Cleaning Mirrors

[Adrianf]

I have had a moth take up residence and lay eggs the scopes primary mirror. I have removed the eggs and the moth but it has left a mark on the mirror. Whats the best way to remove the mark? Do I need to remove the mirror or is there an easier way?

Adrian

[timthelder]

Hi Adrian,

The when I cleaned my corrector plate on my scope,I made up a solution of 40% Isopropyl alcohol,and 60% distilled water.For wiping the solution,I used cottonballs...It worked excellent.

If it were my scope,I would probably gently dab the spot(soak it) with a bit of solution as to soften it first,so anything the moth left will not scratch the lens.

If it acts stubborn,do not get impatient,just soak it again and wait a few minutes.

Do NOT rub in a circle,wipe to the outside of the lens gently,until you get it.

Any solution residue evaporates nicely due to the alcohol.

Hope this helps...

[Adrianf]

Thanks I will try to see if I can get Isopropyl alcohol today and see if I can clean it. I assume the moth got in during a session attracted by the light from the mirror and I didnt see it. The scope is always stored with all caps on.

Adrian

[CanisMajorTom]

Never really had to clean a mirror before. Good luck with it mate, sorry I can't be of more assistance, Tim covered everything I would have said. :pipethinker:

[rmcpb]

Just saw this thread. Don't use isopropanol on your mirror!!

The standard way of cleaning a mirror for a newt is to sit it in a luke warm bath of water with a drop or two of dishwashing liquid. Let it soak then GENTLY wipe the surface with a series of cotton balls, changing frequently, letting the weight of the cotton ball do the job. When clean, rinse the mirror with distilled water, put it on its side to drain, you can use some cotton buds to soak up the drops but be very careful not to touch the mirror surface with them. Once dry, refit in mirror cell and collimate.

Cheers

[Adrianf]

OK Thanks for that. I didnt get any isopropanol to clean the mirror The mark seems to be drying(?) and flaking off by itself.

Adrian

[Radar]

Any idea what the mark is Adrian?

Ray

[orion]

Just saw this thread. Don't use isopropanol on your mirror!!

The standard way of cleaning a mirror for a newt is to sit it in a luke warm bath of water with a drop or two of dishwashing liquid. Let it soak then GENTLY wipe the surface with a series of cotton balls, changing frequently, letting the weight of the cotton ball do the job. When clean, rinse the mirror with distilled water, put it on its side to drain, you can use some cotton buds to soak up the drops but be very careful not to touch the mirror surface with them. Once dry, refit in mirror cell and collimate.

Cheers

I totaly agree! Don't use isopropanol!

[Adrianf]

I believe its where the moth eggs were attached to the mirror it was a circle about 1cm across its now just a couple of spots about 1mm across. It is literally just falling off by itself providing I place the OTA horizontal.

Adrian

[timthelder]

Hi Adrian,

I apoligize for the misinformation...The lens cleaning instructions that came with my scope,offered the soap soak/wash as an option,NOT as an only remedy for a dirty lens.I am thankful thre are much more experienced astronomers on here,to offer assistance.

(not that I wouldn't mind buying you a new lens....)but for a corrector plate what I said still goes.