Canberra and dew on eyepieces

[Gem (Grant)]

Hi

Anyone from Canberra or nearby, who can comment on the need for a dew heater on the eyepiece when observing for 2 to 3 hour sessions?

Thanks!

[mercedes_sl1970]

Hello Grant

I can't say that I've had too much of a problem, but others may have a different experience. The only issue for me has been with larger surfaces (refractor objective or mirror).

Andrew

[Logieberra (Logan)]

Why not keep them in your pockets when not in use... so when you switch back & forth - they're nice and toasty

[Gem (Grant)]

Thanks!

I never had much trouble in Wagga with the dew when using a dob, but I thought it was worth at least asking.

[mental4astro (Alexander)]

Pockets are fine, I use mine too, but I only have one, and no more than two in them.

What helps too if you've got all your eyepieces in a case, is a hot water bottle in the case with the eyepieces. It keeps them warm so when you come to select one that hasn't been in your pocket, it won't instantly fog up.

I take a thermos of hot water with me, and it sees me a change or two of the water through the night. You'll need to change the water after about three hours or so as the night air will suck the heat out quickly. You can also drap a towel over the eyepiece case with the hot water bottle in the case. This will insulate the heat and make the water exchange happen less frequently.

You can also get a cosy for the bottle too. This will temper the heat so the eyepieces won't become hot, just warms them gently.

There are also heated eyepiece cases, and there is a fellow here on IIS that has got one for sale in the classifieds section.

[mercedes_sl1970]

Originally Posted by Logieberra

Why not keep them in your pockets when not in use... so when you switch back & forth - they're nice and toasty

Hi Grant - thinking a little more about this, by default this is probably what I end up doing. I do have my eyepieces in a foam lined box but usually end up having one on the scope and one in either parka pocket... And, after 2-3 hours I've run out of steam and am feeling a tad chilly!

Andrew

[Gem (Grant)]

Thanks all.

In the past when at Wagga, I used to just swap over eyepieces every so often. (Usually find an object with low and then switch to a medium or high). I also usually observed for only an hour each night (being a student at the time).

Ok, my main fears are relieved. Canberra sounds similar to Wagga. I'll just need a main heater when I get a SCT.

[Logieberra (Logan)]

How is the purchasing coming along? Exciting times Let me know when the gear surfaces! Lucky Duck

[Gem (Grant)]

Purchase has temporarily hit a snag at the moment (a.k.a. wife), but WILL happen this year. After waiting 16 years since my last scope purchase, a few more months won't hurt. I know the next scope might be my last for another 16 years, so I want to make sure I get the PERFECT setup!

[Logieberra (Logan)]

There's a nice used dob in the forums... local sale n cheap

[Gem (Grant)]

Then I would hear "Now you have a scope, why do you want another one?"
Best to get the perfect setup all at once. It is our 15th anniversary in December so methinks she wants it to seem like a present for me.
Either way, I will get it this year. Even if I have to tread on toes. I have waited long enough now!

[Gem (Grant)]

I should add that she bought me a Sky and Telescope mag out of the blue yesterday and I did buy a new Celestron 17mm axiom eyepiece - so the signs are good!
You just need to invite me over to use yours in the mean time...

[Logieberra (Logan)]

Buying a shed from bunnings this week. Will convert it into my 'Home Dome'. When gear is all setup - you're welcome to check it out

Logie.