Clear as a crystal outside tonight!.....

[asimov (John)]

.....Seeing conditions? 2/10 !! Not even going to bother setting up, just gonna sit here & annoy you guys!!

[TidaLpHasE]

Nothing but cloud down here in Melbourne.

Good thing i havn't got my scope yet....

[ballaratdragons (Ken)]

Beautiful up here in Ballarat Mr.Tidal! Foggy around ground level, slightly hazy up higher and magnificent at zenith. Not a cloud to be seen!!

I won't be setting up though! Everything is dewing up too fast.

[Starkler (Geoff)]

Seems like there hasnt been a clear night in Melbourne for weeks

[toetoe (Peter)]

Same in Albury.

[asimov (John)]

Same again tonight (1st aug)...clear, 70 MPH jetstream over head, heavy dew & fog forecast...Can't take a trick!

[janoskiss (Steve H)]

Originally Posted by Starkler

Seems like there hasnt been a clear night in Melbourne for weeks

Last night was pretty good in Melbourne till about 11pm. GRS was staring right at me till about 10 and then I went for a tour of the scorpion and the teapot. Saw lots of things I've never seen before. Light pollution really limits you though.

[asimov (John)]

Actually, I stand corrected! I set-up the 12.5" newt just now just in case...with no cool-down at all, Jupiter is the best I've even seen it! Even with the jet-stream overhead!? Go figure.

[rumples riot]

John Jet stream only really comes into play when using a barlow and small EP. Like a 3x barlow and a 6mm EP on a 2000mm FL scope or when imaging. Generally you will not get very bad views with just a a small FL and an EP alone.

[ballaratdragons (Ken)]

And the reason for being the best ever view, possibly coz of the crisp cold air.

[jackenau]

and I thought it was just me. Crystal clear, cold, a lot of dew about, but definately good viewing. Definately good viewing, even if only for a short time, and even better if you can keep the dew under control.

Glad you took the time to have a sqiz. Regardless of the reports about viewing conditions, I normally always take the time to set up and have a quick sqiz, sometimes it is exactly as reported and pretty poor, but more often than not you get some pretty good views of the sky, and I would have to agree with the other Ken, it is probably one of the reason for the best views of Jupiter you have seen. "crisp cold air", but then again I am no expert, just enjoy being able to grab my scope and enjoy the view.

Ken M

[asimov (John)]

Thanks rumples. I did'nt know that. Never even heard of this 'jet-stream' until joining this forum. Us 'old school' dudes like to keep it simple. I'll just make out I never heard of the jet-stream!