Anyone know if dewing is likely to be a problem at the WSP next week?
Winter Star Party dewing?
Started by jabiru, 02/23/2011 08:56PM
Posted 02/23/2011 08:56PM
Opening Post
Posted 02/23/2011 11:49PM
#1
If the air temperature is less than 10F above the dew point, you will eventually have dew (or frost) on any surface exposed to a clear sky. Dew caps will delay the onset for a while. Bring a dew strap heater to be 90% dew free. I say 90% because in humid climates like Florida the air temperature usually drops overnight until it reaches the dew point, and at extremely high relative humidity even dew straps sometimes fail to keep lenses dry.
Jim McSheehy
Posted 02/24/2011 10:57PM
| Edited 02/24/2011 10:58PM
#2
In my experience dew tends to be a huge problem at WSP.
Essentially you are on a tiny piece of land in a huge
ocean -- water all around. Still nights with best seeing
seem to have the most dew -- which can make for some pretty
frustrating situations. Other nights when its
breezy you get this fine salt mist stuff blowing up the beach
onto everything. You want adjustable heaters on everything
and a solid power supply to run them. Some sort of low-wattage
heat gun or hair dryer also helps. Long dew shields and
waterproof shrouds on dobs are recommended.
Essentially you are on a tiny piece of land in a huge
ocean -- water all around. Still nights with best seeing
seem to have the most dew -- which can make for some pretty
frustrating situations. Other nights when its
breezy you get this fine salt mist stuff blowing up the beach
onto everything. You want adjustable heaters on everything
and a solid power supply to run them. Some sort of low-wattage
heat gun or hair dryer also helps. Long dew shields and
waterproof shrouds on dobs are recommended.
Funding Member
