condensation

Just a quick question on condensation. I brought my new dob out last night for it's first and maiden voyage. my thoughts and instincts were that the atmosphere was a little "Watery" - although the images were terrific (not withstanding problems with the finderscope and getting used to the friction control in altitude) when I returned the scope to my house, there was a lot of condensation on both the outer tube and more seriously on the primary mirror.

I know there has been a lot of discussion on this forum on the merits of building an outside observatory or wooden shed to prevent these extremes of environment but, would putting back on the fan after I brought it it inside help to reduce the fast build up of condensation?

My fear is that the longer the condensation exists on the primary, the longer the oppertunity for any airbourne particulate to stick

or would others out there not venture out on such a misty night?

(scope, 10" Starhopper Celestron)

"Captain Slog Star Date 120208.12"

Declan,
attaching the fan is a good idea. Circulating the air around the mirror gives it little opportunity to accumulate and condense. On moist nights, condensation will be a bib probelm regardless. If you have a cool utility room, try leaving the scope in there when you come back in from observing. Someone might correct me on this, but leave the fan on, and the tube in the horizontal position. That should help minimise any condensation.

Seanie.

Thanks for that advise Seanie, I have had a 5.1 inch reflector for 3 years now, but never noticed it so bad before, as it was on the 10". unfortunately I have no utilty room - so may have to build a small drafty lean-to




"Captain Slog Star Date 120208.25

I had the same problem with my SCT, Laptop ,power tank everything was dripping.
I tried the hairdrier trick but corrector plate was covered in watermarks.
Beautiful views before dew set in.
Very new to imaging but I was imaging the moon with a toucam and 2xbarlow all I could get was stunning images of large maria & craters. Went without barlow and got same problem. LAst night was a disater.
What am I doing wrong?

I had the same problem with my SCT, Laptop ,power tank everything was dripping.
I tried the hairdrier trick but corrector plate was covered in watermarks.
Beautiful views before dew set in.
Very new to imaging but I was imaging the moon with a toucam and 2xbarlow all I could get was stunning images of large maria & craters. Went without barlow and got same problem. LAst night was a disater.
What am I doing wrong?

I dont think you were doing anything wrong last night. When I looked at the moon last night it was like I was looking through boiling water. Not a night for imaging - it was far too wet and unsteady.

Thank goodness for the Kendrick dew control system, I managed to stay out longer observing last night thanks to this wonderful piece of kit, I highly recommend it to any one here.
Temperature here currently is 8 degrees centigrade with a RH of 73% with high pressure to boot, the sky is clear; I guess its time to get those scopes powered up and at them!

Clear skies
Mike