Cleaning The Optics - Celestron STAR HOPPER Instruction Manual

CLEANING THE OPTICS

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While your Star Hopper telescope requires little maintenance, there are a few things to remember that will
ensure your telescope performs optimally.
Care and Cleaning of the Optics
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Occasionally, dust may build up on the primary mirror of your Star Hopper telescope. Special care should be
taken when cleaning any telescope so as to avoid damaging its optics. You shouldn't need to clean your optics
more than twice a year at the most. Generally, it's better to leave dust on the mirror, should a small amount
accumulate there. A small amount of dust will have little affect on the image, but cleaning the optics too often can
damage the mirror's reflective coatings. Also, take precautions to keep dust out of your telescope.
If cleaning is necessary, remove the primary mirror from the tube. To remove dust from the primary mirror, use a
brush (made of camel's hair) or a can of pressurized air. When using pressurized air, spray at an angle to the
mirror for approximately two to four seconds. Then, use an optical cleaning solution and white, unscented
(Kleenex type) tissue paper to remove any remaining debris. Apply the solution to the tissue and then apply the
tissue paper to the lens. Low pressure strokes should go from the center of the mirror to the outer edge. DO NOT
rub in circles or apply pressure.
You can use a commercially made lens cleaner (available at most camera stores) or mix your own. A good
cleaning solution is isopropyl alcohol mixed with distilled water. The solution should be 60% isopropyl alcohol
and 40% distilled water. Or, liquid dish soap diluted with water (a couple of drops per one quart of water) can be
used.
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