Should I clean this mirror?

[Solanum]

It's dusty here in Mildura and even with keeping the tube cap on when not in use, my 10" primary mirror is looking pretty dusty. I've taken a picture and attached it. The pic probably looks worse than it is as I've taken it with the light shining to show up the dust and there looks like slight camera shake.


I have also noticed that the nut on one of the screws that hold the round mount bit onto the side of the tube has come loose, I can't reach this from the top so will probably have to take the mirror cell off anyway in order to tighten it up.

[leon]

It probably could do with a rinse but don't over do it, you would be surprise how much dust can settle without any real effect on the seeing.

Just fill the sink with some warn soapy water, swish it around a bit and rinse, and stand on edge to dry, if possible use distilled water to rinse, dosn't leave water stains as much.

That is the way i used to do mine and it work quite well.

leon

[erick]

I've read - try to imagine all that dust together in one spot - what area would it cover? That's what you are losing. I don't think it is quite as simple as that, but that may put it in perspective.

[GrahamL]

mine was much worse last like time I cleaned it ,and had a resident spider who went to astrofest and back (spiders need holidays to) without any real effect on the view. :)

[ballaratdragons]

Yeah, it could do with a soapy swoosh and Demineralised water rinse. It is amazing how filthy a mirror can get and still give great views.