Can i use a telescope in the cold

I just purchased an Orion XT8 telescope. However, I live in the Midwest and its been around 30-35 degrees outside. Can i still use my scope in this conditions? I'm worried the cold may harm it somehow. What about the condensation that would happen when i bring it in from the cold into my warm house?

Yes, you can use your newly purchased telescope outside in freezing cold weather (as long as you can tolerate it, your telescope can). I live in Michigan & have been out observing in very cold weather (10-20 degrees is about my limit) w/various different kinds of telescopes, including refractors, Dobs, & Schmidt-Cassegrains.

You should NOT bring a cold telescope into your warm house. Water will condense on the optics almost immediately. What I've done is to either leave the equipment outside in my attached garage or put it away (not really practical w/your 8" Dob, I realize) in its storage case & bring it inside, allowing the temperature to gradually equalize for several hours after which I'll remove it from the case & let it dry out. That has always worked well for me & I've had my equipment for more than a decade.

If you have a secure outside location (garage or lockable shed) the best thing for you to do is to leave your Dob outside. It will take less time to reach temperature equilibrium when you want to start observing & you won't have problems w/condensation at the end of the night. Just be sure to cover it to keep the dust off the optics.

Telescopes are _designed_ to be used outdoors, at night, in the cold. If you can stand the temperature, your telescope can. If possible store your telescope in a place with a temperature similar to outdoors, such as an unheated garage. If you have to bring it indoors on a cold night, cap it tightly while still outside; this will slow down the warming up process and minimize condensation.

Telescopes can handle that temperature better than you can.