I have heard that I should put my scope outside for a while before I use itand I apologize if this sounds like a silly question but should I have it sitting outside with the lens cap on or off, I have a 6 inch newtonian reflector.
Peter
As Raymo says , a Newtonian don't take long. , 1/2 hour or so. , I normally set my scopes up an hour or so before hand weather its one of my refractor,s or my CAT .
It really does make a huge difference to the images thrown up.
Brian.
Better yet get yourself a scope cover then you can remove the cap and safely leave the scope outside safe from bugs and bird poo if you are worried. I keep my scopes setup in the garage with covers on at all times since the garage is clean and aclimatises well with the outside temperature naturally. No heaters or aircon in the mix, I just wheel them out and start viewing, they cool further much quicker since they are already almost there anyway. I do this for other practical reasons, not cooling, its just a bonus for my circumstances.
As Raymo says , a Newtonian don't take long. , 1/2 hour or so. , I normally set my scopes up an hour or so before hand weather its one of my refractor,s or my CAT . 
