(Viewed 614 times)

[RobbW]

I'm just wondering what the best way is to protect your scope if you want to leave it out all night and not take it down. In some instances, there may be consecutive days where the forecast is calling for clear skies each night. Once I get my scope set up and aligned one night, I'd rather not have to break it all down just to set it up again the next night. Any thoughts?

[Chicago Astronomer - Astro Joe]

Robb,

Many have left their scopes out for consecutive observation sessions, but I don't recommend it. Not that any thing drastic will occur, but for the following reasons...

You can get a cover, tarp or some other covering, but unless you completely enclose the set-up, dew will rise and still attach to the OTA, mount and tripod and be trapped...great for rust. Most likely everything will be fine, but why take the chance?

Critters.

Spiders, bugs and warm blooded animals may make their way under the covering for protection, waiting to pounce on a un-suspecting astronomer's face. Even by the lake, I get spiders and webs on my C11 set-up - and that's just from just a few hours of open activity. Larger critters may like the taste of cables.

And that's why I put my stuff away after each session....and besides...I have no place to leave my scope up for more than an evening...

[RobbW]

All great reasons, Joe. And ones I hadn't thought about. I was more concerned about weather events and wasn't even thinking critters, bugs, and dew, oh my! Thanks.