Re: [APML]: Vermin at the observing site?

[Reinhard Ilk <ilkr@ping.at>]

Chris Lasley wrote:
> 
> I move the moth balls outside the
> observatory while I observe, not to breathe in the fumes all night.  I am
> concerned about the outgassing of the moth balls and optics - anyone know
> what chemical moth balls outgas and its effect on coatings?

I'd say, you needn't worry too much about your coatings. The main
components of these products are aromatic hydrocarbons which have no
adverse effect on Aluminum or commonly used coatings. The compounds of
"normal" air pollution (Sulfur- and Nitrogen oxides), which we all can
hardly protect our optics from, do much more harm to our instruments.

However, it is recommendable not to inhale the fumes of moth balls in
higher concentrations, so you are certainly right not to use it in such
a small room as an observing dome.

Kind regards

Reinhard Ilk
ilkr@ping.at