14 replies to this topic

[Hindsight2020]

Just trying to set my expectations..... but there hasn't been a single clear night since May 2nd. I'm trying to understand if this is a case of: It's always like this but because I didn't have a hobby last spring that resulted in my paying attention to the weather, I assume it's abnormal, or if it's truly some bizarre and unusual weather pattern. The 10-day outlook shows no break in the current pattern either. Looked like last night and tonight might have been ok but there is some high altitude smoke plus clouds rolled in last night right at sunset that were not predicted in the models. 

[Oort Cloud]

The east coast is typically plagued by smoke from western fires from late spring through autumn. I pretty much only image during winter and early spring now as a result.

You can still image with smoke, but the results for me have been poor enough that I don't consider it to be worth my time.

If you are still new to the hobby, or have equipment to test, it is still plenty worth it (like imaging with the moon present), but if you've learned the ropes, and are interesting in making images of the highest quality possible from your location, then not so much.

Just my 2¢

[bunyon]

It's maybe been a little cloudier than normal. But not in any sort of far outlier sort of way. 

[DanMiller]

The fires in Canada have been causing seeing problems.  I am in Pennsylvania, and I am use to clouds/rain/smoke/lousy seeing.  I consider it normal. But, since someone turned me onto https://www.astrosph...41&Loc=Forecast it has helped me a lot in planning my sessions.  I pretty much use the weathher channel for the forcast, but have been using that link for smoke.  Which I seen was pushhing Sout east.  

Actually had almost a perfect night last night, but I wouldn't have known it was going to be that way if it wasn't for that link.  The smoke had moved down your way.

 

Check that link out, it really does help you plan your nights.

[DevilDog68]

Just trying to set my expectations..... but there hasn't been a single clear night since May 2nd. I'm trying to understand if this is a case of: It's always like this but because I didn't have a hobby last spring that resulted in my paying attention to the weather, I assume it's abnormal, or if it's truly some bizarre and unusual weather pattern. The 10-day outlook shows no break in the current pattern either. Looked like last night and tonight might have been ok but there is some high altitude smoke plus clouds rolled in last night right at sunset that were not predicted in the models. 

Not sure exactly where you are but in Alabama, it's Spring tornado season (March through May). On June 1, Hurricane Season starts and, while we don't get many come up *through* Alabama, we get the bands.

...but, in the summertime, expect afternoon thunderstorms as the humidity increases and the sun warms the air. It is not uncommon to have an afternoon thunderstorm most afternoons. It's really hot in July and August but (and I say this partially tongue-in-cheek) it's the freaking oppressive humidity. I've only lived in two places during the summer where the humidity is worse - Louisiana and Okinawa. I'll take dry desert heat over humid heat any day; any time and yes, before you laugh, I've lived in both. At least dry heat allows the sweat to evaporate; humid heat just makes it stay on your body.

I've had relatives who lived in Wisconsin their entire lives come here during the winter and complain about the cold because it's not dry - it's wet, humid, rainy, and cold. We don't get snow, we get ice so... there you go.

 

Expect rain in July through August. Hurricane season really starts ramping up during this time too so, well, there you go.

 

Living in the Southern Gulf States is not for the weak.

Our dry season really is mid- to late-September through October.

You're experiencing normal Southeastern US weather.

[m1thumb]

Just trying to set my expectations..... but there hasn't been a single clear night since May 2nd. I'm trying to understand if this is a case of: It's always like this but because I didn't have a hobby last spring that resulted in my paying attention to the weather, I assume it's abnormal, or if it's truly some bizarre and unusual weather pattern. The 10-day outlook shows no break in the current pattern either. Looked like last night and tonight might have been ok but there is some high altitude smoke plus clouds rolled in last night right at sunset that were not predicted in the models.

I've been wondering the same thing about Kansas. I started astronomy in September last year and up through February would pass up opportunities to observe because I could only stay up so many nights a week with work looming each morning.

Since Fecruary I have had few opportunities and most of May the forecast is clouds continually. I don't recall it being so cloudy last year and some have told me it's been abnormally cloudy.

[nwcs]

It is a smidge cloudier than usual but it’s pretty par for the course. Typically there will be a few good days in summer and then when August/September rolls around it clears up more.

[matt_astro_tx]

I realize you're asking about the southeast, but here in Texas its been cloudy since November.  I've only been outside to image about 5 times since 11/1.

 

I completely missed shooting Orion this season, which is exceptionally rare.

Edited by matt_astro_tx, 26 May 2023 - 10:17 AM.

[Hindsight2020]

Thanks for all the replies. Winter was my first real season with real gear and I guess it spoiled me. I was able to shoot at least 7 nights a month. Early spring was ok and now.... it's like someone turned off the light switch. I figured summer would be good - I know about the overdevelopment here in summer but we aren't having that as much now - it's just persistent mid and high level clouds plus smoke. 

 

 

The east coast is typically plagued by smoke from western fires from late spring through autumn. I pretty much only image during winter and early spring now as a result.
 

 

Ooooof! That is depressing, but better to know what I'm faced with than sitting around getting frustrated. I'm thinking a move to the SW is in order. Been wanting to do it for a long time and this gives me more reason. 

[hyiger]

In Northern California the weather has been odd to say the least. Hard to nail down the statistics when your sample size is 1 however we've only had just a few clear nights since November (usually during a full Moon) and now it's completely overcast with highs in the low 60's. Normally this time of year it's bone dry and approaching hot. 

Edited by hyiger, 26 May 2023 - 11:01 AM.

[italic]

In Northern California the weather has been odd to say the least. Hard to nail down the statistics when your sample size is 1 however we've only had just a few clear nights since November (usually during a full Moon) and now it's completely overcast with highs in the low 60's. Normally this time of year it's bone dry and approaching hot.

I've found spring here to be very predictable foggy and windy for the last several years. Between seasons we get a couple weeks of good weather then it all goes bad for > a month at a time. Late fall and winter were the best I've had so far and I haven't had a calm, clear night since... February? March? Something like that.

[m1thumb]

I realize you're asking about the southeast, but here in Texas its been cloudy since November. I've only been outside to image about 5 times since 11/1.

I completely missed shooting Orion this season, which is exceptionally rare.

Exactly my situation in Kansas. I hope it changes soon!

[hyiger]

I've found spring here to be very predictable foggy and windy for the last several years. Between seasons we get a couple weeks of good weather then it all goes bad for > a month at a time. Late fall and winter were the best I've had so far and I haven't had a calm, clear night since... February? March? Something like that.

That's always the fun bit about living in the Bay Area. Where I live it can be over 100 degrees then I drive 15 min west to Oakland and it's 65. 

[italic]

That's always the fun bit about living in the Bay Area. Where I live it can be over 100 degrees then I drive 15 min west to Oakland and it's 65.

I sure love those Bay Area microclimates!

[Hindsight2020]

Well knock on wood but it looks like there is going to be a few hours without clouds tonight. Still a lot of smoke but I'll take what I can get. First light for my second setup, and first OAG.