[AZ-Observing] Re: Pickering Scale/Equal Magnitude Doubles

I generally record both seeing and transparency numbers in any of my
observations with a simple code system.  I use the format SxTx, with
seeing on a 1-10 scale (Pickering or similar) and transparency measured
by naked eye magnitude by the pole using a simple magnitude series
around Polaris.  Unless Polaris is in a cloud or a light polluted area
of the sky, if so I can always improvise with some other part of the sky
with the same elevation (thus the same airmass and extinction).  Yes, I
know, Polaris is a long way from zenith, but this way I use the same
field all year long and only have to remember one field.  So a typical
observation note could be S7T5.5 or S8T6, or even S5T3 (my back yard).

Just my method, what counts is standardizing and using some method to
qualify your observations.

Andrew


"Jones, Jack (AZ75)" wrote:
> 
> Seeing being only half the battle, transparency can also be the reason those
> central stars and wisps of detail aren't there. From analyzing my observing
> notes from several sessions that stated what companion galaxies I should
> have seen but didn't, I've concluded that I was the victim of formerly
> transparent skies deteriorating into insidious "non-photometric" conditions
> without my realizing it. So after I have established the seeing quality, I
> wonder if there is anything reliable in there that could quickly signify
> slight deterioration in transparency or would I have to go to a separate
> list of checks.
> Jack
> 
> > location.  I
> > > want to know why I did or did not see a particular dim
> > central star or
> > > wisp of detail.  Pickering or other observer (non
> > instrument) methods
> > > are just a way to standardize the scale.  Not perfect, but better
> > > than nothing.
> > >
> > > Andrew
> >
> 
> --
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-- 

Andrew Cooper
Tucson, AZ
mailto:acooper@xxxxxxxxx
http://www.whitethornhouse.com
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