[Wavytone]

Sure it will work... so will a roll of bubble wrap, as this relies on the insulating properties of 6mm of air trapped in the bubbles.

I've come to the conclusion that either:

a) the OTA and optics should cool down to ambient as fast as possible (minutes), as is possible with an open tube Newtonian, Cassegrain or RC; or

b) if the OTA is sealed (SCT or Maksutov) insulate the OTA so that heat is lost so slowly internal tube currents are negligible.

Personal observation of the tube currents in my maks suggest:

1. the internal tube current is caused by the internal baffle being at a different temperature than the air inside the OTA, noting the central baffle is aluminium, and

2. Although the baffle tube is attached firmly to the backplate of the scope, it is also supporting the primary mirror - a large thermal mass - sufficient to keep pouring heat into the baffle tube while the primary mirror is above equilibrium.

3. The rate of cooling of the baffle tube (and primary) is primarily driven by the temperature the scope is stored at minus the external temperature of the OTA, divided by the thermal resistance outside to inside the OTA.

4. The thermal resistance is easily increased by adding insulation, as you have done.

5. Alternatively the temperature difference can be reduced by pre-chilling the OTA - 2 hours in my car (driving to the mountains) with the aircon set to icebox mode will bring it down to 12 degrees by the time I arrive. Mind you, I'm wearing a jumper, beanie and gloves.