astronomers law

[Somnium]

i think i have discovered a new law of nature. the quality of the seeing has a direct inverse relationship to the fullness of the moon. i finally get great seeing but the data is useless because of the sky glow.

[Wavytone]

Not silly at all - there have been studies comparing the night-time weather for astronomy vs lunar phase and yes there is a correlation, though not strong. Ditto earthquakes.

[ZeroID]

And it ain't new either ... I've been trying to ignore it for years !! Last night being a classic instance :shrug:

[Somnium]

it is so annoying. the data i was collecting was super sharp but unusable because the flats wouldn't know how to handle dust bunnies with a gradient in the FOV

[Atmos]

Last night I had the best seeing I've seen in a LONG time! Was also the first night that I'd really used my new (second hand) FLI PDF Focuser. Since found out that one of my adapters is too long so i'll have to order another :/

[yoda776]

I believe you! I have felt the same way. Always seems to be clear with a full moon and cloudy around a new moon. Sometimes i would love to settle for a first or last quarter moon but this year just seems to rain all the time! Was even worse when undertaking uni study and then wishing to go out to view the sky. When exams came, sky was so clear and everyone said best viewing night in a long while. Then when i had a break the sky was cloudy.

I have also learnt not to get the solar scope out on the day of an astronomy club night ... ;)

[yoda776]

The weather will get better hopefully soon.

[Somnium]

i hear you, it is another perfect night of seeing, ruined by a full moon tonight. the law holds true


:prey: