Clear Skies Diary S Wales 2013

[stevetynant]

Day 157 6th June 2013 Observable nights 2013 62 / 157 39.49 %

January 13 Observable nights____3_____ 9.67%

February 13 Observable nights __14 ____50.00%_____ Number 1 month so far 2013

March 13 Observable nights____ 11___ 35.48 %

April 13 Observable nights_______14____35.00 %

May 13 Observable nights_______ 13____41.94%

June 13 Observable nights________6

Rain during day 66/157 Snow during day 27/157

Consecutive Non Observable nights 0 (starting x May 2013) ______ Record Consecutive Non Observable Nights 9 (18th to 26th March 2013)

Consecutive Observable nights___ _ 8 (starting 30 May 2013)______ Record Consecutive Observable Nights_____9 (29 Mar to 6 Apr 2013)

Group Observing Session planned (inc 1 June 13) 10 Group Observing Session Cancelled 7 70% cancelled (Weather related only)

Lowest Temperature recorded during 2013__ - 5.2 C ___24th Jan 2013 20:00

Highest Temperature recorded during 2013 ___ 21.8 C ___31st_ May 2013 16:00

Astro Panel - end of the week still looks good but the end is in sight for the time being

Personal Observing sessions - 11

Predictions for observable nights 2013 (Currently at 39.49 %)

Stevetynant 15%, Garethmob 17%, Stuy 15.9%, Astro Joe 19%, Mr Flibble 12.6%, Texas Pete 16.16%, L8-Nite 13.7%, Lenny 147 10.96% , Rhys Hardwick 16.44%, SparkyJon 8.22 %

Saturday night is looking amazing - I'm giving serious consideration to doing an all nighter in the garden - alternatively I might have a beer about 8 after I finish digging and concreting and fall asleep by 10.

[L8-Nite]

"Digging and Concreting" ....... I know the feeling Steve.

[stevetynant]

Day 160 9th June 2013 Observable nights 2013 64 / 160 40.0 %

January 13 Observable nights____3_____ 9.67%

February 13 Observable nights __14 ____50.00%_____ Number 1 month so far 2013

March 13 Observable nights____ 11___ 35.48 %

April 13 Observable nights_______14____35.00 %

May 13 Observable nights_______ 13____41.94%

June 13 Observable nights________8

Rain during day 66/160 Snow during day 27/160

Consecutive Non Observable nights 0 (starting x Jun 2013) ______ Record Consecutive Non Observable Nights 9 (18th to 26th March 2013)

Consecutive Observable nights___ _ 2 (starting 8th Jun 2013)_____ Record Consecutive Observable Nights_____9 (29 Mar to 6 Apr 2013)

Group Observing Session planned (inc 1 June 13) 10 Group Observing Session Cancelled 7 70% cancelled (Weather related only)

Lowest Temperature recorded during 2013__ - 5.2 C ___24th Jan 2013 20:00

Highest Temperature recorded during 2013 ___ 21.8 C ___31st_ May 2013 16:00

Astro Panel - Bit of a mixed bag looking forwrad again

Personal Observing sessions - 12

Predictions for observable nights 2013 (Currently at 40.00 %)

Stevetynant 15%, Garethmob 17%, Stuy 15.9%, Astro Joe 19%, Mr Flibble 12.6%, Texas Pete 16.16%, L8-Nite 13.7%, Lenny 147 10.96% , Rhys Hardwick 16.44%, SparkyJon 8.22 %

Friday night would have broken the most consecutive observable nights record this year but the clouds rolled in unfortunately - Sat and Sunday were lovely clear warm nights, I even got the scope out late on Saturday but its never quite dark enough thos time of the year so I think its the last time I'll try that before September again.

[stevetynant]

Day 161 10th June 2013 Observable nights 2013 65 / 161 40.37 %

January 13 Observable nights____3_____ 9.67%

February 13 Observable nights __14 ____50.00%_____ Number 1 month so far 2013

March 13 Observable nights____ 11___ 35.48 %

April 13 Observable nights_______14____35.00 %

May 13 Observable nights_______ 13____41.94%

June 13 Observable nights________9

Rain during day 66/161 Snow during day 27/161

Consecutive Non Observable nights 0 (starting x Jun 2013) ______ Record Consecutive Non Observable Nights 9 (18th to 26th March 2013)

Consecutive Observable nights___ _ 3 (starting 8th Jun 2013)_____ Record Consecutive Observable Nights_____9 (29 Mar to 6 Apr 2013)

Group Observing Session planned (inc 1 June 13) 10 Group Observing Session Cancelled 7 70% cancelled (Weather related only)

Lowest Temperature recorded during 2013__ - 5.2 C ___24th Jan 2013 20:00

Highest Temperature recorded during 2013 ___ 21.8 C ___31st_ May 2013 16:00

Astro Panel - not looking good until Thursday night now

Personal Observing sessions - 12

Predictions for observable nights 2013 (Currently at 40.37 %)

Stevetynant 15%, Garethmob 17%, Stuy 15.9%, Astro Joe 19%, Mr Flibble 12.6%, Texas Pete 16.16%, L8-Nite 13.7%, Lenny 147 10.96% , Rhys Hardwick 16.44%, SparkyJon 8.22 %

[stevetynant]

Day 162 11th June 2013 Observable nights 2013 65 / 162 40.12 %

January 13 Observable nights____3_____ 9.67%

February 13 Observable nights __14 ____50.00%_____ Number 1 month so far 2013

March 13 Observable nights____ 11___ 35.48 %

April 13 Observable nights_______14____35.00 %

May 13 Observable nights_______ 13____41.94%

June 13 Observable nights________9

Rain during day 67/162 Snow during day 27/162

Consecutive Non Observable nights 1 (starting 11 Jun 2013)___ Record Consecutive Non Observable Nights 9 (18th to 26th March 2013)

Consecutive Observable nights___ _ 0 (starting x Jun 2013)_____ Record Consecutive Observable Nights_____9 (29 Mar to 6 Apr 2013)

Group Observing Session planned (inc 1 June 13) 10 Group Observing Session Cancelled 7 70% cancelled (Weather related only)

Lowest Temperature recorded during 2013__ - 5.2 C ___24th Jan 2013 20:00

Highest Temperature recorded during 2013 ___ 21.8 C ___31st_ May 2013 16:00

Astro Panel - not looking good until Thursday night now

Personal Observing sessions - 12

Predictions for observable nights 2013 (Currently at 40.12 %)

Stevetynant 15%, Garethmob 17%, Stuy 15.9%, Astro Joe 19%, Mr Flibble 12.6%, Texas Pete 16.16%, L8-Nite 13.7%, Lenny 147 10.96% , Rhys Hardwick 16.44%, SparkyJon 8.22 %

[stevetynant]

Day 163 12th June 2013 Observable nights 2013 65 / 163 39.87 %

January 13 Observable nights____3_____ 9.67%

February 13 Observable nights __14 ____50.00%_____ Number 1 month so far 2013

March 13 Observable nights____ 11___ 35.48 %

April 13 Observable nights_______14____35.00 %

May 13 Observable nights_______ 13____41.94%

June 13 Observable nights________9

Rain during day 68/163 Snow during day 27/163

Consecutive Non Observable nights 2 (starting 11 Jun 2013)___ Record Consecutive Non Observable Nights 9 (18th to 26th March 2013)

Consecutive Observable nights___ _ 0 (starting x Jun 2013)_____ Record Consecutive Observable Nights_____9 (29 Mar to 6 Apr 2013)

Group Observing Session planned (inc 1 June 13) 10 Group Observing Session Cancelled 7 70% cancelled (Weather related only)

Lowest Temperature recorded during 2013__ - 5.2 C ___24th Jan 2013 20:00

Highest Temperature recorded during 2013 ___ 21.8 C ___31st_ May 2013 16:00

Astro Panel - not looking good for a while unfortunately

Personal Observing sessions - 12

Predictions for observable nights 2013 (Currently at 39.88 %)

Stevetynant 15%, Garethmob 17%, Stuy 15.9%, Astro Joe 19%, Mr Flibble 12.6%, Texas Pete 16.16%, L8-Nite 13.7%, Lenny 147 10.96% , Rhys Hardwick 16.44%, SparkyJon 8.22 %

We drop back under 40% observable now and looking at the forecast we could keep on a downward spiral for a while now - gotta love the great British Summer.

[L8-Nite]

The only thing I like about bad weather Steve, is it gives you plenty of time to catch up on reading,

tinker with equipment, and come up with brilliant ideas.

[garethmob]

Lol ye. Iv given up for a bit. Bought my self a little 1941 stationary engine to restore. Really need to get my enthusiasm back

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk please ignore any spelling typo thingys

[L8-Nite]

Lol ye. Iv given up for a bit. Bought my self a little 1941 stationary engine to restore. Really need to get my enthusiasm back

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk please ignore any spelling typo thingys

Got a question Gaz, but will post it in the South Wales Lounge thread. > > >

[stevetynant]

Do you know what guys - I think the 3 season approach really helps keep you motivated in this hobby. Bins from April to September then looking forward to the dark winter nights to come

[stevetynant]

Day 164 13th June 2013 Observable nights 2013 65 / 164 39.63 %

January 13 Observable nights____3_____ 9.67%

February 13 Observable nights __14 ____50.00%_____ Number 1 month so far 2013

March 13 Observable nights____ 11___ 35.48 %

April 13 Observable nights_______14____35.00 %

May 13 Observable nights_______ 13____41.94%

June 13 Observable nights________9

Rain during day 69/164 Snow during day 27/164

Consecutive Non Observable nights 3 (starting 11 Jun 2013)___ Record Consecutive Non Observable Nights 9 (18th to 26th March 2013)

Consecutive Observable nights___ _ 0 (starting x Jun 2013)_____ Record Consecutive Observable Nights_____9 (29 Mar to 6 Apr 2013)

Group Observing Session planned (inc 1 June 13) 10 Group Observing Session Cancelled 7 70% cancelled (Weather related only)

Lowest Temperature recorded during 2013__ - 5.2 C ___24th Jan 2013 20:00

Highest Temperature recorded during 2013 ___ 21.8 C ___31st_ May 2013 16:00

Astro Panel - not looking good for a while unfortunately

Personal Observing sessions - 12

Predictions for observable nights 2013 (Currently at 39.63 %)

Stevetynant 15%, Garethmob 17%, Stuy 15.9%, Astro Joe 19%, Mr Flibble 12.6%, Texas Pete 16.16%, L8-Nite 13.7%, Lenny 147 10.96% , Rhys Hardwick 16.44%, SparkyJon 8.22 %

A continuing downward spiral I'm afraid for the time being at least. If I get some spare time over these net few weeks I'm considering taking the primary out and giving it its first bath - seems to be a lot of spots and smudges appearing.

[L8-Nite]

I can feel the downward spiral too Steve. Considering the number of times this past year I've been able to observe, I think an ideal solution is to have a small quality Grab and Go, and . . . . . . . Go ! ! ! > > > > > > > on Holiday somewhere the skies are pretty much guaranteed to be clear. Spend a fortnight enjoying the views without having commitments the following day or ending up bewildered.

[stevetynant]

Like I said mike I think the three season approach keeps me motivated and once you've got your house Finished a small DOB perhaps or a decent tripod for a good set of bins is the quick setup answer. I've really enjoyed this year just sat out the garden with the bins or jumping over the fence into the farmers field. Blaenavon for social astronomy, Brecon for the occasional dedicated session and the back garden for 95% of everything else.seems to work for me (plus a trip up to claerwen to meet faulksey this year which your welcome to come along to of course) :-)

Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk 2

[L8-Nite]

Like I said mike I think the three season approach keeps me motivated and once you've got your house Finished a small DOB perhaps or a decent tripod for a good set of bins is the quick setup answer. I've really enjoyed this year just sat out the garden with the bins or jumping over the fence into the farmers field. Blaenavon for social astronomy, Brecon for the occasional dedicated session and the back garden for 95% of everything else.seems to work for me (plus a trip up to claerwen to meet faulksey this year which your welcome to come along to of course) :-)

Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk 2

Yeah, the 3 season approach sounds like the ticket. Got to take a break too, to refresh your interest.

Edit: Yes, I'd like to come along to Claerwen, PM me and let me know approx. when you are planning to go.

Cheers !

[garethmob]

I'm struggling to get through one season really need to get a proper solar scope!

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk please ignore any spelling typo thingys

[texaspete1973]

I would be interested in that too steve if thats ok

[stevetynant]

Course it is Pete, it'll be a Saturday evening job probably I'm thinking winter rather than autumn as the skies will be darker earlier and hopefully then we won't be travelling into mid Wales with the dreaded dew covering our scopes.ill give you both a shout when I'm thinking of going.

[texaspete1973]

cheers steve

[L8-Nite]

Thanks Steve.

[stevetynant]

Day 167 16th June 2013 Observable nights 2013 65 / 167 38.92 %

January 13 Observable nights____3_____ 9.67%

February 13 Observable nights __14 ____50.00%_____ Number 1 month so far 2013

March 13 Observable nights____ 11___ 35.48 %

April 13 Observable nights_______14____35.00 %

May 13 Observable nights_______ 13____41.94%

June 13 Observable nights________9

Rain during day 72/167 Snow during day 27/167

Consecutive Non Observable nights 6 (starting 11 Jun 2013)___ Record Consecutive Non Observable Nights 9 (18th to 26th March 2013)

Consecutive Observable nights___ _ 0 (starting x Jun 2013)_____ Record Consecutive Observable Nights_____9 (29 Mar to 6 Apr 2013)

Group Observing Session planned (inc 1 June 13) 10 Group Observing Session Cancelled 7 70% cancelled (Weather related only)

Lowest Temperature recorded during 2013__ - 5.2 C ___24th Jan 2013 20:00

Highest Temperature recorded during 2013 ___ 21.8 C ___31st_ May 2013 16:00

Astro Panel - still not looking good for a while unfortunately

Personal Observing sessions - 12

Predictions for observable nights 2013 (Currently at 38.92 %)

Stevetynant 15%, Garethmob 17%, Stuy 15.9%, Astro Joe 19%, Mr Flibble 12.6%, Texas Pete 16.16%, L8-Nite 13.7%, Lenny 147 10.96% , Rhys Hardwick 16.44%, SparkyJon 8.22 %

[stevetynant]

Day 168 17th June 2013 Observable nights 2013 65 / 168 38.69 %

January 13 Observable nights____3_____ 9.67%

February 13 Observable nights __14 ____50.00%_____ Number 1 month so far 2013

March 13 Observable nights____ 11___ 35.48 %

April 13 Observable nights_______14____35.00 %

May 13 Observable nights_______ 13____41.94%

June 13 Observable nights________9

Rain during day 73/168 Snow during day 27/168

Consecutive Non Observable nights 7 (starting 11 Jun 2013)___ Record Consecutive Non Observable Nights 9 (18th to 26th March 2013)

Consecutive Observable nights___ _ 0 (starting x Jun 2013)_____ Record Consecutive Observable Nights_____9 (29 Mar to 6 Apr 2013)

Group Observing Session planned (inc 1 June 13) 10 Group Observing Session Cancelled 7 70% cancelled (Weather related only)

Lowest Temperature recorded during 2013__ - 5.2 C ___24th Jan 2013 20:00

Highest Temperature recorded during 2013 ___ 21.8 C ___31st_ May 2013 16:00

Astro Panel - still not looking good for a while unfortunately

Personal Observing sessions - 12

Predictions for observable nights 2013 (Currently at 38.69 %)

Stevetynant 15%, Garethmob 17%, Stuy 15.9%, Astro Joe 19%, Mr Flibble 12.6%, Texas Pete 16.16%, L8-Nite 13.7%, Lenny 147 10.96% , Rhys Hardwick 16.44%, SparkyJon 8.22 %

[stevetynant]

Day 171 20th June 2013 Observable nights 2013 66 / 171 38.59 %

January 13 Observable nights____3_____ 9.67%

February 13 Observable nights __ 14 ____50.00%_____ Number 1 month so far 2013

March 13 Observable nights____ 11___ 35.48 %

April 13 Observable nights_______14____35.00 %

May 13 Observable nights_______ 13____41.94%

June 13 Observable nights_______10

Rain during day 75/171 Snow during day 27/171

Consecutive Non Observable nights 2 (starting 19 Jun 2013)___ Record Consecutive Non Observable Nights 9 (18th to 26th March 2013)

Consecutive Observable nights___ _ 0 (starting x Jun 2013)_____ Record Consecutive Observable Nights_____9 (29 Mar to 6 Apr 2013)

Group Observing Session planned (inc 1 June 13) 10 Group Observing Session Cancelled 7 70% cancelled (Weather related only)

Lowest Temperature recorded during 2013__ - 5.2 C ___24th Jan 2013 20:00

Highest Temperature recorded during 2013 ___ 23.8 C ___10th June 2013 22.00

Astro Panel - still not looking good for a while unfortunately

Personal Observing sessions - 12

Predictions for observable nights 2013 (Currently at 38.59 %)

Stevetynant 15%, Garethmob 17%, Stuy 15.9%, Astro Joe 19%, Mr Flibble 12.6%, Texas Pete 16.16%, L8-Nite 13.7%, Lenny 147 10.96% , Rhys Hardwick 16.44%, SparkyJon 8.22 %

Not great pickings at the moment but on a positive note the nights will start to draw in from Friday so the return to true astronomical darkness has begun.

[stevetynant]

Day 176 25th June 2013 Observable nights 2013 68 / 176 38.64 %

January 13 Observable nights____3_____ 9.67%

February 13 Observable nights __ 14 ____50.00%_____ Number 1 month so far 2013

March 13 Observable nights____ 11___ 35.48 %

April 13 Observable nights_______14____35.00 %

May 13 Observable nights_______ 13____41.94%

June 13 Observable nights_______12

Rain during day 76/176 Snow during day 27/176

Consecutive Non Observable nights 0 (starting x Jun 2013)__ _ Record Consecutive Non Observable Nights 9 (18th to 26th March 2013)

Consecutive Observable nights___ _ 1 (starting 25th Jun 2013)_____ Record Consecutive Observable Nights_____9 (29 Mar to 6 Apr 2013)

Group Observing Session planned (inc 1 June 13) 10 Group Observing Session Cancelled 7 70% cancelled (Weather related only)

Lowest Temperature recorded during 2013__ - 5.2 C ___24th Jan 2013 20:00

Highest Temperature recorded during 2013 ___ 23.8 C ___10th June 2013 22.00

Astro Panel - still not looking good for a while unfortunately

Personal Observing sessions - 12

Predictions for observable nights 2013 (Currently at 38.64 %)

Stevetynant 15%, Garethmob 17%, Stuy 15.9%, Astro Joe 19%, Mr Flibble 12.6%, Texas Pete 16.16%, L8-Nite 13.7%, Lenny 147 10.96% , Rhys Hardwick 16.44%, SparkyJon 8.22 %

Updates might get a bit patchy for a while as I'm away from home more during the summer months but I'm keeping my diary up to date.

Haven't even sat out in the garden lately just been so busy so am due a night with my books and a big mug of coffee soon.

[stevetynant]

Day 177 26th June 2013 Observable nights 2013 68 / 177 38.41 %

January 13 Observable nights____3_____ 9.67%

February 13 Observable nights __ 14 ____50.00%_____ Number 1 month so far 2013

March 13 Observable nights____ 11___ 35.48 %

April 13 Observable nights_______14____35.00 %

May 13 Observable nights_______ 13____41.94%

June 13 Observable nights_______12

Rain during day 76/177 Snow during day 27/177

Consecutive Non Observable nights 1 (starting 26 Jun 2013)__ _ Record Consecutive Non Observable Nights 9 (18th to 26th March 2013)

Consecutive Observable nights___ _ 0 (starting XJun 2013)_______ Record Consecutive Observable Nights_____9 (29 Mar to 6 Apr 2013)

Group Observing Session planned (inc 1 June 13) 10 Group Observing Session Cancelled 7 70% cancelled (Weather related only)

Lowest Temperature recorded during 2013__ - 5.2 C ___24th Jan 2013 20:00

Highest Temperature recorded during 2013 ___ 23.8 C ___10th June 2013 22.00

Astro Panel - still not looking good for a while unfortunately

Personal Observing sessions - 12

Predictions for observable nights 2013 (Currently at 38.41 %)

Stevetynant 15%, Garethmob 17%, Stuy 15.9%, Astro Joe 19%, Mr Flibble 12.6%, Texas Pete 16.16%, L8-Nite 13.7%, Lenny 147 10.96% , Rhys Hardwick 16.44%, SparkyJon 8.22 %

Last night was a bit disappointing - beautiful evening but then as we headed to 11ish a huge amount of very high cloud just drifted over and with no wind didn't seem to want to leave - my patio is now covered with concrete posts and panels waiting to be set up so not ideal either even for an evening with coffee, bins and books at the moment.

[L8-Nite]

Stevetynant 15%, Garethmob 17%, Stuy 15.9%, Astro Joe 19%, Mr Flibble 12.6%, Texas Pete 16.16%, L8-Nite 13.7%, Lenny 147 10.96% , Rhys Hardwick 16.44%, SparkyJon 8.22 %

..................... Last night was a bit disappointing - beautiful evening but then as we headed to 11ish a huge amount of very high cloud just drifted over and with no wind didn't seem to want to leave - my patio is now covered with concrete posts and panels waiting to be set up so not ideal either even for an evening with coffee, bins and books at the moment.

Not ideal here either Steve, but getting better. This past couple weeks I've been getting a workout, moving about 2000 breezeblocks by hand from the front to the back yard, where the Masons are building our retaining walls; and more important, our raised Observation deck.