Noting the sky conditions for your log

[Flyhigh7]

I used to keep a log of the objects I viewed showing date, time, location, Object name, Object Description, Equipment/Eyepiece used, Observational details, and a notation about the condition of the sky while viewing the object. I'm wondering what process you guys use to judge the condition of the sky.

I used to just count the number of stars I could see near my zenith with the naked eye which isn't always a good way as it also depends upon what is above you. Another thing is I would use a fixed eyepiece of high magnitude on a planet if available or other object and compare the level of detail against other views of the same object.

Even if you don't keep a log I imagine most of you would go out at night and look at the sky to see if it is giving you good conditions for telescope viewing or not. So I'd like to hear what the experts and experienced users do to determine the condition of the sky for viewing.

Thanks in advance!

[Bigzmey]

At the desert I look at the Milky Way. Once it reach certain intensity and level of details I know it is good to go hunting galaxies.

At home with light pollution, if there is no clouds it is good enough.

Kudos for keeping the observing log!

[KingClinton]

I usually go out for a naked eye look first.
Are the stars twinkling? This is usually a sign of poor conditions, only come out if desperate.
I can on average see down to a 3.5 mag stars by eye, once I notice a drop in that I don't bother. For me a quick look at the constellation Crux will reveal all, if I cannot see the four stars clearly then I know the conditions are poor.
Wind, humidity and heat can also play a factor and reduce your seeing and transparency.
Not to worry, with time and experience you will quickly recognize what type of skies you are dealing with.

Here is a link to a article explaining more about seeing and transparency.

https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source= ... XnNIw3m2qH

[Graeme1858]

I use the BBC weather website, the Clear Outside website and the Jetstream forecast website. Then when darkness falls I like to look at Ursa Minor and count the visible stars. The seven stars range from about magnitude 2 to about magnitude 5. When I first moved to where I live now I could see all seven on a good night.

Graeme

[Flyhigh7]

Good info. Good Seeing Conditions article too King. Thanks!

[jrkirkham]

For transparency I use the little dipper. For seeing I mainly just guess the best I can. I always consult the closest clear sky chart (about 15 miles away). I usually take those readings into consideration.

[AstroBee]

I have a spreadsheet that I keep of the dark sky locations I visit and the SQL readout from my SQM-L meter. http://unihedron.com/projects/sqm-l/
I also note the date and average temperature throughout the night because the SQL readout varies throughout the seasons. It also helps to track the encroaching light pollution on a few of my favorite spots.
The same spreadsheet also tracks the objects I imaged with links to them on my website.

And now you guys know where my body will be found if I ever go missing on one of my astronomy outings...
I actually had the data complete on the SQL tab but it was in a stand-alone spreadsheet and it was accidentaly deleted last November, so I'm in the process of rebuilding it now.

[Flyhigh7]

Thanks AstroBee! I love that SQM-L meter.

I WANT ONE!

I'll bet this would be a great help in determining if you should bother to set up on some nights.

I'm going shopping for one now.

[AstroBee]

Thanks AstroBee!
I'll bet this would be a great help in determining if you should bother to set up on some nights.

Just to be clear, it only determines the sky brightness of your location, not really sky quality. So it doesn't help with seeing conditions.

[Flyhigh7]

I understand Bee, but I imagine it is sensitive enough to find local areas near me that might have a little less light pollution than my yard in case I decide to search for a better place.

Is there such a meter that can measure sky quality conditions. I recon not or you'd be using one unless the eyes of bees have the sensitivity to do that. I know you guys have 5 eyes and a way to detect UV.

[AstroBee]

...Is there such a meter that can measure sky quality conditions....

This is the closest device I've found.
https://pegasusastro.com/products/uranus-meteo-sensor/

[Flyhigh7]

That's an interesting device. Thank you.

[pakarinen]

At home with light pollution, if there is no clouds it is good enough.

True. I just use the standard aviation classes -

Clear / Few / Scattered / Broken / Overcast, and occasionally Haze or High Cirrus.

[Mike Q]

I start with the current location of the jet stream. Its been parked right on us for weeks now. That is usually strike one. Then i sneak a peak at the sky. Twinkling stars... Strike 2. Then I find M31. If I can't see it, that is strike 3.