Clear Sky at Last!

[barx1963 (Malcolm)]

Since getting back from the trip to Hawaii in early June, over 2 months ago I have only had the scope out twice, both times with moonage and drifting clouds.
Finally last night it was cold, clear and moonless.
Managed to get out there and do some PNs in Aqulia and Serpens, the NGC 7176 group in Grus and some other stuff.
When I gave it up at midnight with some faint moonage on the eastern horizon it was 0.6deg C

The interesting thing was with such a long break between drinks I had no idea what constellations were up. Had to work to relearn the sky!

Malcolm

[pgc hunter]

Originally Posted by barx1963

Since getting back from the trip to Hawaii in early June, over 2 months ago I have only had the scope out twice, both times with moonage and drifting clouds.
Finally last night it was cold, clear and moonless.
Managed to get out there and do some PNs in Aqulia and Serpens, the NGC 7176 group in Grus and some other stuff.
When I gave it up at midnight with some faint moonage on the eastern horizon it was 0.6deg C

Mate this winter has got to be one of the WORST on record. Never seen such constant, unbroken, continually cloudy conditions ever, even by the standards of this donkey's backside of a climate. Since I picked up my 12" in early April I had it out exactly twice

The interesting thing was with such a long break between drinks I had no idea what constellations were up. Had to work to relearn the sky!

Malcolm

I know what you mean. With months between sessions, constellations that were in the evening sky are suddenly now morning objects!

[mithrandir (Andrew)]

Originally Posted by barx1963

The interesting thing was with such a long break between drinks I had no idea what constellations were up. Had to work to relearn the sky!

With the weather (cloud/rain/freezing wind) this year, my first sight of Scorpius was with it about to vanish behind the trees just after sunset.

The last time I had a scope out was for the TOV, where it was raining on and off.

[barx1963 (Malcolm)]

Originally Posted by pgc hunter

Mate this winter has got to be one of the WORST on record. Never seen such constant, unbroken, continually cloudy conditions ever, even by the standards of this donkey's backside of a climate. Since I picked up my 12" in early April I had it out exactly twice

Sab
I had a look at my records and since early April its is 4 times.

Malcolm

[pgc hunter]

And we are facing yet another round of cold fronts and endless rain and cloud. It just doesn't end. I have to get out of this town before I go mental.

[Paddy (Patrick)]

I know what you guys mean. So often I've got my scope out under clear skies and by the time the mirror's cooled, the clouds have rolled in. BUT I did get in about an hour last night. Had the scope out, clouds came, left the scope out and the sky cleared. Alas that I had to go to work today as it just kept getting better the later it got.

I hate missing winter observing as beautiful Sagittarius passes overhead.

[Nico13 (Ken)]

Yep same here Saturday night looked out at sunset to se clear sky for the first time in ages so out came the gear with the aim of finishing the setup of the new guide scope (ST80) and to do some pointing modelling for the mount.
All went well and I was even running from indoors away from the cold and just peeking out the window to keep an eye on the mount when slewing.

Actually did a couple image runs on the Triffid and also Omega Centauri.
Packed up around midnight like you Malcolm, dew was pretty heavy but the heaters were working very well on the three scopes on the mount but when I turned the outside lights on to pack up I could see the moisture level in the air was very high.
Checked on Sunday morning to find it was rated at 100% humidity all night and we had a frost as well so I understood why my pictures were pretty poor. Oh well the setup was working well so I was happy with that.
It's gotta improve soon.

[Aidan (Aidan)]

I am up in central victoria at the moment. Weather company promised a clear night, looking at the various shades of grey above me, i think they may have lied. 2 clearish nights in a month. Urrrrgh!

[DavidU (Dave)]

Nice one Mal. I think Sab needs a Bex and a lie down before he blows a gasket. LOL

[barx1963 (Malcolm)]

Yay!
Another clear night tonight! Knocked over about 10 new targets, mainly PNs in Aquila (NGC 6781 is really worth a look!) and some GXs in Grus (NGC7410 the highlight there)
Was down to 0.1c at midnight, so was feeling te cold but really worth it.

Malcolm

[Aidan (Aidan)]

Beautiful clear sky from 9:30pm last night great viewing. Fog rolled in around 12:30am few new targets, 5 x meteors, just perfect when well rugged up.

Aidan