Fighting dew

[webtubbs]

I had beautiful clear skies last night after the fog drifted away and got an awesome view of Jupiter, Venus and Saturn with Titan! I then went and had a look for a couple DSOs and spotted M7 and got a stunning view of the Carina Nebula.

I was planning on staying out longer, but it was a bit chilly and my fingers stopped cooperating. And then there was the dew. OMG, it was so annoying! The EP would glaze over after a minute or so of viewing and I was constantly out with my rocket blower drying the EP off. Plus I was trying to sketch the Carina Nebula, but the paper started going soggy thereby rendering my already questionable drawing talents useless. I couldn't even set an EP down on the table without them getting covered in dew. How does everyone else combat it? Is there a "dry" box or something I could put my eye pieces in to keep them dry when not in use?

Wayne

[damnut]

Hi Wayne,

Usually try and keep them in a pocket, or in a closed bag until needed. The pocket is getting increasingly difficult to hold some of the bigger ones though!!

[spaceman_spiff]

If the dew gets on the finder scope or the EP, I hold them gently with my hand. After about 20 seconds, the dew disappears (temporarily). You will need gloves to get your hand warm again! 

[PeterCPC]

You can get dew heater tapes for EPs.

Peter

[L8-Nite]

If power is available nearby,  many observers use a hair dryer; the setting to use is the the coolest one that works.

[bamastar]

I second they hair dryer! My wife found my one that actually runs of of 2 C batteries and is small enough yo keep in my gear bag. Works great. The best solution would be a dew heater but I would rather spend the extra money on a nice EP but I'm sure at some point I will invest in one.