[Cosmic Charlie]

So despite the onslaught of cloudy weather, I finally got to see the moon with my new telescope! It was pretty cool actually looking at the moon in such detail! It's a much different experience seeing in in real life instead of pictures.

My question is, can the cold hurt my telescope? It's usually 20 degrees or so when I've been taking it out. Also, how about how the mirror fogs up once I bring it inside? (I have a reflector). I've been leaving the lens cap off for about 10 minutes to let any moister escape.

Is there a right way of doing this or anything I should be concerned about? Thanks in advance for any advise you have! I'm so stoked to have finally found something. My next goal is to find Saturn! :D

[redragon745]

Kinda cold weather here in NY at night, so this would be great knowledge.

[sgcullen]

Generally speaking, no, the cold won't hurt your scope at all. Since you have a reflector, it is important to let your scope reach equilibrium with the ambient temperature though. That means you should set up your scope well in advance of using it. Your mirror will cool much more slowly than the rest of the scope so just give it some time. Also, you are doing the right thing when you bring it inside. Leave the cap off and just let the scope breath a bit. Don't ever try to wipe off the mirror with anything! You can take a hair dryer and gently blow warm air across the mirror to warm it up and to keep moisture from condensing. (very gently and from far away...it won't require much). Otherwise, in observing in the cold, just be sure to dress warm. The cold does affect your vision. And, don't drink coffee or anything with caffeine, it too can affect your vision.

Good luck on finding Saturn, it is an amazing site in a telescope for the first time!

[Cosmic Charlie]

Great advise again :) Thank you very much!