FreeLists / az-observing / [AZ-Observing] Re: The Weekend Weather Blues

[Kerry Weatherford <ancient_light@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

The strategy certainly works for us.  It started in May when two of us
decided to go out the night after 1st quarter.  We left our big scopes at
home that night, thinking it was just an excuse to get out & get away for a
while.  Our small wide-field refractors at the time were 80mm & 60mm APO's. 
We decided to ride together, so when we finished packing the truck we were
laughing because we realized that we had literally filled the truck with our
equipment - all for a total of 140mm of glass!  When the moon set that night,
we were both left wishing for our big scopes, and quickly realized the future
opportunity.

Not arriving has it's advantages too.  I'm usually able to have dinner with
my wife, which then eliminates the "spousal guilt factor" for going out 3
times a month!

-Kerry
 

Jack Jones wrote:

> Yes, that's the Matt Luttinen strategy. Because clouds kept ruining the
> new Moon weekend this summer, he suggested it as a loony idea to go out
> with the Moon high in the sky, but when we did it, it turned out to have
> some advantages. On a Friday night after work, I could take my time
> loading up and arrive maybe 9 or 10 o'clock. Then observe til false
> dawn, the zodiacal light, and get the necessary 2 hours of sleep and
> it's still only Saturday. At new Moon many would pack up after 4 hours
> anyway or go to sleep, missing the best part of the night.
>
> Jack Jones
> Saguaro Astronomy Club
> Lunar List Awards and
> Messier Marathon Co-coordinator
> Phoenix AZ
> spicastar@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

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