Safe to leave a scope and counterweights horizontal for long periods?

[dynamo]

I'm in the design phase of an Observatory and planning the scope room height.

I'd like to keep the wall height as low as possible for as much horizon viewing as possible without going with a pier that's too high.

Anyone know if it's OK to leave a scope and counterweights in a horizontal position like this

for long periods (days or even weeks if weather is bad) when the scope is not being used?

Would there be too much load on a particular axis of a Celestron CGEM DX or any EQ type mount?

I'd think it's OK for a mount and it's gears in that posture since it is pretty well balanced, but better safe than sorry so any feedback appreciated.

Many thanks and clear skies!

[Peter Drew]

I can't think of any mechanical objection to that arrangement as long as the axes are reasonably balanced.

[dynamo]

Thanks for the reply Peter, I appreciate it.

Anyone here with an observatory or not, leave their scope in the horizontal position as in the picture above for extended periods?

Just trying to get as many opinions as possible.

May be best to contact Celestron themselves?

[George]

Since I raised the pier in my observatory I have to park mine in that position so I can open and close the roof, 6 months on no problems.

As Peter said if its balanced correctly its not stressing anything.

[Ibbo!]

My G11 spent years like that and now the NJP does

[malc-c]

Mine is like that too. As the others have stated, so long as the scope is well balanced there shouldn't be a problem

[dynamo]

Very well then!

Thanks so much for all the replies everyone.

Cheers, dynamo.