Leaving my 8 " Dob in unheated garage

Mey Dob takes up space and I was wondering if I can leave it in my unheated garage. I do cover it with end caps and a big plastic bag to keep dust out. I was wondering if the mirror might be adversely effected by keeping it there. I live near Chicago and it does get very cold.

Thanks Steve

I don't think the cold should damage your mirror. You might want to be more careful when transporting it as it WILL be more prone to cracks and such if you bang it up against a wall.

You won't have to worry about cool down time though.

Steve,

Many amateurs leave their telescopes in unheated (and uncooled) garages. However, If I were in Chicago (and I have been many times--sometimes it is humid there), I might rethink covering in tight plastic. And watch out bringing it in from the very cold outside to the moderately cold garage. If you got condensation, and then completely air-sealed the scope, you could trap a bunch of moisture inside that tube. Who knows what may take up residence on your optics?

Alex