dust on NexStar 4SE diagonal

[Ags]

I've just noticed there is a _lot_ of dust on my NexStar 4SE diagonal. This is built into the telescope so I don't think I can remove it for easy cleaning. I have to do something because the dust on the diagonal is very visible when using the telescope.

My current plan is to point the scope slightly past vertical so the diagonal and eyepiece tube are angled down, and then use a soft art brush to stroke away the dust.

Does that sound like a good plan? Any better ideas?

I can't imagine how the diagonal got so dusty - I keep it covered all the time.

[Hiddenharry]

that does sound like a good plan but do take care of the scope

[Ags]

I'm down the road from an open cast mine... that might have something to do with it?

[Hiddenharry]

thats the problem then!!!

[rowan46]

can i suggest you blow away as much dust as possible with a bulb blower if its stone dust there's a fair chance of it damaging your mirror by pushing at it with a brush i would guess that sort of dust could be fairly abrasive.

[Ags]

Not sure what dust it is, but the blower would blow the dust into the Mak tube - I don't want that to happen.

[Ags]

Tried out my clean diagonal on the moon - it is much better now! Hopefully i won't have to repeat the exercise any time soon - as its been suggested, brushing the dust away could damage the diagonal.

[gturfrey]

Mini USB Vacuum cleaner!

[Ags]

Not sure about that - I think the hoover head could easily scratch the diagonal...