Jet Stream maps

[iceman]

How many of you analyse the jet stream maps?

You can see them at this site (http://squall.sfsu.edu/crws/jetstream.html), and choose "Southern Hemisphere map".

Here's an example of the current one:

http://squall.sfsu.edu/gif/jetstream_sohem_00.gif

Exactly what does it mean and how do you interpret it?

The blue arrows show wind direction? The grey area shows affected area?

Does it indicate that you'll get bad seeing in those affected areas?

Thanks for any advice or info.

[Vermin]

Mike the blue arrows are direction and speed (size of arrow).

Grey areas are fast moving jet streams that are sort of bad for astronomical viewing, read this Cloudy nights info:

"3. High Altitude effects.

Effects at this altitude are caused by fast moving “rivers” of air know as Jet streams. Wind shears at around the 200-300mb altitude level can cause images to appear stable, but very fuzzy, and devoid of fine detail. There isn’t anything the observer can do to prevent these effects, but forecasts are available, to help predict weather a Jet stream is present over your area... "


Whole thing here:

http://www.cloudynights.com/howtos2/seeing.htm

[Exfso]

Very handy, thanks for finding this.

:)

[toetoe]

I saw a show on tv a few weeks back and it was about "Global Dimming" which was based on Jet Streams, very interesting.

[h0ughy]

toetoe,

a slight mix up in the meaning there for the global dimming from the jet streams, it is the Condensation trails from commercial airliners, not the "jet " stream

[acropolite]

Thanks Mike & Tom, that probably explains why lately I have been seeing fuzzy images, with little detail, even though the weather was quite clear. :astron:

[toetoe]

Thanks Houghy, i need a good wake up every now and then.:doh:

[h0ughy]

Glad I could help toetoe!

[rumples riot]

This is the one I use Mike

http://www.perthwesternaustralia.net/perth_weather_main.html

then go to Australian Jet Stream. I like this because it is animated. Still I think I might add your link to my weather links.

[Exfso]

That is a great site Paul, thanks mate, didnt know about it either

:cheers:

[iceman]

Can someone tell the Jet Stream to go away? I'm sick of it now!

[h0ughy]

Mike by the looks of todays map I don't think you will get your wish. :scared3:

[gaa_ian]

From what I can see of the Jet Steam I dont think it is to much of a concern for us up here.
So long as we are not getting the humidity we should get great seeing, when the skies are clear ?