i keep mine in our back porch ..not heated and rubber bottoms on scopes and cement floor.
2007-11-30 05:31:27 · 6 answers · asked by Kara 2 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Astronomy & Space
incase it will help ..
there are my telescopes
8 inch dobsonian
http://www.telescopesa.za.org/skywatcher%20dobsonians/10INCHDOBL.gif
5 inch meade
http://www.telescopes.com/telescopes/reflecting-telescopes/meadeds2130lntreflectortelescopewithlntautoaligntechnology.cfm
2007-11-30 05:35:04 · update #1
I've kept my scopes in unheated porches and garages in the Canadian winter for decades without any problems. It's worth keeping a 60 or 100 watt incandescent bulb burning all the time in the storage area, to keep everything dry. Electronics, batteries, and eyepieces, I keep indoors.
2007-11-30 13:13:43 · answer #1 · answered by GeoffG 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Your telescope should be just fine out there in the cold, provided you have (and will continue to) protect it from the elements.
Actually, it helps to keep your telescope outside in a safe, secure location, due to the fact that you won't need to waste all kinds of time waiting for it to thermally stabilize!
Telescopes are designed and built to work outdoors, so storing them there is not a big deal.
I can't stress enough though... Keep them dry! Keep them safe and secure!
Clear Skies!
Bob
P.S. Keep any and all computer- type accessories (and batteries) in the house until you are ready to make an observing run!
2007-11-30 13:39:09 · answer #2 · answered by Bobby 6 · 3⤊ 0⤋
I think that, from what I've read, it is good to keep the telescope where you use it. The changes in temperature are what cause problems, like if you had the telescope inside now in winter and then took it outside when it is cold. Temperature changes may cause distortion or fogging of lenses until they adjust to the new temperature.
2007-11-30 13:43:44 · answer #3 · answered by Susan M 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I don't know how cold it gets out there, but I don't think they will be harmed by the cold. Rubber parts work fine at -20F or so (stiffer, but not weaker), and it will also result in less time to get the scopes temperature - acclimated for observing. Moisture for an extended period might be a different story.
2007-11-30 13:39:57 · answer #4 · answered by Larry454 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I think the worst problem for scopes is not from cold, but from condensation and rapid temperature changes.
2007-11-30 13:49:05 · answer #5 · answered by kyeri y 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
U could put dry air in the covering to reduce condensate.
2007-11-30 14:37:10 · answer #6 · answered by JOHNNIE B 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋