Scopes & Humidity

[cshahar]

Hi Everyone:

I own two refractors. Because they are doing construction on my building i have to keep the windows shut for a long period of time and it is getting a bit steamy in my apartment as a result. I don't personally mind it. I also keep all my eyepieces and filters in a cooler with a large desiccant pack. But i am wondering about my scopes. Will the humidity damage or effect the lenses for instance? i know some people keep their scopes outside (in observatories) all year and it does get exceptionally humid particularly when it rains. But I guess I am just very protective about my babies. Any thoughts?

Thanks,

-Charles

[MarsG76]

I think that as long as you protect your scope from getting moisture (and dust) inside the OTA, you should be fine, inside or out.

[cshahar]

Thanks. What do you mean by moisture inside the OTA? The ambient humidity will permeate everything. Are you talking about more direct moisture such as dew-like?

-Charles

[cshahar]

Just got a dehumidifier. That should solve the issue!