Protecting my mirror

[Psalm19:1]

Hi learned astronomers,

I am about to take my dob to the desert southwest for two months and I am pretty sure where I will be setting up has a dirt surface. Does anyone have any idea how I can protect the primary mirror from getting dusty? It is so close to the ground. I have no idea how I would get it clean if some debris were to be kicked up nearby. The only thing I can think of is to have a good sized ground cloth under it, but that seems like an imperfect solution.

Thanks for any ideas,
Marian

[Don Quixote]

Hello Marian.
The ground cloth sounds like the place to begin.
If you have wind and blowing dust that would be more of a problem of course.
Maybe putting a cloth "Shower Cap" over the mirror end would give some protection to dust at ground Ievel.

Just an idea.
Clear skies to you.

[JayTee]

I use a tarp (Harbor Freight has many different sizes) laid out and then outdoor carpet on top of that when I'm out in the field. Also, I use elasticized plastic shower caps for both ends of my telescope tube when it is not in use.

Believe it or not unless some kind of liquid material gets into your telescope tube and onto your mirror, it will not get dirty enough to necessitate a cleaning while you are out in the field. Your telescope mirror can get very very dirty before you see any significant degradation in performance.

Cheers,
JT

[helicon]

I also use a tarp - the camping kind that you place under your tent if you are familiar with that sort of thing. Seems to work OK when I am out at dark sky locations. Also, don't want ants, spiders, or other critters to get into the OTA.

[man1]

I also use a tarp - the camping kind that you place under your tent if you are familiar with that sort of thing. Seems to work OK when I am out at dark sky locations. Also, don't want ants, spiders, or other critters to get into the OTA.

I have used so far a 4x4 sheet of 3/4" plywood and to keep bugs and spiders out of the primary on my xt10i.. I got some mosquito screening at the dollar store that they sell for doors. (very fine mesh) I put that screening between my cooling fan cover and the bottom of the mirror base. All kept in place with velcro.

[Psalm19:1]

Thanks everyone, I never thought of using a shower cap. Genius!

[Lady Fraktor]

One of the most common things I have seen used at star parties is a section of outdoor carpetting/ astroturf.
Not very heavy, hard to destroy and will not become slippery with snow/ water on it.