Off to Elan....

[Pig]

I have only just seen this thread !!!!! Been back  a couple of hours now..... cheers for the weekend end guys, this place gives fantastic views of the Milky Way. Even Terrence and Philip came out to play ?

 

[Daniel-K]

33 minutes ago, estwing said:

I say a blank but it was broken cloud for about 30 mins on Saturday night ...just enough for Shaun (Pig) to see M13 and M31 naked eye . I hate Elan, it's such a tease at times,especially when you know it's the best dark sky south of Scotland...but when it's got it's claws in you it won't let go...and that's why I love it

that's a bold statement i agree to disagree 

[Daniel-K]

id say the best sky within reasonable reach for all members of the mob 

[Pig]

Are you sure you don't mean south of Watford gap? ⚡️

[mapstar]

Sorry to hear the skies didn't give up their treasures. Missed the laughs guys I'm sure there were plenty 

Was broken cloud last night here with rain showers. No good for anything.

I'm ready for next month and also hoping next weekend will be clear. 

[estwing]

Just waiting for the weekend dates as the new moon is on a Wednesday Damian 

[mapstar]

Yeah tuesday this month  

[scarp15]

2 hours ago, estwing said:

Nice Iain...it's put me back into the groove tho so not a waste of time!...plus meeting up with old friends is always a pleasure after the summer drought of observing 

Yes just having the scope set up and collimated and being back into the routine, though I was not with friends, just sipping coffee and being in a tranquil place in the countryside was strangely calming and enjoyable after a lengthy period not being out at night. Its all about the trying really, to make the most isn't it, next time it will pay off. 

[PeterW]

SQM readings (or Bortle estimates) from your best sites please.... need to know how much better I can expect for all that driving...

sorry it was bad weather.

Peter

[Pig]

Peter,  I am not sure about the readings but by the using my eyes as the guide what I saw was outstanding, and by the rest of the guys accounts what I saw was poor compared to good seeing !!!  ?

[PeterW]

21.3 from south of the Watford gap is quite good, (not far enough away) towns will affect lowdown objects (I assume, the clouds didn't really permit much low-down stuff. If I have a long distance "dark sky" trip where should I go.... Wales, Galloway, Cornwall, Skye, Kielder?

PeterW

 

 

[Pig]

1 minute ago, PeterW said:

21.3 from south of the Watford gap is quite good, (not far enough away) towns will affect lowdown objects (I assume, the clouds didn't really permit much low-down stuff. If I have a long distance "dark sky" trip where should I go.... Wales, Galloway, Cornwall, Skye, Kielder?

PeterW

 

 

All of them sound pretty good ? I guess the weather forecast will be the greatest factor, we just don't know what's going to happen and when.