Thanks for the additional confirmations.
Just for fun: while reading other threads on this (where I also encountered Jon’s picture 😀), I ended up asking ChatGPT. Not sure on what it was trained, but the answer is surprising, which also pushed me to check here your practical experience…
[ChatGPT excerpt follows]
Storing a reflector telescope vertically with the mirror side down (resting on the primary mirror) is not recommended for several reasons:
Potential Issues:
1. Stress on the Primary Mirror: The weight of the entire optical tube assembly would put unnecessary pressure on the mirror, which can lead to stress fractures, deformation, or damage to the mirror’s surface over time.
2. Collimation Drift: The pressure on the mirror cell can affect the alignment of the optics (collimation), requiring more frequent adjustments.
3. Dust and Moisture Risk: If there’s any opening or gap, dust and moisture could settle around the mirror more easily when it’s facing downward, potentially causing corrosion or mold growth, especially in humid environments.
4. Risk of Damage: The mirror is often not designed to bear weight. Any accidental jolt or shift could crack the mirror or damage the support system.
Better Storage Options:
• Vertical Storage (Mirror Side Up): You can store it vertically with the mirror facing up as long as it’s securely supported. Use a dust cap to prevent debris from settling inside.
• Horizontal Storage: Ideally, store the telescope horizontally on padded supports. This distributes the weight evenly, reducing stress on the optics.
• Protective Coverings: Regardless of position, keep the telescope covered to protect against dust and moisture.
Would you like tips on how to create a safe storage setup for your telescope?
Okay, this is an object lesson in why ai is not ready for prime time. I don’t even understand this response. Better to ask the question here, as you have.
If you store the telescope with the mirror at the bottom, the mirror is face up and there is no pressure on it. It is in a mirror cell, not in contact with the tube. There is no pressure on the mirror.
Then there is this excerpt from your ai advisor:
“ Options:
• Vertical Storage (Mirror Side Up): You can store it vertically with the mirror facing up as long as it’s securely supported. Use a dust cap to prevent debris from settling inside.”
??? Mirror side up and mirror facing up are two different things. I have never heard of storing a telescope with the mirror on the top. This way lies madness.
I store mine vertically in its base on a hand truck. If I am leaving it out, I don’t store it vertically, but angle it. I’m not sure why you can’t store it in its base if you have room to store both the base and tube separately. It has the same footprint in its base as the base alone and is only a few inches higher. Then you wouldn’t have to store the tube separately.