a satisfied customer in an age of "limited warrantees."

As some have pointed out, a whole horizon mirror makes easy observations
easier, and difficult observations much harder.  If you get the "list" bug,
as I did (especially if landlocked most of the time), you will soon find
yourself trying star-to-star and lunars, and regret the whole-horizon
choice.

If I recall correctly, Ken of Celestaire stated that 90% of working
observations are of the sun.  He does know his stuff. With that in mind,
from my vantage point his opinions about mirrors are balanced.

http://celestaire.com/page8.html

David Burch of Star Path also sells Celestaire's Astra. His opinions, IMHO,
are unfavorable to the whole horizon mirror for valid reasons.  Please check
out their opinions for yourself and draw your own conclusions.

http://www.starpath.com/catalog/courses/cel_faqs.htm#full-view

As a beginner, it was a tough choice for me.  In my case I am glad I made
the choice of traditional split mirror (especially trying to go toe-to-toe
with the mighty Alex and his Sno-T in the dark;-)

For what it is worth,

Bill

   

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