An astronomical telescope is a precision instrument, and its service life is directly affected by its maintenance.  Astronomical telescopes must be used and kept by special personnel. Non-professionals should not easily disassemble and repair them.  

Maintenance of astronomical telescopes is very easy, and with a little care and care, a telescope can become a space-watching tool that stays with its owner for life.  But if not properly used and maintained, telescope damage is easy to do.  Let’s take a look at how telescope maintenance works.  

1. The making principle of astronomical telescopes  

An astronomical telescope usually has two mirrors. The larger one is the primary mirror, which is used to observe the target.  The smaller one is called the star finder, which is used to find the target, also called the sight scope.  Eyepiece are separate individuals, is to determine the magnification, the eyepiece will have on the F value, this is the focal length of the eyepiece, divide the F value of the primary mirror by the current of the eyepiece used F value, is the current magnification, remember, magnification is a standard, the limit of 6 cm diameter telescope magnification is about 120 times, the ratio of maximum 8 cm around 160 times.  

Telescopes concentrate lighter and see fainter objects because they are larger than the pupil of the eye.  Obviously, objects of the same brightness get dimmer the farther away they are, so the telescope can see objects that are relatively farther away.  However, it does not mean that all objects within this range can be seen, such as M87, tens of millions of light-years with a one-day telescope, but it does not mean that you can see objects in dwarf galaxies, stars, that are much closer to it.  

2. Maintenance of astronomical telescopes  

Proper placement and storage of an astronomical telescope are important to extend its useful life.  Keep the telescope in an airy, dry, and clean place.  All eyepieces, prisms, secondary imaging mirrors, and other small optical accessories should be put into a drying box or drying tank with desiccant when not in use, and pay attention to replacing the desiccant.  Do not use the telescope in snow, rain, wind, sand, humidity (more than 85%) weather, do not open the objective lens cover, especially for the mirror telescope without sealed Windows, dust is the biggest enemy.  

In the south of the mildew, the season can be the mirror tube with airtight plastic bags at both ends, placed inside the bag of desiccant (do not contact the lens), and pay attention to often replacing the new desiccant, in order to keep the objective dry.  

If there is no suitable packing case, the telescope should pay attention to dustproof when not in use. In addition to covering the lens cover, it is best to use plastic bags or clean cloth to cover the mirror body. The large household garbage bag that can be bought in the supermarket is very suitable for dustproof the telescope.  In use no matter how careful, the mirror will always fall on more and more dust.  Small amounts of dust affect the final image of a telescope imperceptible to the naked eye and do not require frequent cleaning.  

3. How to clean the mirror of an astronomical telescope?  

Small amounts of dust affect the final image of a telescope imperceptible to the naked eye and do not require frequent cleaning.  However, if a thick layer of dust falls on the surface of the objective lens, it will reduce the brightness and contrast of the image, and it needs to be cleaned in time.  The outer surface of the eyepiece is more easily smeared than the objective lens and has a greater effect on the observation.  

Without extensive experience in adjusting the telescope’s optics, clean the lens on the outer surface of the objective lens and eyepiece. These surfaces are also the most likely to get dirty.  Dust on the lens should be blown off with a balloon or a medical ear ball.  Be careful not to blow the mirror with your mouth, otherwise, the saliva on the mirror will make the cleaning work more difficult.  Dust that can’t be blown off can be gently dusted with a fine camel hairbrush. Finally, dust that can’t be dusted off can be dipped in distilled water or pure water with a cotton ball or makeup stick.  

Pay attention to the surface of the telescope cleaning, do not use a thick, hard brush to wipe, but with a soft gauze gently wipe water.  Do not clean with organic solvents.  Be careful not to drop water into the optical components, rotary clock, and electric control system.  If there are fingerprints or oil stains, gently wipe with water and a soft gauze.  Do not clean with organic solvents.