Soft images from remote observatory - clouds or dew on optics?

Remote Astrophotography Seeing Conditions Weather Help Needed Troubleshooting
4 replies•147 views
Roger Renberg avatar
Roger Renberg avatar

Hi,

I use a remote observatory, so I couldn’t physically check. But my images were very soft tonight. Maybe someone could tell me if this is clouds or dew somewhere on the optical train? if so, is it the sensor or on the lens?

Screenshot 2025-10-17 at 00.14.51.png

Thanks

Roger

andrea tasselli avatar
andrea tasselli avatar
More like thin cirrus clouds
Scott Badger avatar
Scott Badger avatar

Fog? And if fog, then probably dew too, on the lens.

Cheers,

Scott

ItsMeAstro avatar
ItsMeAstro avatar

Hi,

I have a very interesting lecture about Dew, Frost, causes and solutions. Also discussed are some similar issues as mentioned with soft objects !

https://www.youtube.com/live/5Wp2bkz85-o

SonnyE avatar
SonnyE avatar

Roger Renberg · Oct 16, 2025, 10:37 PM

Hi,

I use a remote observatory, so I couldn’t physically check. But my images were very soft tonight. Maybe someone could tell me if this is clouds or dew somewhere on the optical train? if so, is it the sensor or on the lens?

Screenshot 2025-10-17 at 00.14.51.png

Thanks

Roger

I have to wonder why you would be using a remote observatory and not have any sort of monitoring camera.

Shucks I use one on mine and it is only ~75 feet out back. (wireless WiFi) Solar.)

Do you monitor the weather at the location?

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