Abstract
ABSTRACTMost ground‐based telescope mirror coatings are exposed to hostile environments, as the humidity, dust, and reactive gases in the air corrode and tarnish the coating. As the coating degrades the scatter increases. Eventually, every mirror needs to be recoated. This is a costly, time‐consuming process that requires telescope down time and involves risks to both people and to equipment. The AEOS (Advanced Electro‐Optical System) telescope has a mirror purge system that fills the mirror cell with dry air while the telescope is stowed. We present results conclusively demonstrating that this system extends the lifetime of the AEOS primary mirror coating, reducing the need for burdensome recoating.
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