Just like with any tool or object used to perform certain tasks, telescopes need to be cleaned, maintained and stored away properly. If you’re a seasoned astronomer or just a novice enthusiast, you know that such a sophisticated device is not a toy. You will need to store and maintain your telescope to keep it in optimal condition.
This article is a guide on how to store and maintain a telescope. It will cover the proper way of storage to cleaning the mirrors and lenses of the optical tube. You will also find pointers on how to maintain your eyepieces, accessories and tripod. So, make sure to bookmark this page for future reference.
How to store a telescope
You may be scratching your head at how to properly store a telescope. Not to worry, the answer is not complicated. First, wrap the telescope in a breathable cloth or cover ensuring all lens cover are attached.
Next you will need to find a cool and dirt-free environment where your telescope can live. So, you can cross out your dusty shed or garage. An indoor cupboard is perfect as it will ensure the mirrors in a reflector won’t expand. It will also keep it safe from dirt and humidity. Avoid moving it from a cool place to a warm place and make sure you store it face down.
The best way to store your mount is to store it in a cool environment in its original box. This will protect it from the elements such as heat and humidity.
you will also need to store your eyepieces and accessories in a plastic container or bag. Fold up the tripod completely, taking off the accessory tray and place them next to the optical tube.
The above steps may not apply to larger telescopes. So, Cover the telescope with a breathable cloth and close the roof of the observatory.
How to travel with a telescope
There is nothing better than getting away from light polluted cities to a dark sky site or rural areas to see more of our Milky Way. So, it is important that you transport your telescope safely. The optical elements in telescopes, especially in reflector and Cassegrain telescopes, are very fragile. The best way to protect them from going out of alignment is to either pack them back in its original box with some sort of padding or using a padded carry bag, such as the Saxon 110cm padded carry bag, to ensure the tube is protected. This is an optimal guide on how to store and maintain a telescope when travelling.
When you’re packing it away in your car, you will need to make sure the telescope does not move around even when it is in the box or carry bag. It’s simple as packing it tightly between a few boxes, removing any chance of the tube moving around or succumbing to any knocks or shocks when you’re driving. You could even restrain them using your seatbelts. This also applies to computerised mounts as bumps and shocks can damage the battery.
As for your equipment, make sure you organise your eyepieces and accessories, storing them safely in a container ensuring all optics are protected. A hard case, like the Celestron Astromaster Eyepiece and Filter Kit, would be ideal as it has a rough exterior and foam padding on the inside. Tripods need to be completely folded, with the accessory tray removed so that they don’t take up too much space in your car. However, you won’t need to worry too much about protecting them as they are quite sturdy by nature.
How to maintain a telescope
Cleaning
Cleaning and caring for your telescope are of utmost importance when ensuring its longevity. Properly maintaining a telescope can make it last for 10 years and longer, but you must regularly clean them as they are susceptible to dust and smudges. When cleaning your telescope, take off any jewelry and wear anti-static gloves to avoid any smudging on the lenses or mirrors. Protect the optics at all costs!
It would be useful to have these items to clean your telescope with: lens cleaning tissues, microfiber cloth, cotton buds, dust blower and lens cleaning solution. The Saxon Optical Lens Cleaning Kit included these items and more. There will be upcoming blogs where you can follow the steps on how to clean a telescope.
Collimation
Collimation determines the alignment of all components in a telescope to transfer light into its best focus. Refractors don’t need collimation as as they use lenses. However, mirrored telescopes such as reflectors and Cassegrains are likely to go out of alignment due to gradual wear and tear. You can find out how to collimate a Newtonian reflector telescope in our upcoming blogs.
Final comments
There you go! The ultimate guide on how to store and maintain a telescope. Be sure to always keep your telescope clean and follow the steps required correctly in order to avoid damaging it. You will also need to care for the eyepieces, accessories, mounts and tripods, as well as, collimation.