Sunset/Twilight Seeing

[sheeny (Al)]

Finally managed to get the scope out tonight.

I was setting up and drift aligning during twilight and I noticed the seeing was fabulous! I have noticed this before...

Later in the night when it got dark and I came out to do some imaging it wasn't nearly so good, and it steadily deteriorated as the night progressed. I've packed up now since I have an early start for work in the morning.

Has anyone else noticed the seeing is often better at twilight than later in the evening?

Al.

[jjjnettie (Jeanette)]

Argh. Twilight, also known as Cactus Hour to us parent types.
Tis rare that I get out to observe at that time of day.

[Starkler (Geoff)]

Yes Al I certainly have noticed it. Once the temperature drops after sunset, the seeing tends to deteriorate.

[GTB_an_Owl (Geoff)]

anything to do with mirror ambient temperature do you think ?

geoff

[iceman (Mike)]

Yeh I've noticed it too, and a similar effect can be seen just before dawn.. when the temperature is stable and the air is calm. Beautiful.

Originally Posted by jjj

Argh. Twilight, also known as Cactus Hour to us parent types

Agree completely, it's very hard for me to image Jupiter at the moment, it's almost overhead by the time we finally get all the kids in bed.

I can't view Jupiter once it goes overhead, damn trees to the West.