What temperature should I store my telescope at?

BBC Sky at Night Magazine's Scope Doctor Steve Richards solves your practical astronomy ailments.

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Published: March 13, 2020 at 6:52 pm

I keep my Celestron 9.25 Edge HD telescope in an airtight case in a heated room. Is this a good way to store it?

Steve says: "Just as your Celestron 9.25 Edge HD telescope needs to be brought down to the ambient temperature for the best observing, it needs to re-acclimatise to the storage conditions to keep it in the best state ready for your next observing session.

It is really important to ensure that the telescope is condensation-free before placing it in its case.

On many observing nights, the simple act of bringing the telescope inside your home will be enough to cause condensation to occur.

Once the instrument is indoors, place it on a fresh towel on its side and remove any accessories, leaving the visual back uncovered and the dust cap removed.

Wait overnight or until the telescope has reached room temperature with no sign of moisture on any visible surfaces then place it in its case.

You may also want to consider adding some extra silica gel sachets to the case, as these will help to soak up any residual moisture in the air."

Follow our guide to stopping dew forming on your telescope.

Email Steve your astronomy queries to scopedoctor@skyatnightmagazine.com.

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