Clear Skies Diary S Wales 2013

[stevetynant]

Didn't think of that stat at the time Gaz - rain days were 19 and snow 11 but some days contained both so can't detail dry days really. Never mind - January first month down and we got 3 opportunities- Feb so far 100% chance to observe - even though as you say not brilliant by any stretch of the imagination. New glasses next week- hopefully will be able to see in the distance a little better - there have been a few too many dim fuzzies around for my liking :

[stevetynant]

Day 34 3rd February 2013 Observable nights 2013 5 /34

January 13 Observable nights 3

February 13 Observable nights 2

Rain during day 10/34 Snow during day 11/34

Consecutive Non Observable nights 1 (starting 3rd Feb 2013) Record Consecutive Non Observable Nights 8 (1st Jan to 8th Jan 2013)

Consecutive Observable nights 0 (starting X Feb 2013) Record Consecutive Observable Nights 2 (1st and 2nd Feb 2013)

Group Observing Session planned 2 Group Observing Session Cancelled 2 100% (Weather related only)

Lowest Temperature recorded during 2013 - 5.2 C 24th Jan 2013 20:00

Highest Temperature recorded during 2013 12.0 C 3rd Jan 2013 13:00

Astro Panel Chance late Monday and Tuesday evening but its going to get very windy and cold again - possible snow Tuesday

Personal Observing sessions - zero (Personal excuses used 3 Ice, Too Cold and Flu))

Predictions for observable nights 2013 (Currently at 14.7 %)

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%

Well last night seemed a great chance to get out - moon was low on the horizon for the best part of the night and Orion was spectacular. There may be some chances early this week but theres going to be wind and for a short period it will be getting cold again - so starts on view perhaps but far from ideal again. As usual when there's clear sky I've got something else arranged and having the first pint of the day at 1pm before the rugby was never going to help.

[sparkyjon]

my maths ain't brilliant ,but we've had 5 nights viewing from 2 months, in 12 months if it stays stable that equates to 30 nights a year??? i think??? so i'm going out on a limb as I'm sure i'll get more in the summer than the winter and it'll balance out nicely.. in all fairness 5 nights over the two months we've just had is great...

so i'm going for 30 nights ...

1 down for me.

[stevetynant]

or you could say we've had 14.7% viewable so far so over a year 14.7% of 365 is 53 days. I guess you would expect fewer chances this time of year but remembering what last summer was like that's no guarantee either. OK Jon 30 nights is equivalent to 8.22 % so you've got the lowest guess yet - hard to disagree at the moment :0)

[sparkyjon]

yeah and unfortunately a relatively warm winter usually means a wet summer, so far i think we have had a fairly warm winter more rain than anything .. although i'm not outside much at the moment lol and havent been since middle of november,,,

[stevetynant]

Day 35 4th February 2013 Observable nights 2013 5 /35

January 13 Observable nights 3

February 13 Observable nights 2

Rain during day 20/35 Snow during day 11/35

Consecutive Non Observable nights 2 (starting 3rd Feb 2013) Record Consecutive Non Observable Nights 8 (1st Jan to 8th Jan 2013)

Consecutive Observable nights 0 (starting X Feb 2013) Record Consecutive Observable Nights 2 (1st and 2nd Feb 2013)

Group Observing Session planned 2 Group Observing Session Cancelled 2 100% (Weather related only)

Lowest Temperature recorded during 2013 - 5.2 C 24th Jan 2013 20:00

Highest Temperature recorded during 2013 12.0 C 3rd Jan 2013 13:00

Astro Panel ALERT - CLEAR SKY PREDICTED FOR WEDNESDAY NIGHT - GET THE THERMALS READY ITS GONNA BE COLD

Personal Observing sessions - zero (Personal excuses used 3 Ice, Too Cold and Flu))

Predictions for observable nights 2013 (Currently at 14.28 %)

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%

Another night of patchy, gaps in the clouds sort of chance to see the Universe but not enough to risk getting the gear out but according to astropanel theres a window appearing on Wednesday night with no moon to worry about could be a chance to get out and about. Having said that the weather guys are talking snow again so who knows but if it comes off gonna make the effort.

[stevetynant]

Day 36 5th February 2013 Observable nights 2013 5 /36

January 13 Observable nights 3

February 13 Observable nights 2

Rain during day 21/35 Snow during day 12/35

Consecutive Non Observable nights 3 (starting 3rd Feb 2013) Record Consecutive Non Observable Nights 8 (1st Jan to 8th Jan 2013)

Consecutive Observable nights 0 (starting X Feb 2013) Record Consecutive Observable Nights 2 (1st and 2nd Feb 2013)

Group Observing Session planned 2 Group Observing Session Cancelled 2 100% (Weather related only)

Lowest Temperature recorded during 2013 - 5.2 C 24th Jan 2013 20:00

Highest Temperature recorded during 2013 12.0 C 3rd Jan 2013 13:00

Astro Panel ALERT - CLEAR SKY PREDICTED FOR WEDNESDAY NIGHT - GET THE THERMALS READY ITS GONNA BE COLD - STILL ON FOLKS

Personal Observing sessions - zero (Personal excuses used 3 Ice, Too Cold and Flu))

Predictions for observable nights 2013 (Currently at 13.89 %)

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%

another frustrating night - clear skies then rain, then cloud, then clear, then rain - would I risk the scope- nope - non observing night again but already making plans for tommorrow when I get home although looking at the wind, only 3 miles an hour here might be a bit too windy to risk Trecastle so back garden looks favourite at the moment.

[garethmob]

tomorrow looks good steve!

you mentioned before your weather station uploads to a website and then its program downloads to ur computer..... does it have a link to view the raw data?

[stevetynant]

perhaps I've misled you there Gaz- the weather station uploads to the computer which has the heavy weather software on it which can be exported to excel for further analysis. There is a raw data file which I've forgetten what the name is. Did consider going to Trecastle tommorrow to make the most of it but have a meeting after work so won't be getting back until 6.30ish so will probably set up in the back garden - just hope the wind drops its been howling here tonight.

[garethmob]

Ahhhhhh lol don't worry i probably read it wrong iv had a yellow on high winds in mid Wales yday from the met office. But I hope i can try to set up at home

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

[stevetynant]

yes thats what I'm worried about Gaz- get up there and winds howling - I'm pretty restricted to a North view at home so not the best but at least its sheltered so fingres crossed

[stevetynant]

Day 37 6th February 2013 Observable nights 2013 6 /37 Observable Night Tonight

January 13 Observable nights 3

February 13 Observable nights 3

Rain during day 21/36 Snow during day 12/36

Consecutive Non Observable nights 0 (starting X Feb 2013) Record Consecutive Non Observable Nights 8 (1st Jan to 8th Jan 2013)

Consecutive Observable nights 1 (starting 6 Feb 2013) Record Consecutive Observable Nights 2 (1st and 2nd Feb 2013)

Group Observing Session planned 2 Group Observing Session Cancelled 2 100% (Weather related only)

Lowest Temperature recorded during 2013 - 5.2 C 24th Jan 2013 20:00

Highest Temperature recorded during 2013 12.0 C 3rd Jan 2013 13:00

Astro Panel - Not looking good in the short term now- patchy cloud Friday night but Feb 6th was the one to take advantage of

Personal Observing sessions - zero (Personal excuses used 4 Ice, Too Cold, Too Tired and Flu)

Predictions for observable nights 2013 (Currently at 16.22 %)

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%

Cracking night last night - wind was not a factor after all - hope everyone took advantage as we're back on the cloud menu for a few days at least after a great start to February 3 chances to observe in the first 6 nights so already on a par with January 13.

[stevetynant]

Day 38 7th February 2013 Observable nights 2013 6 /38

January 13 Observable nights 3

February 13 Observable nights 3

Rain during day 21/36 Snow during day 12/36

Consecutive Non Observable nights 1 (starting 7 Feb 2013) Record Consecutive Non Observable Nights 8 (1st Jan to 8th Jan 2013)

Consecutive Observable nights 0 (starting x Feb 2013) Record Consecutive Observable Nights 2 (1st and 2nd Feb 2013)

Group Observing Session planned 2 Group Observing Session Cancelled 2 100% (Weather related only)

Lowest Temperature recorded during 2013 - 5.2 C 24th Jan 2013 20:00

Highest Temperature recorded during 2013 12.0 C 3rd Jan 2013 13:00

Astro Panel - Not looking good in the short term now- patchy cloud Friday night as good as its going to be for a while

Personal Observing sessions - zero (Personal excuses used 4 Ice, Too Cold, Too Tired and Flu)

Predictions for observable nights 2013 (Currently at 15.79 %)

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%

What a contrast in two nights - hope we get a break next week - specifically next Friday 21.30 to 22.00 - near Earth asteroid in the vacinity of the handle of the plough - if I was a betting man I'd say disappointment is on the cards.

[sparkyjon]

that percentage keeps dropping...

[Lenny147]

Ok whats the percentage on us seeing this asteroid then lol ......... im looking at 15% chance

[stevetynant]

Day 39 8th February 2013 Observable nights 2013 6 /39

January 13 Observable nights 3

February 13 Observable nights 3

Rain during day 22/39 Snow during day 12/39

Consecutive Non Observable nights 2 (starting 7 Feb 2013) Record Consecutive Non Observable Nights 8 (1st Jan to 8th Jan 2013)

Consecutive Observable nights 0 (starting x Feb 2013) Record Consecutive Observable Nights 2 (1st and 2nd Feb 2013)

Group Observing Session planned 3 Group Observing Session Cancelled 2 100% (Weather related only)

Lowest Temperature recorded during 2013 - 5.2 C 24th Jan 2013 20:00

Highest Temperature recorded during 2013 12.0 C 3rd Jan 2013 13:00

Astro Panel - Not looking good in the short term now

Personal Observing sessions - zero (Personal excuses used 4 Ice, Too Cold, Too Tired and Flu)

Predictions for observable nights 2013 (Currently at 15.38 %)

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%

15% chance seems about right Lenny based on the current stats but we live in hope - I don't remember it being this poor last year I must admit.

[stevetynant]

Day 41 10th February 2013 Observable nights 2013 6 /41

January 13 Observable nights 3

February 13 Observable nights 3

Rain during day 24/41 Snow during day 12/41

Consecutive Non Observable nights 4 (starting 7 Feb 2013) Record Consecutive Non Observable Nights 8 (1st Jan to 8th Jan 2013)

Consecutive Observable nights 0 (starting x Feb 2013) Record Consecutive Observable Nights 2 (1st and 2nd Feb 2013)

Group Observing Session planned 3 Group Observing Session Cancelled 2 100% (Weather related only)

Lowest Temperature recorded during 2013 - 5.2 C 24th Jan 2013 20:00

Highest Temperature recorded during 2013 12.0 C 3rd Jan 2013 13:00

Astro Panel - Not looking good in the short term now no break in the clouds for the foreseeable

Personal Observing sessions - zero (Personal excuses used 4 Ice, Too Cold, Too Tired and Flu)

Predictions for observable nights 2013 (Currently at 14.63 %)

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%

[garethmob]

hmmmmm not looking good steve

[stevetynant]

well the guys on the weather forum are predicting a dip back into frosty nights and winter Weather from about the 18th Gaz so hopefully our chance will come- is it me or does this winter seem a lot worse than last winter from an observing point of view?

[stevetynant]

Day 42 11th February 2013 Observable nights 2013 6 /42

January 13 Observable nights 3

February 13 Observable nights 3

Rain during day 25/42 Snow during day 13/42

Consecutive Non Observable nights 5 (starting 7 Feb 2013) Record Consecutive Non Observable Nights 8 (1st Jan to 8th Jan 2013)

Consecutive Observable nights 0 (starting x Feb 2013) Record Consecutive Observable Nights 2 (1st and 2nd Feb 2013)

Group Observing Session planned 3 Group Observing Session Cancelled 2 100% (Weather related only)

Lowest Temperature recorded during 2013 - 5.2 C 24th Jan 2013 20:00

Highest Temperature recorded during 2013 12.0 C 3rd Jan 2013 13:00

Astro Panel - Chance tonight skies to start clearing about 21:30 with totally clear skies after midnight

Personal Observing sessions - zero (Personal excuses used 4 Ice, Too Cold, Too Tired and Flu)

Predictions for observable nights 2013 (Currently at 14.28 %)

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%

I might be calling this one a little early, as of now the sky is one horrible orange mess but astro panel shows it clearing as the night goes on (the air pressure is definitely on the rise) so if you are able to get out late you might be lucky tonight. Early start for me tomorrow so may get the bins out later and check out the position of the plough over the roof tops ready for Friday - and revise the numbers tomorrow if necessary.

[stevetynant]

Day 43 12th February 2013 Observable nights 2013 6 /43

January 13 Observable nights 3

February 13 Observable nights 3

Rain during day 25/43 Snow during day 13/43

Consecutive Non Observable nights 6 (starting 7 Feb 2013) Record Consecutive Non Observable Nights 8 (1st Jan to 8th Jan 2013)

Consecutive Observable nights 0 (starting x Feb 2013) Record Consecutive Observable Nights 2 (1st and 2nd Feb 2013)

Group Observing Session planned 3 Group Observing Session Cancelled 2 100% (Weather related only)

Lowest Temperature recorded during 2013 - 5.2 C 24th Jan 2013 20:00

Highest Temperature recorded during 2013 12.0 C 3rd Jan 2013 13:00

Astro Panel - Thursday night looking like a clear night at the moment - not quite up to speed on Friday but Thursday at least looks positive

Personal Observing sessions - zero (Personal excuses used 4 Ice, Too Cold, Too Tired and Flu)

Predictions for observable nights 2013 (Currently at 13.95 %)

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%

Well last night was a big disappointment - I was even awake at 4am and it was just as cloudy as when I went to bed but positive looking signs for the end of the week - Thursday looking like a real chance- fingers crossed for Friday. i've got half day so may find my way up to Brecon if Saturday doesn't look so good.

Weather guys reckon theres a chance in 8-10 days of us going back in the deep freeze for a time again - lots of snow potential.

[stevetynant]

Day 44 13th February 2013 Observable nights 2013 6 /44

January 13 Observable nights 3

February 13 Observable nights 3

Rain during day 26/44 Snow during day 14/44

Consecutive Non Observable nights 7 (starting 7 Feb 2013) Record Consecutive Non Observable Nights 8 (1st Jan to 8th Jan 2013)

Consecutive Observable nights 0 (starting x Feb 2013) Record Consecutive Observable Nights 2 (1st and 2nd Feb 2013)

Group Observing Session planned 3 Group Observing Session Cancelled 2 100% (Weather related only)

Lowest Temperature recorded during 2013 - 5.2 C 24th Jan 2013 20:00

Highest Temperature recorded during 2013 12.0 C 3rd Jan 2013 13:00

Astro Panel - Thursday night looking like a clear night at the moment - Friday in the balance unfortunately

Personal Observing sessions - zero (Personal excuses used 4 Ice, Too Cold, Too Tired and Flu)

Predictions for observable nights 2013 (Currently at 13.63 %)

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%

Well its not looking good again on the observing front but interestingly, even though it seems like we are never getting out with our scopes these days- since January first the longest period without a break in the clouds is only 8 days- so roughly we get a chance to observe just less than 1 day a week - doesn't seem like that at the moment does it but based on this years averages we a due a clear night any time now.

[stevetynant]

Day 45 14th February 2013 Observable nights 2013 7 /45 OBSERVABLE NIGHT TONIGHT

January 13 Observable nights 3

February 13 Observable nights 4

Rain during day 27/45 Snow during day 14/45

Consecutive Non Observable nights 0 (starting X Feb 2013) Record Consecutive Non Observable Nights 8 (1st Jan to 8th Jan 2013)

Consecutive Observable nights 1 (starting 14 Feb 2013) Record Consecutive Observable Nights 2 (1st and 2nd Feb 2013)

Group Observing Session planned 3 Group Observing Session Cancelled 2 100% (Weather related only)

Lowest Temperature recorded during 2013 - 5.2 C 24th Jan 2013 20:00

Highest Temperature recorded during 2013 12.0 C 3rd Jan 2013 13:00

Astro Panel - Friday in the balance unfortunately AS IS sATURDAY

Personal Observing sessions - 1 (Personal excuses used 4 Ice, Too Cold, Too Tired and Flu)

Predictions for observable nights 2013 (Currently at 15.56 %)

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%

First night out for me for any length of time at least with the scope tonight, but packed in just after 9 as just too frustrating with wife doing school work in the kitchen never really had total darkness in the garden and when I eventually found M81 and M82 I knew the night was up as they were far fainter than usual. Never mind- spent a lot of time on M42 and Jupiter - like being reaquainted with old friends - probably saw more detail on Jupiter than ever before just because of the time spent observing but still can't convince myself I've seen the GRS. Ursa Major is just perfect for me tomorrow if the damn clouds will take a hike but must admit not too hopeful at the moment. Also just sussed out that if I'm tp get any longevity out of this hobby I've got to redesign my garden, Had a great time tonight looking South for a change but it was over the top of my house (not ideal I know) but was on the grass which is not great at this time of the year as you can imagine- so in the spring will look at building two slightly raised patios / raised viewing platforms in time for next winter - then in years to come will get a 16 Inch Dob that can see me through retirement and keep the 8 Inch Dob to take out and about on the astro socializing scene lol.

Fingers crossed for tomorrow and Saturday - the weather guys are looking at prolonged cold but dry weather at the end of Feb so am determined to get a session in at Brecon before the light defeats me for another year and the scope hibernates.

[sparkyjon]

unbelievable it's now clouded over here it's been sunny all day , not impressed hope it clears in an hour or so..

[stevetynant]

Astro panel is showing clear for me between 9 and 10, going to set up at about 8.30 and just keep my fingers crossed. Good luck Jon.

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