Clear Skies Diary S Wales 2013

[L8-Nite]

Clear to the North East from here in the Rhondda Valley. Have just covered the scope, heavy dew.

Quilted cloud cover overhead moving east at the moment. City glow also to the east, but I'm feeling lucky, thirty minutes to go.

[L8-Nite]

No luck, if I did see the Meteor, it was wishfull thinking. Leo was covered with clouds at 21:02 ,and the handle of the Plow was clouded over at 21:30 ; dissapointment runs deep.

Crystal clear to the South and West, Jupiter looked awesome. Got to admit, other than being fixated on seeing the Meteor, it was a good night for observing.

[stevetynant]

BAGGED IT - So pleased I didn't give in tonight.

Got the scope out at just after 8 with the Plough right in front of me- beautiful clear night with front row seats. Then a worrying bank of clouds to the East but surely it was too slow moving to interfere - nope by 21.05 wall to wall cloud but there were breaks in it. 50/50 at this point on whether to pack in or not but thought as I'd set up and already been out an hour or more I'd persevere. 21.30 still wall to wall cloud with small breaks here and there - out of no where a meteor streaked across the sky heading East - two now in the past month I've seen. Got the Telrad trained on where I thought it would be and then a reasonable break in the clouds just where I wanted it to be - 21.37 somethings moving and there it was tiny but at 21.37 moving right across the path of the plough handle just where predicted- I was over the moon. Then a fatal mistake- ran to the patio window knocked for the wife to come see - out she comes so I got the 31mm lens centered for where to see it - and after 5 seconds she still couldn't see it and when I returned neither could I - clouds closed in again and that was that but =- I can now tick off my first ever near earth asteroid.

I can't believe anyone could have seen that with bins though unless they were on a tripod with really good lens diameters

and finally completely cruelly as I've packed everything away with fingers crossed for tomorrow night the skies have cleared again - what a cruel hobby this can be - anyhows tonights stats

Day 46 15th February 2013 Observable nights 2013 8 /46 OBSERVABLE NIGHT AGAIN TONIGHT

January 13 Observable nights 3

February 13 Observable nights 5

Rain during day 27/46 Snow during day 14/46

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

Consecutive Observable nights 2 (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 - Saturdays 50/50 at the moment but cold dry weather on the horizon

Personal Observing sessions - 2 (Personal excuses used 4 Ice, Too Cold, Too Tired and Flu)

Predictions for observable nights 2013 (Currently at 17.39 %)

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%

[Rhys Hardwick]

Fab news, well done Steve! Patience, and a bit of luck seems to be the key

It was clouded over in London last night, but by the sounds of it, I wouldn't have had much luck with my 24mm binos anyway!

[stevetynant]

Thanks Rhys, I can't believe anyone would have seen it last night with just bins, too small and moving suprizingly quickly and then of course the clouds didn't help either. Hope the interview went well, still not sure yet if tonights on, weather looks a bit 50/50 to be honest,matt said he's making the call at 2pm so fingers crossed.

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[Rhys Hardwick]

Thanks. Was sitting the final exam for my GP training - man, it was hard. Unfortunately, Minot getting back into Cardiff until past 9, so couldn't make it anyway. Will hopefully have a session at blaenavon this coming week if the weather permits - booked the week off!

[stevetynant]

I think the early part of the week is your best hope Rhys but fingers crossed- you didn't miss anything tonight anyway :0)

Day 47 16th February 2013 Observable nights 2013 8 /47

January 13 Observable nights 3

February 13 Observable nights 5

Rain during day 27/47 Snow during day 14/47

Consecutive Non Observable nights 1 (starting 16 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 & 14 - 15 Feb 2013)

Group Observing Session planned 3 Group Observing Session Cancelled 3 100% (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 - Give up on waiting for the clear skies to arrive tonight but may get lucky Monday / Tuesday next week

Personal Observing sessions - 2 (Personal excuses used 4 Ice, Too Cold, Too Tired and Flu)

Predictions for observable nights 2013 (Currently at 17.02 %)

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%

Second time at Blaenavon had to turn around without getting the scope even cold but at least I got the asteroid in yesterday and met up with Len again tonight so not a completely wasted weekend on the astro front.

[jason.p]

Beautiful clear sky tonight (cold wind). Just been out for an hour. Misstimed the GRS by half an hour, have another go on Monday . Still trying to find M81/2. Got a couple of the Auriga clusters with the bins. Like you I had the 32mm trained on the plough handle at 9.30 last night but clouds rolled in. I should have stuck with it Still it's nice to have two nights in a row when you can see any stars at all, and I did catch the Europa transit on Jupiter last night.

[stevetynant]

I'm going to change the record for last night, when I wrote it had just come home from an aborted session in blaenavon but at around 9_9.30 everything cleared up nicely just too hacked off to get the scope out then.tonighhts forecast is not too bad either, that will possibly be 4in a row.

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[stevetynant]

REWRITE OF LAST NIGHT AFTER CONDITIONS CHANGED SUBSTANTIALLY AFTER @ 21:30

Day 47 16th February 2013 Observable nights 2013 9 /47

January 13 Observable nights 3

February 13 Observable nights 6

Rain during day 27/47 Snow during day 14/47

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

Consecutive Observable nights 3 (starting 14 Feb 2013) Record Consecutive Observable Nights 3 (14 - 16 Feb 2013) NEW RECORD FOR 2013

Group Observing Session planned 3 Group Observing Session Cancelled 3 100% (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 - A GOOD CHANCE OF OBSERVING OVER THE NEXT FEW NIGHTS TO MIDWEEK AT LEAST BUT THE MOON IS GETTING FULLER IN THE SKIES

Personal Observing sessions - 2 (Personal excuses used 4 Ice, Too Cold, Too Tired and Flu)

Predictions for observable nights 2013 (Currently at 19.14 %)

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%

Nearly at 20% for 2013 now - 1 night in 5 who'd have thought it ?

[stevetynant]

Day 48 17th February 2013 Observable nights 2013 10 /48

January 13 Observable nights 3

February 13 Observable nights 7

Rain during day 27/48 Snow during day 14/48

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

Consecutive Observable nights 4 (starting 14 Feb 2013) Record Consecutive Observable Nights 4 (14 - 17 Feb 2013) NEW RECORD FOR 2013

Group Observing Session planned 3 Group Observing Session Cancelled 3 100% (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 - A GOOD CHANCE OF OBSERVING OVER THE NEXT FEW NIGHTS TO MIDWEEK AT LEAST BUT THE MOON IS GETTING FULLER IN THE SKIES

Personal Observing sessions - 3 (Personal excuses used 4 Ice, Too Cold, Too Tired and Flu)

Predictions for observable nights 2013 (Currently at 20.83 %)

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%

4 Consecutive nights now and more chances in the week- unfortunately coinciding with the moon which is washing the sky out but still got to see M44,M42,M43,M52 ,M81&M82 tonight plus another session on Jupiter (and still no GRS despite having at least 4 distinctive bands on show). Think this will be my last night for a while though until the moon disappears then, weather permitting going to plan a session in Brecon to get my Messier count up before the spring comes around again - anyone fancy a midweek trip for a few hours let me know and I'll pm them prior to lift off.

[garethmob]

Looking good Steve:)

I might be up to midweek but I don't think d take the monster as I don't know if she's collimate/ need a parracor

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

[stevetynant]

I'm thinking first week of March now Gaz - need the moon to get out of the way to make the travelling worthwhile.

[stevetynant]

Day 49 18th February 2013 Observable nights 2013 11 /49

January 13 Observable nights 3

February 13 Observable nights 8

Rain during day 27/49 Snow during day 14/49

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

Consecutive Observable nights 5 (starting 14 Feb 2013) Record Consecutive Observable Nights 5 (14 - 18 Feb 2013) NEW RECORD FOR 2013

Group Observing Session planned 3 Group Observing Session Cancelled 3 100% (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 - A GOOD CHANCE OF OBSERVING OVER THE NEXT FEW NIGHTS TO MIDWEEK AT LEAST BUT THE MOON IS GETTING FULLER IN THE SKIES

Personal Observing sessions - 4 (Personal excuses used 4 : Ice, Too Cold, Too Tired, Flu and moon too bright) NEW EXCUSE FOUND FOR 2013

Predictions for observable nights 2013 (Currently at 22.45 %)

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%

5 Consecutive nights now - moon may be high so perhaps not the best conditions but what would we have given for that in January? Scopes having a breather until March now but might just sit outside for half an hour later and see if I can get anywhere with the star atlas I have that has seen little action since I bought it.

[lennylovit]

give me a shout when you go to Brecon Steve i am up of a night out , its mrs L burthday 3 march so cant go that night or i will be in the dog house :eek: !!!!

[stevetynant]

will do mate

[stevetynant]

Day 50 19th February 2013 Observable nights 2013 12 /50

January 13 Observable nights 3

February 13 Observable nights 9

Rain during day 27/49 Snow during day 14/49

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

Consecutive Observable nights 6 (starting 14 Feb 2013) Record Consecutive Observable Nights 6 (14 - 19 Feb 2013) NEW RECORD FOR 2013

Group Observing Session planned 3 Group Observing Session Cancelled 3 100% (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 - A GOOD CHANCE OF OBSERVING OVER THE NEXT FEW NIGHTS TO MIDWEEK AT LEAST BUT THE MOON IS GETTING FULLER IN THE SKIES

Personal Observing sessions - 4 (Personal excuses used 4 : Ice, Too Cold, Too Tired, Flu and moon too bright)

Predictions for observable nights 2013 (Currently at 24 %)

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%

6 Nights on the trot - if it wasn't for the moon last night would have been spectacular. How long can it last? - dry and cold for the next few days according to the weather boys with a possibility of snow flurries on the weekend

[L8-Nite]

Too much twinkling for me last night.

[stevetynant]

Was stunning at home Mike but I didn't get home until nearly 9pm so bit late to get started and not getting the scope up now until March and the moon disappears - just like from time to time getting out the back with my maps and trying to learn a bit more of the sky each time - cup of coffee, map and a red light and nice and quiet - quite relaxing

[stevetynant]

Day 51 20th February 2013 Observable nights 2013 13 /51

January 13 Observable nights 3

February 13 Observable nights 10

Rain during day 27/51 Snow during day 14/51

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

Consecutive Observable nights 7 (starting 14 Feb 2013) Record Consecutive Observable Nights 7 (14 - 20 Feb 2013) NEW RECORD FOR 2013

Group Observing Session planned 3 Group Observing Session Cancelled 3 100% (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 - No clouds on the horizon until Saturday Morning now

Personal Observing sessions - 4 (Personal excuses used 4 : Ice, Too Cold, Too Tired, Flu and moon too bright)

Predictions for observable nights 2013 (Currently at 25.49 %)

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%

Got a few new filters heading my way so might get out tommorrow night or Friday night for an hour and try again for the GRS - Just having no luck at all with it at the moment.

[stevetynant]

Day 52 21st February 2013 Observable nights 2013 13 /52

January 13 Observable nights 3

February 13 Observable nights 10

Rain during day 27/52 Snow during day 14/52

Consecutive Non Observable nights 1 (starting 21 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 7 (14 - 20 Feb 2013)

Group Observing Session planned 3 Group Observing Session Cancelled 3 100% (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 - Despite showing clear last night when it wasn't prognosis is still pretty good for the next few days if you can beat the biting cold

Personal Observing sessions - 4 (Personal excuses used 4 : Ice, Too Cold, Too Tired, Flu and moon too bright)

Predictions for observable nights 2013 (Currently at 25 %)

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 the end of 7 consecutive nights when the scope could have come out - looking forarwd still good ,think February could be a great month - shame the moons where it is but looks pretty for a few days yet.

[stevetynant]

Day 53 22nd February 2013 Observable nights 2013 13 /53

January 13 Observable nights 3

February 13 Observable nights 10

Rain during day 27/53 Snow during day 14/53

Consecutive Non Observable nights 2 (starting 21 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 7 (14 - 20 Feb 2013)

Group Observing Session planned 4 Group Observing Session Cancelled 3 100% (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 tonight but Sunday and Monday look promisng

Personal Observing sessions - 4 (Personal excuses used 4 : Ice, Too Cold, Too Tired, Flu and moon too bright)

Predictions for observable nights 2013 (Currently at 24.52 %)

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%

Would like at least one evening out this week to try my new filters on Jupiter, Got the GRS transit log so hopefully will get a chance. Might try and fit the centre bush Len gave me some time ago tomorrow and unlike the last two rugby matches determined not to get up with a hangover on Sunday.

[stevetynant]

Day 54 23rd February 2013 Observable nights 2013 13 /54

January 13 Observable nights 3

February 13 Observable nights 10

Rain during day 27/54 Snow during day 15/54

Consecutive Non Observable nights 3 (starting 21 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 7 (14 - 20 Feb 2013)

Group Observing Session planned 4 Group Observing Session Cancelled 3 100% (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 - Sunday and Monday still look promisng

Personal Observing sessions - 4 (Personal excuses used 4 : Ice, Too Cold, Too Tired, Flu and moon too bright)

Predictions for observable nights 2013 (Currently at 24.07 %)

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%

Current thinking with the weather guys is cold , dry and bright next weekend into next week (ie week commencing 2nd March) so hopes up for next weekends meeting plus may get a midweek next week as the moon is absent during observing hours. Gotta make the most of it now I feel - spring is just around the corner.

[stevetynant]

Day 55 24th February 2013 Observable nights 2013 13 /55

January 13 Observable nights 3

February 13 Observable nights 10

Rain during day 27/55 Snow during day 16/55

Consecutive Non Observable nights 4 (starting 21 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 7 (14 - 20 Feb 2013)

Group Observing Session planned 4 Group Observing Session Cancelled 3 100% (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 - Still cloudy tonight but air pressure rising and Monday night looking good.

Personal Observing sessions - 4 (Personal excuses used 4 : Ice, Too Cold, Too Tired, Flu and moon too bright)

Predictions for observable nights 2013 (Currently at 23.64 %)

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%

Still full of flu, hopefully the worst will have passed by midweek in time for Saturdays session.

[stevetynant]

Day 56 25th February 2013 Observable nights 2013 13 /56

January 13 Observable nights 3

February 13 Observable nights 10

Rain during day 27/56 Snow during day 16/56

Consecutive Non Observable nights 5 (starting 21 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 7 (14 - 20 Feb 2013)

Group Observing Session planned 4 Group Observing Session Cancelled 3 100% (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 -Wednesday night looks promising but it seems to be a moving target at the moment unfortunately

Personal Observing sessions - 4 (Personal excuses used 4 : Ice, Too Cold, Too Tired, Flu and moon too bright)

Predictions for observable nights 2013 (Currently at 23.21 %)

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%