CLOUD - GRRR

[Sandancer10]

Having seen the forecast - cloud/clear until 11 then clear on 2 different forecasts why then I am still waiting for the cloud to disappear an hour and half later    .  

This is my last night for Stargazing as I am having an operation on my knee on Saturday and won't be able to carry/setup my kit around for about 2 months - so I am really mad     

To cap it all off I setup at 10pm and have been messing around with camera settings for Astrototilla and PHD. Now that's all sorted - except for my Philips SNC900 which I can't get to work through Astrototilla. I'll give it another half hour to clear  then call it a night. 

[DRT]

I share your pain. I set three scopes up around 9pm after seeing the weather forecast predicting completely clear skies until 3am. The stars have been out but there is obviously high cloud around as the seeing was terrible all night.

Just packed it all away having seen nothing to speak of

[Pete Presland]

the clouds are an occupational hazard unfortunately, as is the light pollution!

[RichM63]

I underwent surgery last week, so I too can't carry the rig outside at the moment.

However; reclining with the binoculars is a great way to get out there and requires no planning except for making a flask of tea.

Best of luck with your knee. (and the weather).

[paulastro]

I'd suggest joining the Cloud Appreciation Society and making the most of how things are.  However, I won't, as I don't want to receive hate mail!!

[Sandancer10]

I'd suggest joining the Cloud Appreciation Society and making the most of how things are.  However, I won't, as I don't want to receive hate mail!!

I already did a couple of years ago before I became seriously interested in Astronomy!! I saw a wave cloud formation and didn't know what it was so I joined and posted the image to them. Apparently it was very high atmospheric cloud and the top was falling forward due to ice - an interesting sight, but nowhere near seeing another Galaxy  .  

[Sandancer10]

I underwent surgery last week, so I too can't carry the rig outside at the moment.

However; reclining with the binoculars is a great way to get out there and requires no planning except for making a flask of tea.

Best of luck with your knee. (and the weather).

Hi Rich and thanks for the tip on bino's.  

Just out of interest I lived beside Lannion, Brittany, near the Rose Granite Coast for 2 years. An absouletly beautiful place and the 'seeing' was amazing there. Lucky you - I wish I had that now.

[RichM63]

LOL Brenda, worked in Lannion for over 10 years, lived near Pontrieux for almost 25.

Yes we do have great 'seeing', simply no LP.

Best,

Rich

[Sandancer10]

Update - well I'm out of hospital and nursing one extremely sore knee. Trying to get some sleep, but no way it's going to let me so here I am trying to catch up on the last few days.

I looked longingly at my kit in the corner of the conservatory today, but it won't be making any appearances outside for weeks yet. I'll have to take up knitting or something to pass the time, meanwhile my lovely view of Andromeda is moving away from my darkest viewing position.

[DRT]

Brenda,

I hope the knee recovers soon. I've had both done in the past 12 months and lots of post-op shenanigins but they are now fine.

Enjoy the Tramadol

Take care.

Derek

[Sandancer10]

Well what a difference 2 months makes, I'm finally recovering from my knee op and  now able to get back to my AP. Tonight was beautiful and clear and the first night I have been able to carry my gear outside and setup and I am  delighted with the result.

I bought a QHY5-ii as a guide camera and having been checking settings while I couldn't get outside, tonight was first time I was able to use PHD and after initial teething problems it worked like a dream. I photographed M31 and M45 and am really pleased with the result. Will post the results after processing.