TheSkySearchers

I had a good view of the Andromeda galaxy which I shared my sister and my nephew who were over for dinner last night. I set up the scope at 5:00 and by 5:30 the views were pretty good - not entirely dark but M32 could clearly be seen. In the state of partial light M31 appeared like a comet.

I decided to leave the scope out over night and get up at 4:20 for a morning session. Ursa Major was well placed for observation but as I slewed towards M81/M82 I noticed the stars had rings around and them and were faint. The culprit was dew on the primary, which for me has been a very infrequent experience. Over night the humidity increased from 30% to 75% - I guess that was the problem. Should have used the fan I guess...

I swear by the hairdryer.

notFritzArgelander wrote: ↑Thu Dec 02, 2021 5:15 pm I swear by the hairdryer.

Not at?

Since my hair is thinning on top I don't need a hairdryer anymore....

Yes, the fan will delay dew formation. I run mine all the time. After the fact, a hair dryer is the best tool for de-dewing.

turboscrew wrote: ↑Thu Dec 02, 2021 5:54 pm

notFritzArgelander wrote: ↑Thu Dec 02, 2021 5:15 pm I swear by the hairdryer.

Not at?

Never at. It's too good a friend.

helicon wrote: ↑Thu Dec 02, 2021 6:00 pm Since my hair is thinning on top I don't need a hairdryer anymore....

Neither do I. What hair I have I keep close cropped. My hair drier is battery powered and a dedicated astronomy accessory.