Solar Observing Question

[Pig]

Do I need to let my telescope cool down before solar observing?

I am not expecting anyone to answer this question.

[Moonshane]

not usually but to get the best from it you will have to let it get to thermal equilibrium with the observing conditions. this might be cooling down or it might be warming up.

[SeedyF]

I still do - otherwise the image is a bit wobblier than normal! It also gives the clouds time to roll in out of nowhere

[Pig]

I am surpised - I thought it was a silly question

[Moonshane]

not too silly at all. if you moved your scope from a cool cellar to a warm summer night it would also need to warm up.

[Pig]

I will put it outside now then - because I can see it is going to be a sunny day

I am always a little concerned that the people in the houses opposite mine think im looking into their bedroom when I observe during the day

Im just getting changed into my special solar observing underpants

[Steve Ward]

But if you leave it outside in the Sun 'side on' it will soon get well above ambient . . . . so make sure it's 'face on and tracking if you do put it out early .

You'll find that the effects of the atmosphere will override any small difference in tube temperature.

[Pig]

Okies I will make sure I do - You see I would never have thought of that - Thank you