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Originally Posted by Normandy6644
Man, where do you live Maksutov?!? When i was in Arizona last week it was like that (on the nights when the full moon was later), but back here in Florida I'm lucky if I see much of anything. :x
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I'm in the hills of Northern Mississippi, not too far from Tennessee.
There are no metropolitan centers of any import around here. Therefore no air or light pollution. Being in the hills means you're typically above what's down in the valleys and the Delta. Usually just after a cold front comes through, the skies are amazingly transparent and dark. Poor seeing is typically when the humidity is really high and the skies get hazy.
Funny you would mention Arizona. Strangely the skies here remind me of when my girlfriend and I spent about a week at the Grand Canyon. The most memorable astronomical experience was going to an overlook on a road that was a left about a half-mile before Yaqui Point. We were 7200' above sea level. This was where the park rangers used to have their "Starry Skies” programs before moving them to Mather Point.
The most stars I've ever seen without optical aid. Plus the frequency of satellite passages was remarkable. Nice simple program, just bring a flashlight and something (or someone) to keep you warm. The ranger then instructed those that needed to know how to adapt one's flashlight into a light source that wouldn't ruin your night vision. The red filter material was supplied by the ranger.
Here's a
picture and
an artist's impression of Yaqui Point during the day.
8)