An Etymological Dictionary of Astronomy and Astrophysics

A hollow tube that extends out in front of the objective lens (refractors) or corrector lens (Schmidt-Cassegrains). It shields the exposed optics from wide exposure to the cool ambient air, slowing heat loss and preventing dew formation. Reflector telescopes do not need dew caps because the main mirror rests at the bottom of the tube, which acts as a dew shield.

Etymology (EN): → dew + cap, from
O.E. cæppe “hood, head-covering,” from L.L. cappa “a cape, hooded cloak.”

Etymology (PE): Kolâhak, from kolâh “cap,” see below, + similarity suffix -ak. Kolâh “cap,” cf. L. celare “to hide, conceal,” occulere “to dissimulate,” Gk. kalyptein “to cover,” kalia “hut, nest,” Skt. cala “hut, house,” Goth. hilms “helmet,” huljan “cover over,” hulistr “covering,” E. hull “seed covering,” from O.E. hulu, from O.H.G. hulla, hulsa, O.E. hol “cave;” PIE base *kel- “conceal.”

Šabnam→ dew.