Storing telescopes outside

[Dom1961]

Can you leave telescopes outside if theyve got a sheet or something covering them?

[jambouk]

Yes, but it is a security risk, and will still be exposed to damp and humidity and insects etc

James

[damnut]

Ditto to James. also would check to see if covered by insurance.

[Geordie mc]

I bought a scope cover and do leave mine out for a few days sometimes if the weather overcast looks good. However, I would be very wary of doing this if my scope could be seen by anyone passing by or if it was likely to be very windy or wet. I must admit that leaving it out makes life so much easier. Setup time becomes seconds rather than half an hour and therefore you do a lot more observing.

[Pan_Galactic]

I had my 12"LX200GPS outside for quite a while. I used TeleGizmo cover. But underneath I used a strong garbage bag for additional protection. I sprayed the legs with silicon spray and wrapped them and other free, uncovered parts with wrapping foil. Nevertheless, I found little insects decomposed on the main mirror. These little black worms which appear when thunderstorms arising. They find their way everywhere, not only inside the telescope...

[jambouk]

Insects do love astronomy too