Protecting telescopes in a dome

Hi all

This summer I bought an Exploradome, this is an 8 foot injection-molded dome which rotates on casters. It's OK, not as smooth as I would like but adequate for the task. In it I have a Mach 1 bearing a lovely AP 130 f/8 with a TeleVue Genesis on top. I wrap these all in towels after use and keep dessicant in the telescopes; the dome seems not to leak in the rain and I have only once encountered dew on the scopes in the morning. As temperatures fall, I am wondering about safe keeping the telescopes in the dome. Perhaps I should devise a more weather-proof wrap, or buy a zippered cover? I just don't want to have to take the scopes down each time, it would defeat the purpose of having a dome.

Best to all,

Robert

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I might suggest to use an anti-dew heater on the
objective ends of the scopes (Kendrick, etc.) and
leave it on a very low setting to prevent dew
formation. The towels you are already using will
help by providing some thermal insulation and
reducing the temperature extremes. Maybe throw
some plastic or a loose tarp over the top of
everything in case of water leaks.

I would think that something like a Telegizmos cover would
take care of it. I use one on each of my scopes whenever they
are out for the night (or the week at the TSP). It might be
overkill for a scope in the dome, but that is some really nice
equipment you describe.

Jim in Texas

I run a dew heater 24/7 and a BIG Hepa? air cleaner whenever I am out of the building, and it makes a treeemendous difference in how dust-free stuff stays.