Disappointed with preps and no result

[Sirius Starwatcher]

Spent 48 hours planning an observing session around Leo and Coma Berenicis. Plenty of info TLAO and sky safari. Sky glow was more than usual no visible haze as such but targets were just not crystal clear.

Now wondering if it was seeing or my Dobs out of line. Jupiter was not as clear as I have seen her before. best EPs used were 25 15. 12 anything higher was a waste of time. This was Friday between 2130 and 0130 am. Any suggestions please

[Stu]

I suspect it was a matter of poor transparency, and possibly poor seeing aswell.

If the Skyglow was worse than normal it implies high level haze perhaps, or moisture in the air, all of which will affect transparency which is important for fainter targets.

I doubt collimation was the cause but it's always worth checking.

Don't be downhearted, have another bash on a better night, your prep is still valid so is not wasted

[Dude_with_the_tube]

Gary,

it was seeing conditions.Looked very promising in early evening,i started my tests of some equipment just before 21:00 and packed up by 23:00 due moisture and seeing conditions.I couldnt go higher then 12mm either due to this ,also there was so much moisture coming down due to possibly temperature changes that i had to use hair drier on eye pieces regularly and finally got fed up.Only on few moments through out the session i was able to get very good to excellent detail on Jupiter,but it was a constant battle.

As Stu says: there is always another day.Well correction:Night.

[Sirius Starwatcher]

Thanks guys for the info it's nice to get confirmation that I was on the right track. I feel very lucky. It's the first time I've encountered bad seeing since I started observing last year. So now I know what to look for in the future.

Now what's my next hurdle to overcome ..

[ronin]

Fair distance apart but the sky here has been "clear" all week but the detail has not been present. Main constellation stars have been visible but often poorly and the other stars in the background and generally around the sky have been difficult to see if at all.

Been one of those times when "clear" but not good.

So not surprised your results have not been great, more surprised that it has extended as far.

Where is the Jetstream at present ?

[Sirius Starwatcher]

http://www.crondallweather.co.uk/jetstream.html#.VTJM0BikqK0 The link has the Jetstream at present sat over Norway sweeping through the centre of the UK