Clear Skies Diary S Wales 2013

[stevetynant]

Day 57 26th February 2013 Observable nights 2013 13 /57

January 13 Observable nights 3

February 13 Observable nights 10

Rain during day 28/57 Snow during day 16/57

Consecutive Non Observable nights 6 (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 -Thursday a possibility but the weekend is looking 50/50 at the moment.

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 22.81 %)

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 58 27th February 2013 Observable nights 2013 14 /58

January 13 Observable nights 3

February 13 Observable nights 13

Rain during day 29/58 Snow during day 16/58

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 27 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 - Saturday looking pretty good at the moment but mid next week we are looking at the wet stuff again

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 22.81 %)

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%

Lovely clear skies when I got home tonight - you can still see the stars now but there does seem to be a bit of mist in the air now- none the less if you had got going early there is definitely observing to be done. In fact this year I think I've discovered a new observing rule- or as I now call it the 8 day rule - so far this year even in the middle of what seemed like weeks of clouds we still haven't got past 8 days with no chance of observing - day 7 in the current bleak pattern and , here we go - a gap in the cloud bank.

[stevetynant]

Day 59 28th February 2013 Observable nights 2013 15 /59

January 13 Observable nights 3 9.67%

February 13 Observable nights 14 50.00% Number 1 month so far 2013

Rain during day 29/59 Snow during day 16/59

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 27 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 - Saturday looking pretty good at the moment but mid next week we are looking at the wet stuff again

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 25.86 %)

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%

Tonight has been the reverse of last night - came home with thin whispy clouds overhead and didn't give it much chance but outside at the moment is clear as a bell - in fact I think I'll get the coat on and take the bins out for half an hour later. Friday not looking so good but Saturday looks awesome at the moment for the SGL meet - first of 2013 hopefully. In fact February can now be considered an excellent observing month - 14 out of 28 days with clear skies, not always brilliant conditions but 50% opportunity rate is good in anyones book in fact I doubt we'll see the likes again in 2013. who knows.

[stevetynant]

Day 60 1st March 2013 Observable nights 2013 15 /60

January 13 Observable nights 3 9.67%

February 13 Observable nights 14 50.00% Number 1 month so far 2013

March 13 Observable nights 0

Rain during day 29/60 Snow during day 16/60

Consecutive Non Observable nights 1 (starting 1st March 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 - Saturday looking pretty good but seeing not brilliant - MO and Metacheck shpw clear but the beeb shows cloud

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%

Its cloudy down here in the Rhymney Valley at the moment and temp 3.6C but quite optimistic we'll get a meeting this evening and if not I've got my fingers crossed for Monday.

2 months into my observing diary is already throwing up some interesting facts - since January 50% of the days have to varying degrees had some rain associated with it and yet this is one of the drier winters apparantly. The highest temperature this winter is in the early part of January and finally - good news for us - 25% of nights so far are ones on which you could have got your scopes out - 1 night in 4 though obviously this is down to February rather than January which was dire but still way above what most in our group would have predicted.

[stevetynant]

Day 61 2nd March 2013 Observable nights 2013 16 /61

January 13 Observable nights 3 9.67%

February 13 Observable nights 14 50.00% Number 1 month so far 2013

March 13 Observable nights 1

Rain during day 29/61 Snow during day 16/61

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

Consecutive Observable nights 1 (starting 2nd March 2013) Record Consecutive Observable Nights 7 (14 - 20 Feb 2013)

Group Observing Session planned 4 Group Observing Session Cancelled 3 75% cancelled (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 - pretty much looks like end of sports for a while

Personal Observing sessions - 5 (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%

Brilliant night Saturday in Blaenavon and amongst the orange murk we've had lately the clear skies couldn't have timed it any better

[stevetynant]

Day 62 3rd March 2013 Observable nights 2013 16 /62

January 13 Observable nights 3 9.67%

February 13 Observable nights 14 50.00% Number 1 month so far 2013

March 13 Observable nights 1

Rain during day 29/62 Snow during day 16/62

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

Consecutive Observable nights 0 (starting X March 2013) Record Consecutive Observable Nights 7 (14 - 20 Feb 2013)

Group Observing Session planned 4 Group Observing Session Cancelled 3 75% cancelled (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 - pretty much looks like end of sports for a while

Personal Observing sessions - 5 (Personal excuses used 4 : Ice, Too Cold, Too Tired, Flu and moon too bright)

Predictions for observable nights 2013 (Currently at 25.8 %)

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 looking good for a while now , cancelled my trip to Treacstle tonight which is disappointing after Saturday night - never mind

[stevetynant]

Day 64 5th March 2013 Observable nights 2013 18 /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 3

Rain during day 29/62 Snow during day 16/62

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

Consecutive Observable nights 2 (starting 4th March 2013) Record Consecutive Observable Nights 7 (14 - 20 Feb 2013)

Group Observing Session planned 4 Group Observing Session Cancelled 3 75% cancelled (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 - pretty much looks like end of sports for a while again after tonight guys - make the most of it

Personal Observing sessions - 6 (Personal excuses used 4 : Ice, Too Cold, Too Tired, Flu and moon too bright)

Predictions for observable nights 2013 (Currently at 28.12 %)

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%

28% observing chances this year- who'd have thought it after the January we've just had. I've included tonight as an observable night but its not going to last too long (and even now its looking like a lot of moisture in the air) according to the forecast so you might want to get the bins out for a quick reccy if you can. Last night I had one of the best observing sessions I've had I think. Went to Trecastle at the last minute with a mate from work who's really interested but not got a scope as yet. Was pitch black when we got there and even on the way up I was thinking about turning around as we drove through some fog banks but 3 and a half hours of fantastic skies later with not a breath of wind we were coming home - what a great night. It was the first time my friend had been to a dark sky site or in fact used a telescope- he told me today he didn't get to sleep until 3am he was still buzzing with everything he had seen.

[L8-Nite]

...................... - what a great night. It was the first time my friend had been to a dark sky site or in fact used a telescope- he told me today he didn't get to sleep until 3am he was still buzzing with everything he had seen.

[stevetynant]

Day 65 6th March 2013 Observable nights 2013 18 /65

January 13 Observable nights 3 9.67%

February 13 Observable nights 14 50.00% Number 1 month so far 2013

March 13 Observable nights 3

Rain during day 30/65 Snow during day 16/65

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

Consecutive Observable nights 0 (starting x March 2013) Record Consecutive Observable Nights 7 (14 - 20 Feb 2013)

Group Observing Session planned 4 Group Observing Session Cancelled 3 75% cancelled (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 - pretty much looks like end of sports for a while again

Personal Observing sessions - 6 (Personal excuses used 4 : Ice, Too Cold, Too Tired, Flu and moon too bright)

Predictions for observable nights 2013 (Currently at 27.69 %)

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%

Looking at the forecasts you can put the scopes away for a while now and concentrate on some maintenance - I've bought a waterbut stand and going to modify it to give me some extra height when observing from home. Unbeliveably for those who thought spring was going to start - from about the 10th of the month we progged to be going into a period of extreme cold again - dare I say it some are even predicting snow again Sat into Sunday and returning Monday with no end to the cold for a while - two mild winters followed by this one.

[stevetynant]

Day 67 8th March 2013 Observable nights 2013 18 /67

January 13 Observable nights 3 9.67%

February 13 Observable nights 14 50.00% Number 1 month so far 2013

March 13 Observable nights 3

Rain during day 31/67 Snow during day 16/67

Consecutive Non Observable nights 3 (starting 6th March 2013) Record Consecutive Non Observable Nights 8 (1st Jan to 8th Jan 2013)

Consecutive Observable nights 0 (starting x March 2013) Record Consecutive Observable Nights 7 (14 - 20 Feb 2013)

Group Observing Session planned 4 Group Observing Session Cancelled 3 75% cancelled (Weather related only)

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

Highest Temperature recorded during 2013 13.2 C 5th Mar 2013 14:30

Astro Panel - pretty much looks like end of sports for a while again

Personal Observing sessions - 6 (Personal excuses used 4 : Ice, Too Cold, Too Tired, Flu and moon too bright)

Predictions for observable nights 2013 (Currently at 26.86 %)

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 68 9th March 2013 Observable nights 2013 18 /68

January 13 Observable nights 3 9.67%

February 13 Observable nights 14 50.00% Number 1 month so far 2013

March 13 Observable nights 3

Rain during day 32/68 Snow during day 16/68

Consecutive Non Observable nights 4 (starting 6th March 2013) Record Consecutive Non Observable Nights 8 (1st Jan to 8th Jan 2013)

Consecutive Observable nights 0 (starting x March 2013) Record Consecutive Observable Nights 7 (14 - 20 Feb 2013)

Group Observing Session planned 4 Group Observing Session Cancelled 3 75% cancelled (Weather related only)

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

Highest Temperature recorded during 2013 13.2 C 5th Mar 2013 14:30

Astro Panel - pretty much looks like end of sports for a while again

Personal Observing sessions - 6 (Personal excuses used 4 : Ice, Too Cold, Too Tired, Flu and moon too bright)

Predictions for observable nights 2013 (Currently at 26.47 %)

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 69 10th March 2013 Observable nights 2013 18 /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 3

Rain during day 32/69 Snow during day 17/69

Consecutive Non Observable nights 5 (starting 6th March 2013) Record Consecutive Non Observable Nights 8 (1st Jan to 8th Jan 2013)

Consecutive Observable nights 0 (starting x March 2013) Record Consecutive Observable Nights 7 (14 - 20 Feb 2013)

Group Observing Session planned 4 Group Observing Session Cancelled 3 75% cancelled (Weather related only)

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

Highest Temperature recorded during 2013 13.2 C 5th Mar 2013 14:30

Astro Panel - a chance early / mid week but bitingly cold for SGL8

Personal Observing sessions - 6 (Personal excuses used 4 : Ice, Too Cold, Too Tired, Flu and moon too bright)

Predictions for observable nights 2013 (Currently at 26.08 %)

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 70 11th March 2013 Observable nights 2013 19 /70

January 13 Observable nights 3 9.67%

February 13 Observable nights 14 50.00% Number 1 month so far 2013

March 13 Observable nights 4

Rain during day 32/70 Snow during day 18/70

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

Consecutive Observable nights 1 (starting 11th March 2013) Record Consecutive Observable Nights 7 (14 - 20 Feb 2013)

Group Observing Session planned 4 Group Observing Session Cancelled 3 75% cancelled (Weather related only)

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

Highest Temperature recorded during 2013 13.2 C 5th Mar 2013 14:30

Astro Panel - a chance tonight but bitingly cold again

Personal Observing sessions - 6 (Personal excuses used 4 : Ice, Too Cold, Too Tired, Flu and moon too bright)

Predictions for observable nights 2013 (Currently at 27.14 %)

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%

Last night was an odd one- was it observable or not? - the sky was fantastically clear and bright with no humidity but it was biting cold. The temp with me was minus 2.5 but the wind chill drove it down to below minus 6. Too cold to observe in the wind yet for the most part the skies were clear so I suppose if you had a sheltered spot the chance was there (I stayed in with a cup of tea and the TV)

[stevetynant]

Day 71 12th March 2013 Observable nights 2013 20 /71

January 13 Observable nights 3 9.67%

February 13 Observable nights 14 50.00% Number 1 month so far 2013

March 13 Observable nights 5

Rain during day 32/71 Snow during day 19/71

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

Consecutive Observable nights 2 (starting 11th March 2013) Record Consecutive Observable Nights 7 (14 - 20 Feb 2013)

Group Observing Session planned 4 Group Observing Session Cancelled 3 75% cancelled (Weather related only)

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

Highest Temperature recorded during 2013 13.2 C 5th Mar 2013 14:30

Astro Panel - another chance tonight cold again but not as cold as last night and the wind is dropping

Personal Observing sessions - 6 (Personal excuses used 5 : Ice, Too Cold, Too Tired, Flu and moon too bright)

Predictions for observable nights 2013 (Currently at 28.16 %)

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 72 13th March 2013 Observable nights 2013 21 /72

January 13 Observable nights 3 9.67%

February 13 Observable nights 14 50.00% Number 1 month so far 2013

March 13 Observable nights 6

Rain during day 32/72 Snow during day 20/72

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

Consecutive Observable nights 3 (starting 11th March 2013) Record Consecutive Observable Nights 7 (14 - 20 Feb 2013)

Group Observing Session planned 5 Group Observing Session Cancelled 3 75% cancelled (Weather related only)

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

Highest Temperature recorded during 2013 13.2 C 5th Mar 2013 14:30

Astro Panel - chances receding after last night - not too promising at the moment for the foreseeable

Personal Observing sessions - 7 (Personal excuses used 5 : Ice, Too Cold, Too Tired, Flu and moon too bright)

Predictions for observable nights 2013 (Currently at 29.16 %)

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 may possibly have been the best observing night of 2013 to date. Crystal clear skies- no wind- sliver of moon dipping beneath the horizon before nine- if only we could have a few more.

[stevetynant]

Day 73 14th March 2013 Observable nights 2013 21 /73 28.76%

January 13 Observable nights 3 9.67%

February 13 Observable nights 14 50.00% Number 1 month so far 2013

March 13 Observable nights 6

Rain during day 33/73 Snow during day 20/73

Consecutive Non Observable nights 1 (starting 14 March 2013) Record Consecutive Non Observable Nights 8 (1st Jan to 8th Jan 2013)

Consecutive Observable nights 0 (starting X March 2013) Record Consecutive Observable Nights 7 (14 - 20 Feb 2013)

Group Observing Session planned 5 Group Observing Session Cancelled 3 75% cancelled (Weather related only)

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

Highest Temperature recorded during 2013 13.2 C 5th Mar 2013 14:30

Astro Panel - not too promising at the moment for the foreseeable

Personal Observing sessions - 7 (Personal excuses used 5 : Ice, Too Cold, Too Tired, Flu and moon too bright)

Predictions for observable nights 2013 (Currently at 28.76 %)

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%

Off to Mid Wales to watch the rugby this weekend- hope to catch a view of the Comet in the evening sky but not looking good according to the forecast at the moment.

[stevetynant]

Day 76 17th March 2013 Observable nights 2013 22 /76 28.94%

January 13 Observable nights 3 9.67%

February 13 Observable nights 14 50.00% Number 1 month so far 2013

March 13 Observable nights 7

Rain during day 35/76 Snow during day 21/76

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

Consecutive Observable nights 1 (starting 17 March 2013) Record Consecutive Observable Nights 7 (14 - 20 Feb 2013)

Group Observing Session planned 5 Group Observing Session Cancelled 4 80% cancelled (Weather related only)

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

Highest Temperature recorded during 2013 13.2 C 5th Mar 2013 14:30

Astro Panel - not too promising but there does appear to be gaps in the clouds for the next few days for a quick session

Personal Observing sessions - 7 (Personal excuses used 5 : Ice, Too Cold, Too Tired, Flu and moon too bright)

Predictions for observable nights 2013 (Currently at 28.94 %)

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%

The weekend was a bit of a blur to be honest - Friday was awful as we travelled to Newquay, Saturday I was outside the Black Lion getting a breath of fresh air after the Rugby and looking up and seeing a beautiful clear sky - half an hour later as we moved on to a new pub for food got soaked so Friday and Saturday - non observing nights. Sunday despite some high wispy clouds looked fine if not the best seeing conditions and judging by the frost on the car this morning there would probably have been some good observing done if you didn't have work on Monday. Two and a half months into the new year and still the 8 day rule holds firm for 2013, would settle for that for the rest of the year to be honest.

[stevetynant]

Day 77 18th March 2013 Observable nights 2013 22 / 77 28.57%

January 13 Observable nights 3 9.67%

February 13 Observable nights 14 50.00% Number 1 month so far 2013

March 13 Observable nights 7

Rain during day 36/77 Snow during day 21/77

Consecutive Non Observable nights 1 (starting 18 March 2013) Record Consecutive Non Observable Nights 8 (1st Jan to 8th Jan 2013)

Consecutive Observable nights 0 (starting x March 2013) Record Consecutive Observable Nights 7 (14 - 20 Feb 2013)

Group Observing Session planned 5 Group Observing Session Cancelled 4 80% cancelled (Weather related only)

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

Highest Temperature recorded during 2013 13.2 C 5th Mar 2013 14:30

Astro Panel - not too promising but there does appear to be gaps in the clouds for the next few days for a quick session

Personal Observing sessions - 7 (Personal excuses used 5 : Ice, Too Cold, Too Tired, Flu and moon too bright)

Predictions for observable nights 2013 (Currently at 28.57 %)

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 pretty frustrating really - clear then cloudy, at one point I though I might go outside with my chart for half an hour only for it to start raining whilst I was thinking about it so even though the most dedicated might have got out I had no confidence I'd get an hour and a half of uninterrupted viewing so recorded as non observable. Not looking great now unfortunately.

[stevetynant]

Day 79 20th March 2013 Observable nights 2013 22 / 79 27.84%

January 13 Observable nights 3 9.67%

February 13 Observable nights 14 50.00% Number 1 month so far 2013

March 13 Observable nights 7

Rain during day 37/79 Snow during day 21/79

Consecutive Non Observable nights 3 (starting 18 March 2013) Record Consecutive Non Observable Nights 8 (1st Jan to 8th Jan 2013)

Consecutive Observable nights 0 (starting x March 2013) Record Consecutive Observable Nights 7 (14 - 20 Feb 2013)

Group Observing Session planned 6 Group Observing Session Cancelled 4 66% cancelled (Weather related only)

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

Highest Temperature recorded during 2013 13.2 C 5th Mar 2013 14:30

Astro Panel - not too promising at all for the near - nothing but cloud for the foreseeable

Personal Observing sessions - 7 (Personal excuses used 5 : Ice, Too Cold, Too Tired, Flu and moon too bright)

Predictions for observable nights 2013 (Currently at 27.84 %)

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 80 21st March 2013 Observable nights 2013 22 / 80 27.50%

January 13 Observable nights 3 9.67%

February 13 Observable nights 14 50.00% Number 1 month so far 2013

March 13 Observable nights 7

Rain during day 38/80 Snow during day 21/80

Consecutive Non Observable nights 4 (starting 18 March 2013) Record Consecutive Non Observable Nights 8 (1st Jan to 8th Jan 2013)

Consecutive Observable nights 0 (starting x March 2013) Record Consecutive Observable Nights 7 (14 - 20 Feb 2013)

Group Observing Session planned 6 Group Observing Session Cancelled 4 66% cancelled (Weather related only)

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

Highest Temperature recorded during 2013 13.2 C 5th Mar 2013 14:30

Astro Panel - not too promising at all for the near - nothing but cloud for the foreseeable

Personal Observing sessions - 7 (Personal excuses used 5 : Ice, Too Cold, Too Tired, Flu and moon too bright)

Predictions for observable nights 2013 (Currently at 27.50 %)

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 82 23rd March 2013 Observable nights 2013 22 / 82 26.83%

January 13 Observable nights 3 9.67%

February 13 Observable nights 14 50.00% Number 1 month so far 2013

March 13 Observable nights 7

Rain during day 40/82 Snow during day 23/82

Consecutive Non Observable nights 6 (starting 18 March 2013) Record Consecutive Non Observable Nights 8 (1st Jan to 8th Jan 2013)

Consecutive Observable nights 0 (starting x March 2013) Record Consecutive Observable Nights 7 (14 - 20 Feb 2013)

Group Observing Session planned 6 Group Observing Session Cancelled 4 66% cancelled (Weather related only)

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

Highest Temperature recorded during 2013 13.2 C 5th Mar 2013 14:30

Astro Panel - not too promising at all for the near - I'm thinking the 8 day rule may be vunerable at the moment.

Personal Observing sessions - 7 (Personal excuses used 5 : Ice, Too Cold, Too Tired, Flu and moon too bright)

Predictions for observable nights 2013 (Currently at 26.83 %)

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%

Looks like we've been pretty lucky with the snow down here in S Wales- the mountains are white anD there was less than and Inch on the floor this morning but further North looks amazing - got to say though not too disappointed to miss out - just looking forward to the Spring now if we ever get there - winter seems to have lasted an awful long time this year..

[stevetynant]

Day 83 24th March 2013 Observable nights 2013 22 / 83 26.50%

January 13 Observable nights 3 9.67%

February 13 Observable nights 14 50.00% Number 1 month so far 2013

March 13 Observable nights 7

Rain during day 40/83 Snow during day 23/83

Consecutive Non Observable nights 7 (starting 18 March 2013) Record Consecutive Non Observable Nights 8 (1st Jan to 8th Jan 2013)

Consecutive Observable nights 0 (starting x March 2013) Record Consecutive Observable Nights 7 (14 - 20 Feb 2013)

Group Observing Session planned 6 Group Observing Session Cancelled 4 66% cancelled (Weather related only)

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

Highest Temperature recorded during 2013 13.2 C 5th Mar 2013 14:30

Astro Panel - still not too promising at all for the near future.

Personal Observing sessions - 7 (Personal excuses used 5 : Ice, Too Cold, Too Tired, Flu and moon too bright)

Predictions for observable nights 2013 (Currently at 26.50 %)

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%

Temperatures never got above freezing today at all - no end to the clouds in sight together with the clocks going forward next weekend has just got me starting to feel end of season approaching. Still got until early/mid April to catch Pann Stars yet so hopefully still much to look forward to.

[stevetynant]

Day 84 25th March 2013 Observable nights 2013 22 / 84 26.19%

January 13 Observable nights 3 9.67%

February 13 Observable nights 14 50.00% Number 1 month so far 2013

March 13 Observable nights 7

Rain during day 40/84 Snow during day 23/84

Consecutive Non Observable nights 8 (starting 18 March 2013) Record Consecutive Non Observable Nights 8 (1st Jan to 8th Jan 2013)

Consecutive Observable nights 0 (starting x March 2013) Record Consecutive Observable Nights 7 (14 - 20 Feb 2013)

Group Observing Session planned 6 Group Observing Session Cancelled 4 66% cancelled (Weather related only)

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

Highest Temperature recorded during 2013 13.2 C 5th Mar 2013 14:30

Astro Panel - still not too promising at all for the near future.

Personal Observing sessions - 7 (Personal excuses used 5 : Ice, Too Cold, Too Tired, Flu and moon too bright)

Predictions for observable nights 2013 (Currently at 26.19 %)

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%

Day 8 on the non observing front - the equal longest observing drought of 2013 and unfortunately looks like we could be setting a record that lasts for a while looking at the forecast.

[stevetynant]

Day 85 26th March 2013 Observable nights 2013 22 / 85 25.88%

January 13 Observable nights 3 9.67%

February 13 Observable nights 14 50.00% Number 1 month so far 2013

March 13 Observable nights 7

Rain during day 40/85 Snow during day 24/85

Consecutive Non Observable nights 9 (starting 18 March 2013) Record Consecutive Non Observable Nights 9 (18th to 26th March 2013) NEW RECORD

Consecutive Observable nights 0 (starting x March 2013) Record Consecutive Observable Nights 7 (14 - 20 Feb 2013)

Group Observing Session planned 6 Group Observing Session Cancelled 4 66% cancelled (Weather related only)

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

Highest Temperature recorded during 2013 13.2 C 5th Mar 2013 14:30

Astro Panel - A POSSIBILITY AMONGST THE BROKEN CLOUDS TONIGHT THEN MORE OF THE SAME :0(

Personal Observing sessions - 7 (Personal excuses used 5 : Ice, Too Cold, Too Tired, Flu and moon too bright)

Predictions for observable nights 2013 (Currently at 25.88 %)

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%

Entering new territory for 2013 with 9 consecutive non observing nights - starting to worry I might miss Pann Stars altogether - think aprox until mid April still a chance- surely it can't go on until then in this cloudy way?

[stevetynant]

Day 86 27th March 2013 Observable nights 2013 23 / 86 26.74%

January 13 Observable nights 3 9.67%

February 13 Observable nights 14 50.00% Number 1 month so far 2013

March 13 Observable nights 8

Rain during day 40/86 Snow during day 25/86

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

Consecutive Observable nights 1 (starting 27 March 2013) Record Consecutive Observable Nights 7 (14 - 20 Feb 2013)

Group Observing Session planned 6 Group Observing Session Cancelled 4 66% cancelled (Weather related only)

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

Highest Temperature recorded during 2013 13.2 C 5th Mar 2013 14:30

Astro Panel - Overcast and Cold for the foreseeable :0(

Personal Observing sessions - 7 (Personal excuses used 5 : Ice, Too Cold, Too Tired, Flu and moon too bright)

Predictions for observable nights 2013 (Currently at 26.74 %)

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 astro panel was spot on last night. Despite the snow flurries earlier in the evening and the early night haze by 10pm if you could have braved the cold and set up in the dark in the back garden there was a clear sky for you to enjoy - don't see much else on the horizon unfortunately and the moon is a full one at the moment.