Lesson Learned

[KingNothing13]

Just went out to check on the telescope as I have not used it for a long time. It lives in the shed. I am nearly positive I need to clean the mirror - but haven't taken the drastic step yet of actually looking at it.

The lesson I learned - if you are going to not use the scope for an extended period of time, BRING THE TELRAD in, and remove the batteries.

At least Amazon has them for fairly cheap, and I'll get an extra base out of it.

[helicon]

Good luck with the cleaning. Last week I cleaned my 18" mirror in the sink with some distilled water, got most of the particles of dust off. I figured I might as well do it since the viewing opportunities have been few and far between. Not sure how it started getting dusty as I keep the cover on all the time. Probably dust from the contractor that is re-doing part of the downstairs of the house.

[KingNothing13]

Good luck with the cleaning. Last week I cleaned my 18" mirror in the sink with some distilled water, got most of the particles of dust off. I figured I might as well do it since the viewing opportunities have been few and far between. Not sure how it started getting dusty as I keep the cover on all the time. Probably dust from the contractor that is re-doing part of the downstairs of the house.

It is something I would like to avoid - but I suspect being in the shed for as long as it has - it is going to need it.

I am a bit concerned, but I've read a few different things - distilled water, sterile cotton balls, etc.

[quincy]

I would not be too concerned. Just be careful handling the mirror.
I've cleaned my mirror once. Distilled water, real cotton balls, and Dawn detergent.

[KingNothing13]

Well - the verdict is in - the mirror will need to be cleaned - there is a giant splotch of.....something....on it - no idea what it is at this point.

And no idea how it got there - the end cap is on the scope.