{"id":7641,"date":"2023-12-05T14:18:10","date_gmt":"2023-12-05T19:18:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.fas37.org\/wp\/?page_id=7641"},"modified":"2025-09-06T10:23:44","modified_gmt":"2025-09-06T14:23:44","slug":"telescope-use-and-care","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.fas37.org\/wp\/telescope-use-and-care\/","title":{"rendered":"Telescope Cleaning and Care"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Everything presented in this guide should be regarded as general best practices. Always refer to the owner\u2019s manual for your equipment for specific guidelines, recommendations, and procedures.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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On This Page<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Telescope Usage<\/a><\/strong>
Telescope Storage<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cleaning Optics<\/a><\/strong>
Additional Resources<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Telescope Usage<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Sun safety<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Never look directly at the sun with the naked eye or any kind of optic, such as a telescope or binoculars<\/strong>. Immediate and permanent eye damage may result. The only exception is if a proper solar filter is used. Do not point an unfiltered optic at the sun, as internal heat buildup can damage the optic or cause it to shatter or explode. Do not leave an optic unattended during the day where someone, especially a child, could move the optic and point it at the sun. See Solar Viewing and Eclipse Safety<\/a> for more information.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Moisture<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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In The Field<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Moisture can collect on telescope surfaces during usage as temperatures frequently fall to near the dew point at night. Do not wipe moisture or condensation from optical surfaces or scratching can result. To prevent dew formation on optical surfaces, use a dew shield or a special dew-prevention heater. If you are out at an observing site and moisture forms on the optics, use a hair dryer on its low setting at a safe distance, or point the telescope down until the moisture evaporates. When you are finished observing, replace all caps and covers to ensure safe transport. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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At Home<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Once at home, to remove dew and moisture from optical surfaces, use a hair dryer on its low setting at a safe distance, or place the telescope indoors in a location away from dust, smoke, pet hair, cleaning and cooking activities, with all caps, covers, eyepieces, and accessories removed for 12 to 24 hours, or until all moisture has evaporated. Dry eyepieces and accessories in the same manner. Once everything is dry, store as usual.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Care<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Never touch the surface of a lens or mirror, because the acids in skin oil can degrade optical coatings over time. If you get fingerprints on an optic, clean it off using the methods described below.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Collimation<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

From time to time, reflectors need to be collimated. This is not necessarily a complicated process. In all cases, you should follow the instructions that come with your telescope<\/strong> or those that are provided online by your telescope supplier<\/strong>. For more information, see Collimation<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Telescope Storage<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Before storing the telescope, ensure the telescope, eyepieces, and accessories are dry. Replace all caps and covers on the telescope, eyepieces, and accessories after use. Obtain replacements for missing caps or make your own by using shower caps or bowl covers. A plastic bag or lint-free cloth held by a rubber band also works. The plastic canisters for 35mm film fit 1-1\/4-inch focusers. Remove all batteries to prevent leakage and corrosion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n