daytime telescope cover: space blanket

[Gary Hethcoat]

Hello fellow SJAA members,

I was browsing some old SJAA event pictures, and saw a guy with a space blanket over his telescope during the day.  I'm sure many of you have already discovered this, but it hadn't occurred to me until I saw that picture.  Keeps the dust off, but also (maybe more importantly) keeps the telescope and electronics cool by reflecting the sun's radiation away.  Space blankets are just thin plastic sheeting with a metallic coating, very cheap and lightweight.  Invented in the early days of the US Space program, can be seen "wrapping" many spacecraft and components.  Also used as an emergency blanket since they also work for reflecting and retaining body heat.  Available on Amazon, $10 for 6 of them.  If you prefer brick-and-mortar, REI always has these.

Gary

Gary Hethcoat
gary.h...@gmail.com

[gary%mtha...@gtempaccount.com]

I have just set mine up in the back of our chicken pen. I just put a big black plastic bag over it, but like the idea of the space blanket. 

How long to you leave your setup out? (i.e. just a few days, all summer?)

[ian clements]

I purchased a cover. But I’d also like to prevent critters or spiders from getting into the gear. 

I could see the space blanket for thermal protection, the trash bag for water, and the cover just because.  

On May 31, 2022, at 14:12, 'gary%mtha...@gtempaccount.com' via SJAA AstroImaging <sjaa-ast...@googlegroups.com> wrote:

I have just set mine up in the back of our chicken pen. I just put a big black plastic bag over it, but like the idea of the space blanket. 

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[Gary Hethcoat]

I normally only set out my telescope for a few days at a time, when I can see a favorable weather pattern.  Once the weather turns, I pack it up and stow it in my garage.  If your telescope is outdoors full-time, then the canvas layer is probably a good idea since it is more durable.  But, for a few days at a stretch, the space blanket has so far performed very well.  Nothing is going to keep the equipment below ambient temperature, but the thermal blanket will prevent the direct sun from heating things up higher than ambient.  It is also waterproof enough for Bay Area weather I think.  But, I don't leave my equipment out if there is rain in the forecast.

Gary

Gary Hethcoat
gary.h...@gmail.com

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[Walter G. da Cruz]

https://www.highpointscientific.com/shop/?q=Telegizmos+365+Cover+For+12%22+-14%22+EQ+Mounted+SCT+Telescopes+-+T3G2

A bit expensive, but save me tons of time. I don't need to setup the whole gear, polar alignment, etc, etc.

The drawback?  I've been skipping Start parties.  Too lazy to disassemble everything.

regards, Walter

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