Telescopetalk:Care and maintenance of your telescope and eyepieces

摘要

It is good to establish a routine to look after your kit. There are of course the obvious things to do such as keeping the tube clean and free from dirt and dust, otherwise this can migrate onto the optics. Water is the perennial enemy of astronomical telescopes and is usually found in the form of dew that settles on lenses and mirrors. Any water that accumulates on the outside of the tube can be wiped away with a clean, dry cloth. Allow lenses and mirrors to dry naturally in the air if you bring your telescope indoors after an observing session. Do not cap off your telescope until you are certain the optics are dry as this can encourage the growth of mould which can damage its delicate coatings. If you find you have water stains on your lens or corrector, it is possible to remove them, carefully. You can use a micro-fibre cloth with a little proprietary lens cleaner; the type available for cleaning spectacle lenses works well. Before you do this, make sure that any dirt or particles are removed from the lens first with some compressed air or a very soft brush. Don't get carried away with cleaning though, a little dust or a few water marks are harmless and should not affect your viewing appreciably.