The mirror on a telescope needs time to reach thermal equilibrium in order to get the best view. This means the mirror must be the same temperature as the air around it. A mirror on a telescope is a sensitive tool. Its purpose is to focus starlight down to a single point. Heat causes a mirror to flex minutely. If your mirror is too warm, you will have difficulty focusing on images. Setting up and allowing the mirror time to chill is the best way to see a starry night with your telescope.
Instructions
Setup
1. Set your telescope up an hour before you plan to use it.
2. Remove all caps on the telescope. This allows airflow around the mirror.
3. Point your telescope away from the sun and let the mirror reach thermal equilibrium.
Computer Fan
4. Take the back off the telescope frame. Unscrew the end cap on the tube.
5. Thread a hair band through the frame of the fan at one corner. Pull the end of the band through the center section of the elastic to form a slipknot around the fan frame. Repeat three more times, one band on each corner of the fan frame.
6. Hook the loops of each elastic to screws protruding from the frame of the telescope. There are screws that secure the mirror in place stick out of the behind the mirror. Slide one band loop around one screw to hold the fan in place. Think of a trampoline: The fan is the canvas surface attached to a frame by rubber bands.
7. Cut a piece of craft foam the size of the rear opening of the telescope. This will act as a baffle. Once cut, fasten the foam to the frame of the telescope with a strip of hook and loop fasteners.
8. Attach the fan to a 12-volt battery.The red wire from the fan attaches to the positive terminal on the battery. Attach the black wire to the negative terminal. This will power the fan.
Tags: your telescope, around mirror, band through, frame telescope, mirror telescope, reach thermal, reach thermal equilibrium
