Andrew* Posted March 13, 2010 Share Posted March 13, 2010 I've been wondering for a while when astronomers usually go out. I'm often surprised to see images or observing reports of very late night targets.As I have to get up at 7am 7 days a week, I usually try to get out as early as possible in the evening so I can be finished by say 1am and get a good night's sleep.So purely out of curiosity, when do you do it and why? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
adamsp123 Posted March 13, 2010 Share Posted March 13, 2010 Andrew I do all the above, clear night = set up imaging and nap between Meridian Flips and Battery Change overs. I try and time MFs and BCs to coincide. Do the flats, pack up and go to work. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
brianb Posted March 13, 2010 Share Posted March 13, 2010 Best skies between midnight & dawn - the showers have squeezed themselves out during the evening, even when they persist into the small hours they're usually less of a problem later in the night. Less interference from neighbours lights too.But if you waste clear sky - at any time of night, and irrespective of moon phase - you have no right to complain about the cloud cover. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Beulah Posted March 13, 2010 Share Posted March 13, 2010 I usually do two sessions; an earlier one for the kids every clear night and after midnight to 1:30am for my own observations. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andrew* Posted March 13, 2010 Author Share Posted March 13, 2010 I've added another option Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GazOC Posted March 13, 2010 Share Posted March 13, 2010 Depends on what shift I'm on but I prefer starting late and going into the early hours. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RobH Posted March 13, 2010 Share Posted March 13, 2010 On a clear night, I'll be out firing everything up about an hour before it gets dark. I check my alignment and calibrate the guider during twilight, then I'm in for the long haul, and will often stay out until the skies start to lighten again.Rob Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Whippy Posted March 13, 2010 Share Posted March 13, 2010 But if you waste clear sky - at any time of night, and irrespective of moon phase - you have no right to complain about the cloud cover. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dimitris Posted March 13, 2010 Share Posted March 13, 2010 It looks as if you guys (and ladies of course) have much more time than we do here in Greece. A similar referendum had:Every dayOnce a week Once a monthEvery now and then as possible answers. I had answered "Every now and then" there, and I have the same answer here also. Alas! So many other things to do and so little time to do them! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
yeti monster Posted March 13, 2010 Share Posted March 13, 2010 I'll get out whenever the stars come out. And if the sun dares to show its face, I'll point a scope at that too, before getting the bike out, of course! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
johnkirkpatrick Posted March 13, 2010 Share Posted March 13, 2010 I get out as soon as the sky gets dark and set up an hour before to allow for cooling etc...I have to get up at 6am mon-fri but usually gaze between 8pm till midnight, now lighter nights coming i dont know when i'll get out Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lepus Posted March 13, 2010 Share Posted March 13, 2010 I set the scope up at six and go out at seven and finish up at about ten due to frustration with the EQ mount and work commitments Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Talitha Posted March 14, 2010 Share Posted March 14, 2010 My vote was for 'any time / all night', but i always set things up before dark. Then (depending on the temperature) i can either stay at the scope or go inside till my target rolls into view. Btw, i've read a few times that imagers can set things up and have the equipment kick into gear hours and hours later while they're asleep. If anyone knows where i can get a timer like that for my eyeballs, shoot me a PM please. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
swashy Posted March 14, 2010 Share Posted March 14, 2010 I do it whenever the opportunity allows, which isnt very often, I have to be up at 6.00am monday to friday, so late night imaging/observing sessions are out of the window until friday and saturday night, when its usually cloudy, but given a clear sky at weekends I will be set up and ready for sunset and up till sunrise if I can keep awake, usually though I turn in to kip about 4.00am unles I'm waiting for something in particularI'm not the most alert dad at the under 11 football matches on saturday mornings following a clear sky! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andrew* Posted March 14, 2010 Author Share Posted March 14, 2010 Wow - I'm very impressed by the poll results! You're far more hardcore than I imagined. Me, I can't live off less than say 4 hours sleep a night, and I start to lose the concentration required for serious observing after a few hours. Mind I do work about 80 hours a week.....Andrew Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brett Posted March 14, 2010 Share Posted March 14, 2010 Right Now :):) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AstroTiger Posted March 14, 2010 Share Posted March 14, 2010 As often as i can is the answer for me, which is not as often as i would like.I think the best time is close to midnight when the water vapour has condensed out of the sky and the sky has had time to settle down.Though i noticed from london over the past few weeks LP has pretty much killed the sky, its worse than it was when i was a lad living there.On a more personal note, i tend to do my astronomy at anytime of the day using robotic methods. :-) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LukeSkywatcher Posted March 16, 2010 Share Posted March 16, 2010 It all depends on my mood. I might do an hour after the sun goes down or i may pull an all nighter.I have to say that of late i have enjoyed an hour or two just before dawn also but i cant see that being a regular thing as i am NOT a morning person by nature. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WayBig Posted March 16, 2010 Share Posted March 16, 2010 Generally short sessions for me 8-10pm. I've done a few 6-7am over winter when Saturn was around at that time. In between those slots I'm sleeping. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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