Re: Cleaning a mirror
- From: Sketcher <sketcher@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
- Date: Tue, 03 Jan 2006 09:32:05 -0700
On 03 Jan 2006 01:19:52 GMT, Cerdic <blah@xxxxxxxx> wrote:
>I borrowed an Odyssey 1 (16", I think) telescope from my school.
>Is there a good way to clean the mirror?
As others have suggested: Don't attempt to clean that mirror!
Reason: The telescope isn't yours. It's very easy, despite having the
best of intentions, to damage the mirror and/or its coating(s).
Furthermore, it would be good to know the nature of the coating(s) on
the mirror prior to attempting a cleaning. One might assume (possibly
incorrectly) that the reflective coating is either itself very hard or
coated with a hard overcoating. Even if that were so, it's easy to
error when one has little or no experience cleaning first surface
telescope mirrors.
I don't know how you determined that the mirror was in need of
cleaning, but shining a light onto a Newtonian telescope's primary
mirror will make all but the cleanest of mirrors appear to be in need
of cleaning.
One should gain experience cleaning telescope optics using one's own
telescopes -- preferably starting with relatively inexpensive
telescopes before considering cleaning someone else's telescope
optics. You reacted wisely in seeking advise prior to acting. For
this you are commended!
If the mirror(s) of the school's telescope is/are truly in need of
cleaning, I would suggest that the school contact an individual with
experience cleaning high quality, first surface telescope mirrors.
It's just too easy to make a costly mistake.
Sketcher
To sketch is to see.
.
- References:
- Cleaning a mirror
- From: Cerdic
- Cleaning a mirror
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