Wind speed

Marios (Marios) · #1 31-01-2014, 11:33 AM

Hi Guys

What wind speed would you consider to windy for Astrophotography?

ZeroID (Brent) · #2 31-01-2014, 01:07 PM

Too many variables here. I'm in an Ob with a solid pier so 15-20km doesn't bother me much but if you're out in the open with a lightweight tripod and a big scope then you're wasting your time I would suggest.
Nice thing about wind is it can give some nice clear skies. A southerly at my place is cold and clear, gets rid of the heat waves and crud in the air.

BPO · #3 31-01-2014, 03:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ZeroID

A southerly at my place is cold and clear, gets rid of the heat waves and crud in the air.

You're a poet and didn't know it.

Or did you?

mental4astro (Alexander) · #4 01-02-2014, 10:20 AM

Once the wind is strong enough to blow possums out of a tree, only then do I start considering packing up,

Like Zero says - too many variables: your mount and then the scope you have set up on it, your location (protected or not), what you are trying to achieve, etc.

If you have a stout, heavy mount and only a little scope set up, wind will have less of an effect than a lighter duty mount carrying a large scope that becomes a sail.

Pinwheel (Doug) · #5 03-02-2014, 01:49 PM

Simpler...If the scope moves.....It's too windy..

ZeroID (Brent) · #6 04-02-2014, 09:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BPO

You're a poet and didn't know it.

Or did you?

Geez, a hidden talent I didn't even know I had ...

Must find a use for it one day. Actually my mother was quite prolific in that regard with many of her scribblings entertaining the family. Also a great doodler for the grandkids. Very talented lady.

Jon (Jonathan) · #7 06-02-2014, 01:35 PM

It's quite interesting. I've got a biggish scope on a smallish mount, on my balcony that is shielded by the house from one direction. Depending where the scope is pointed, wind gusts can create wild movement in Dec, or in RA, or not at all. It really is like a sail. You can tack your scope into quite a strong headwind with little problem, but try a broad reach and it wobbles all over the shop :-)

Jon (Jonathan) · #8 06-02-2014, 01:37 PM

A postscript - the biggest issue with wind is actually dangling cords. If the USB cord into the camera is flapping around in the breeze you're stuffed.

Pinwheel (Doug) · #9 07-02-2014, 01:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jon

It's quite interesting. I've got a biggish scope on a smallish mount, on my balcony that is shielded by the house from one direction. Depending where the scope is pointed, wind gusts can create wild movement in Dec, or in RA, or not at all. It really is like a sail. You can tack your scope into quite a strong headwind with little problem, but try a broad reach and it wobbles all over the shop :-)

Had you considered UPDRAFTS, notorious problem on a multi story or hi-rise buildings.