Saving the telescope with damaged optics

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the issues faced by a user with a damaged Celestron NexStar 4SE telescope, specifically concerning the optics and potential solutions for repair or replacement. Participants explore the implications of heat exposure on the optics, the possibility of taking photographs of planets with the telescope, and the identification of the source of visual defects.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant inquires about purchasing just the telescope without the mount, indicating a need for a replacement due to damaged optics.
  • Another participant suggests that the telescope can be used for planetary photography, but warns of limitations due to its 4-inch aperture.
  • There is a discussion about whether heat exposure could have damaged the coatings on the optics, with some participants expressing uncertainty about the effects of temperature on the coatings.
  • Several participants propose that the observed spots might not be due to damaged optics but could instead be caused by a dirty eyepiece or misalignment of the telescope.
  • One participant provides detailed information about the coatings used in the telescope and their resistance to heat, suggesting that the optics are likely not damaged.
  • Another participant recommends checking local astronomy clubs for assistance and suggests inspecting the eyepiece and optics for cleanliness and alignment.
  • There are varying opinions on the cause of the spots seen in the telescope's view, with some attributing it to dirt or a faulty eyepiece rather than damaged optics.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the cause of the visual defects, with some believing it may be due to damaged optics while others suggest it is more likely due to dirt or issues with the eyepiece. No consensus is reached regarding the impact of heat on the coatings or the condition of the optics.

Contextual Notes

Participants mention the specific environmental conditions (Arizona heat) and the potential for damage to the telescope, but there is uncertainty regarding the actual effects of such conditions on the optics and coatings. The discussion includes various hypotheses about the source of the visual issues without resolving them.

Sarsat
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I have a Celestron NexStar 4SE, I damaged the optics. Is there a company who just sells the telescope without the computerized mount?
 
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Also with that in mind, can this telescope be used to take pictures of planets
 
http://item.mobileweb.ebay.com/viewitem?itemId=231022390883&cmd=VIDESC … and yes.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Sarsat said:
Also with that in mind, can this telescope be used to take pictures of planets

Sure, just don't expect any amazing pictures. With only 4 inches of aperture your resolution is quite limited.
 
Does anyone know any specific stores that sell just the 4SE telescope it self? excluding stand and computer mount.
 
Sorry, I looked around a little bit online but couldn't find any place that sold just the OTA.
How badly damaged are the optics?
 
Check local astronomy clubs, that is a very common telescope and usually its the mount that breaks, I'm sure there's a ton of OTA lying around.

What exactly did you do to the optics that you think they're busted?
 
I left it exposed to the Arizona heat for a few months
 
You anywhere close to Tucson?
 
  • #10
And? What happened as a a result of that? The optics are made of glass and aluminum - they aren't going to be damaged from normal temperatures, even on a hot day.
 
  • #11
the lenses are coated, does the heat damage the coating? I see spots when I view any object
 
  • #12
It was in Tucson
 
  • #13
Sarsat said:
the lenses are coated, does the heat damage the coating? I see spots when I view any object

Possibly, but I'm not sure. Are you certain it is the optics of the OTA (Optical Tube Assembly) and not the eyepiece that are damaged?

Sarsat said:
It was in Tucson

Are you still in/near Tucson? If so, there are a few stores in town that might be able to help you.
 
  • #14
Celestron uses what they call "Starbright XLT" coatings for that model, which is a blend of MgF2, HfO2 and TiO2, all of which have melting points well above 1000 degrees Celsius - the coating is not going to be damaged by exposure to temperature in the 100-120 degree F range, which is probably the hottest it could have gotten.

The lenses are probably just dirty, or your particular eye piece is damaged, or the telescope is out of collimation (though I don't see how this would cause spots). I suggest you find a local astronomy club who can teach you how to properly use and maintain your equipment, and can give you tips on cleaning the mirror or lenses if they need be.
 
  • #15
That's very interesting information. Thank you
 
  • #16
I don't live in Tucson anymore
 
  • #17
Honestly if you are seeing spots, and not just general blurriness, that suggests that it may be your eyepiece that is damaged. If the optics were damaged then it should lead to blurred images, not spots. Get a flashlight out and inspect the glass in the front of your telescope and the mirror at the back. See if you can find anything that looks out of place. If you can't, then I doubt your optics are damaged.
 
  • #18
For me spots suggest optics is not being destroyed, just dirty. But then my experience is very limited.
 
  • #19
And if you can see spots then the defect or dust is near the focal plane of the telescope. Could be an EP but it is more likely the diagonal. If a Mak-Cass is out of collimation it doesn't manifest as spots. I don't even know if a Mak can be easily collimated but I suppose it is possible. All of the surfaces are spherical so factory collimation is pretty robust and the secondary is glued to the corrector so there isn't an adjustment for it.

Check your EP by observing a bright field (uniformly lit daytime image or the moon) and rotate the EP inside the barrel of the diagonal. If the spots move, it's your EP. If not then remove the diagonal and insert the EP directly into the rear of the OTA and see if they are still there. If you still see spots, you might have 'floaters'.
 

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