Are you telescope enthusiasts?
Then you need to know that the device requires maximum care and attention. Any little damage to the telescope tends to cost a lot of money to repair.
The good news is that the device is built to outlast their owners. Proper care and maintenance will result in a lifetime of fascination. However, leaving the instrument outside is a bad idea. The adverse weather conditions tend to reduce their lifespan.
There is no need to freak as we will be discussing the reasons for not leaving the telescope outside after the use. We will also share more information on the pros and drawbacks of leaving telescopes out.
Let’s cut to the chase:
Contents
Reasons Not to Leave Telescope Outside
The telescope is a real gem tool for astronomers. The device tends to help astronomers to view faraway objects at night. Each component on the instrument tends to play a vital role.
However, neglecting or abusing your telescope will reduce its lifespan and performance. It is the reason behind following the ultimate care and maintenance.
Here are the possible reasons not to leave your telescope outside:
Rusting of the Telescope Mount
Dew forming on the telescope mount is not a good idea. Most of these support stands are made from materials that are prone to rust or corrosion.
Leaving the telescope outside is a clear indicator that these stands will be exposed to conditions that cause rusting. The issue will contribute to faster wear and tear in the long run.
Damage of Mirror and Multi-lens Optics
Leaving the telescope outside, especially during winter or wet season, is not a good idea. The weather condition will result in the formation of water film around the telescope.
The water will affect the mirror and even dampen the start chart. It will later obscure viewing faraway objects through the finder scope.
That’s not all. Slight misting of the telescope optics will dim the view and even make it challenging to find refreshing contrast of images.
Lowers the Performance
An excellent place to store your telescope should be dust-free, dry, and secured. Besides that, the environment’s temperature should be controlled for easy access to the sky at night.
Well, leaving the telescope in the sun is a bad idea. The heat from the sun will make it difficult to access the sky at night. You will be expected to cool the equipment before setting up at night.
Security of the Instrument
The telescope is among the most expensive gears used by astronomers. Leaving the appliance outside will increase the chance of being stolen.
Most backyards are prone to intruders. These individuals will access your backyard and get away with your favorite instrument.
Reduce the Cost of Repair and Maintenance
Both mirrors and multi-lens optics of the telescope are quite expensive. Exposing the instrument to risks that can ruin these parts can be a significant setback.
Also, the costs of installing the broken parts of the instrument are incredibly high. Fixing these parts tends to require professionals since it’s something that cannot be done by yourself.
To Save Time of Cleaning
The multi-lens optics and mirrors of the instrument tend to attract dust when left outside. The dust tends to accumulate around the aperture, and this will hinder accessing the sky.
That’s not all. The task of cleaning these parts is quite daunting and time-consuming. Keeping your telescope in the required place is the best ideal to consider to prevent these hassles.
How to Care for Your Telescope
We all know that telescopes tend to outlast their owners. But this is dependent on care and attention. It is the only roadmap to ensure your window to the universe is working accordingly.
Here are some of the proven and tested tips to care for your telescope:
Proper Storage
Storage of the telescope tends to determine its lifespan. An exemplary storage place that is secured, dust-free, and dry is considered the best option.
We recommend keeping the instrument in an observatory. The area offers a controlled environment and easy access to the sky at night.
Keeping a telescope in a damp environment will make the tubes a breeding ground for molds and mildew. These components have the reputation of reducing the lifespan of the instrument.
Appropriate Cleaning Technique
Multi-lens optics are prone to attracting the dust regardless of proper storage. Dust particles tend to affect the performance of the telescope.
Proper cleaning will help to get rid of the coatings of the mildew or molds and dust. Hence, it will help improve the clarity of the image when accessing the sky at night.
However, cleaning the optics frequently will increase the risk of damage. We recommend cleaning when there is a need but not a routine.
It is also advisable to hire a professional optic cleaner to eliminate sealed dirt between the internal lens or mirror services. The experts will disassemble and clean these parts correctly.
Lubricate Bearing Points
The metal telescope mount tends to have bearing points. Leaving the mount outside during the wet season causes binding. Hence, making it difficult to rotate to have a better view of the sky at night.
Lubricating the axial bearing points will make the rotation smooth and help reduce the chance of corrosion from occurring.
We recommend reading the manuals of the mounts before lubricating. Some manufacturers tend to specify the interval of lubrication.
Consult a Technician
Telescopes are less susceptible to malfunction issues. Some brands can serve for many years without experiencing any serious problem.
However, it is advisable to consult a professional technician in case of a problem. Besides that, schedule maintenance will help to boost performance and reduce the risk of malfunction.
Final Verdict
Telescopes are durable and reliable. The instrument can be used in all seasons without experiencing any problem. Hence, the reason for being termed to outlast their owners.
The good news is that caring for a telescope is quite simple and easy. Most of the tips shared in the article have been proven and tested to be reliable.
The instrument is among the few astronomer gears that help determine if the universe is working at its best. Proper care and attention are among the vital factors to consider to have a fascinating sky view.
