Ambient temperature effects on equipment

[Rad]

I am planning to set-up the backyard observatory in eastern Quebec where the seasonal temperature can vary anywhere from -35 to +30 degrees C. I intend to keep the 12 inch ‘go to’ telescope all year around in it. The questions:

1.Will the temperature extremes have a permanent deteriorating effect on equipment optics, electronics, or mechanics?

2.Will the preparation time for observation be affected?

3.Should I consider kind of temperature control in the observatory?
Any information will be deeply appreciated,

Thanks,
Rad

[admin]

Hello and Bonjour
I had the great opportunity to visit Montreal Quebec from Toronto a few times and it got -50C with the wind chill. To my knowledge many of the problems are encountered when going from warm indoor temperatures to outdoor, and if you keep temperatures stable without moisture you should be ok although electronics (LCDs, motors etc may suffer).

From the harsh conditions, snow, ice, wind, freeze/thaw cycles and more I would not risk expensive equipment unless well protected at least by some wind/water protection (shelter? or waterproofing?). The temperature I think would not have a big effect on the optics alone I believe (is there any risk of mirror / lens cracking at very low temperatures?) if you cancel out moisture.

As you mention you will have a shelter/observatory. Will this totally block moisture, snow and wind from the outside? Also, is there any way of controlling the extreme temperatures such as the way greenhouses do this to prevent very low temperatures?

Note that I have not tried much (only took out my scope a few times in -30 C temperatures and heard some movement of the mirror!) and these are just a few suggestions.

cheers