What's a good number of sessions?

[rockystar]

With all this poor weather here in the UK, and everyone having a (rightful) moan about the lack of observing they can do, it got me wondering what people think is a reasonable number of session in an average month?

As much as anyone, I've been berating the weather, but looking back, If I count New Year's Eve (which I'm going to do), I managed 3 sessions (2 in the garden, 1 at a dark site - with the WADAS guys) and there was another opportunity where I was on a night out, so if I'd have been at home that would have been 4 nights in January. Maybe it's the lack of opportunity that makes it feel like it was a rubbish month, but looking back, 4 sessions in a month (1 a week) sounds that a reasonable success.

Having read through a fair few reports over the last few months. I know there are some members that seem to get 4 a week in (given the opportunity) and other members that would give a left arm for 4 nights. Just wondering what people though?

[John]

I've just checked through my observing record for the past 12 months and that records 38 sessions. I probably had another 6-10 sessions that I did not record so I guess that works out at an average of somewhere between 3-4 sessions per month. Some months were "lean" though and others better.

 

[Ruud]

42

[2STAR]

9 minutes ago, John said:

I've just checked through my observing record for the past 12 months and that records 38 sessions. I probably had another 6-10 sessions that I did not record so I guess that works out at an average of somewhere between 3-4 sessions per month. Some months were "lean" though and others better.

 

Sounds above average for the rest of us lol

[HowardHopkinson]

Since November I've managed 4 sessions and only one was a totally clear night, the rest were short sessions due to intermittent clouds.

I honestly can't remember a winter with weather conditions like we're having. Wettest November, December and January on record. February has started in a similar vein, no wonder us UK astronomers are so disappointed and ticked off lol.

[Uranium235]

Five a month would be considered "ok" for me. But, since November its been more like two - which is a bit poor. And you can normally bet your shirt on one of those nights being a full moon - so pretty useless really.

I usually found Spring/Autumn to be the best times over the last couple of years.

[rockystar]

2 minutes ago, Uranium235 said:

Five a month would be considered "ok" for me. But, since November its been more like two - which is a bit poor. And you can normally bet your shirt on one of those nights being a full moon - so pretty useless really.

I usually found Spring/Autumn to be the best times over the last couple of years.

Yeah, I agree about the moon, it does seem that it has been full on at least half of the few clear nights in the last few months.

Summer was reasonable for me, even though it doesn't really get dark and not until gone 11, but maybe that's because it's when I got my new telescope, so had to take advantage.

 

[Pondus]

No lack of water for Norways 937 hydropowerstations this season.

I`ll bet we have more hydropowerstations than stargazers in this country....

[jkwhinfrey]

According to my records I averaged just over 7 sessions per month over the last 12 months. I max out at about 12/13 due to other commitments, weather permitting, and it drops rock-like in mid summer. On the other hand solar takes up the slack ;-)

Of course it all depends what you mean by a session. An hour between cloud, or an all-nighter?

James

[Paul73]

January was pretty good for me. 7 Astro & 3 Solar with a total of 13.5 hours 89 targets observed. I don't go out during a big moon.

I count anything more than 4 astro sessions to be a good month.

Paul

[alan potts]

January was very good to me from the point of view of clear nights, the problem was there was that much snow on the ground for 10 days I was unable to use them, though this was in the days either side of full Moon when I tend not to bother, also coupled with minus 20 and below a few nights. January gave me 15 nights in total, so very good. I consider twice a week nice but often go out every on occasion when dark, less than this and I get irritable. My best was a few years back now when we had 42 nights on the trot clear and no water in the taps.

[scarp15]

Through January one session on the 1st, early morning for the comet and then one short rather poor session mid month. There have been a small handful of brief periods of clear sky when there hasn't been any wind, rain or cloud, but I have had other commitments. So far February has been as equally restrictive as January. Perhaps contributing to this, I am currently without binoculars to take advantage of those quick immediate sessions. 

[Piero]

Around 70 last year. In Jan I only had 3 solar observations. However, I don't have a garden and that's why I select the right nights before cycling out. If I manage to find a house with a moderately dark garden, well, I would be out every time I can.

[rockystar]

Nice reading guys, thanks. Thinking that if I get 4 or more a month in them I should be reasonably happy. Although we are now a week into Feb and I haven't been out once - should have taken advantage last night while there was an opportunity, but it was late and I was tired.

[MAN or ASTROMAN]

Two sessions in January.

Could probably have had at least couple more,but for extreme lethargy (AKA laziness).

[estwing]

only observe on a new moon...in wales....when its not raining......

[Scott]

6 minutes ago, estwing said:

only observe on a new moon...in wales....when its not raining......

so never?

 

[estwing]

drinkers paradise!

[Linda]

On 3.2.2016 at 22:06, rockystar said:

Having read through a fair few reports over the last few months. I know there are some members that seem to get 4 a week in (given the opportunity) and other members that would give a left arm for 4 nights. Just wondering what people though?

I am pretty sure some of these people are beginners. I also have since October taken almost every opportunity to observe outside, even though the transparency sometimes is pretty bad. I guess some more experienced people might don't bother going out in less then good conditions, but don't know for sure. We beginners need a lot of practice before we actually manage to find objects in the sky...

[Lorne]

In 2016 between the weather and my shifts I've had 1 proper session, was out for 7 hours though. 

[Pete Presland]

With solar astronomy as well, I do average at least a couple of sessions a week. This is mostly down to grabbing every window of opportunity including many 3am sessions. 

[LukeSkywatcher]

2 a week would be a nice number.

[Astro Imp]

9 minutes ago, LukeSkywatcher said:

2 a week would be a nice number.

Well I've had two this week but that only makes four this year 

[MAN or ASTROMAN]

Two sessions of an hour/hour and a half ,this week with the ST80.

[cotterless45]

Think of the whole year ! Being retired and having few interests other than the delights of observing, I try and get out there at every available occasion. Ignore the forecasts, they vary just too much, be prepared to get out there after midnight for the best viewing. Organise two weeks without the Moon in a dark sky holiday site .

Get kitted out, get prepared, there's so much to see ! Gripped ! Sorted ! Sessions noted over an hour,

2013.      115

2014.       114

2015.        87

2016. So far,       7

Even with a full Moon some of the binaries present lovely views. An achro will blast through poor observing and being a proper scope will leave Newts and Cats far behind. In my opinion having worked outdoors for 40 years, not only have we list seasons, but the weather is more changeable than that of years ago. Certainly not a problem, just a challenge .

When you get a great grin and the excitement of opening the back door to black skies , it's just magic. Jupiter is coming up to opposition next month, a great time to observe,

clear skies ,

Nick.