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Seeing conditions directly affect image quality. These drawings represent a point source (i.e., star) under
bad seeing conditions (left) to excellent conditions (right). Most often, seeing conditions produce images
that lie somewhere between these two extremes.
CLEANING THE OPTICS
While your
Star Hopper
®
telescope requires little maintenance, there are a few things to remember that
will ensure your telescope performs optimally.
Care and Cleaning of the Optics
Occasionally, dust may build up on the primary mirror of your
Star Hopper
®
telescope. Special care
should be taken when cleaning any telescope so as to avoid damaging its optics. You shouldn’t need to
clean your optics more than twice a year at the most. Generally, it’s better to leave dust on the mirror,
should a small amount accumulate there. A small amount of dust will have little affect on the image, but
cleaning the optics too often can damage the mirror’s reflective coatings. Also, take precautions to keep
dust out of your telescope.
If cleaning is necessary, remove the primary mirror from the tube. To remove dust from the primary
mirror, use a brush (made of camels hair) or a can of pressurized air. When using pressurized air, spray
at an angle to the mirror for approximately two to four seconds. Then, use an optical cleaning solution and
white, unscented (Kleenex type) tissue paper to remove any remaining debris. Apply the solution to the
tissue and then apply the tissue paper to the mirror. Low pressure strokes should go from the center of
the mirror to the outer edge. DO NOT rub in circles or apply pressure.
You can use a commercially made lens cleaner (available at most camera stores) or mix your own. A
good cleaning solution is isopropyl alcohol mixed with distilled water. The solution should be 60%
isopropyl alcohol and 40% distilled water. Or, liquid dish soap diluted with water (a couple of drops per
one quart of water) can be used.
