Avoiding self-perpetuating cloudy nights

[pwalsh61]

As we all know, one of the laws of Astronomy (perhaps the 1st Law) is that purchase of astronomical kit is immediately followed by cloudy nights.

Could this be self-perpetuating? Up and down the UK there must be astronomers who, when faced with yet another cloud-out, seek solace in browsing magazines and internet sites, eventually placing an order for more stuff which, when it arrives, causes further cloudy nights....

How about we select 2 days of the year:

1st May where everybody places their orders. With lighter evenings, the loss of observing time brought on by all the new kit has less of an impact

1st September where every astronomer refrains from ordering anything, in an attempt to guarantee clear nights

By the way, this is meant to be tongue-in-cheek (before anyone begins to take me too seriously!)

[Telrad]

Oh, it's a long long while from May to December

But the days grow short when you reach September

When the autumn weather turns the leaves to flame

And you ain't got time for waiting game..

[kev]

I think its a good idea! Also bar vfolk from purchasing just before major events like eclpses and meteor showers!

[old glyn]

How about (groan!) an all-party House of Commons Committee to regulate it? Oh no! Belay that idea!!

[pwalsh61]

EEK! No! They'd come up with something as stupid as "Lighter Later"