Hey David. Been there done that..according to the astronomy dictionary Airy
disk: the central spot in the DIFFRACTION pattern produced by a point source
of light by a circular aperture. It is used in comparison of Resolving
Power. Yeah but what is it? Diffraction: light bending around an obstacle in
its path will produce a pattern of light and dark lines, in our case the
secondary mirror is the obstacle. By centering a star in the eye piece and
then changing the focus, you should see the shadow of the secondary
surrounded by the "Airy Disk"! The doughnut should be round, the same size
w/ circular lines in the white disk. It blew me away the first time I
collimated my scope successfully and saw the bulls eye pattern..Hope this
helps...Frank W.----- Original Message -----
Sent: Tuesday, July 03, 2001 5:37 AM
Subject: [M]: Airy Disc?


> Hi all, I've been collimating my scope for the first time, and keep
reading "AIRY DISC" could someone please tell me what an Airy Disc looks
like? I need a visual. I guess I have a lot to learn. Thanks for all your
help always, Dave
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