MDM Observatory 1.3m Telescope Observer's Report for 2008 Jul 02

Observer(s): armstrong
Institution(s): columbia

Instrument: templeton

Worked for 2.5 hours (off and on through the night)
Conditions were Mixed most of the night.
No equipment or software problems were encountered.

Seeing and Weather:
   Beg: Seeing 1.8 arcsec, Clear, Winds Calm
   Mid: Patchy Clouds, Winds Calm
   End: Patchy Clouds, Winds Calm

Observing Summary:

Fickle weather, this!  I've opened and closed four times tonight.  
Opened on time, got about a 1.5-hr time series.  Closed for 
clouds around 22:30.  Opened again around 1, for about 20 min.
Opened around 2 for about 15 min.  Waited a few hours as some 
patchy stuff dribbled on us in passing.  Opened at 3am, for 
about 10 min.  1 hour to go - and I'll spend it in bed.


With steadiness these skies aren't wealthy
And for fatigued brains can't be healthy.
One moment it's clear,
And the next - clouds appear!
How this seasonal weather is stealthy.

Now, how to predict cloud formation?
Clear sky clock is poor indication;
Forecast's noncommittal.
Wish I knew a little
'Bout ESP communication.

Or here is an overlooked tactic: 
Perhaps I might find it didactic
To quite simply say,
 Are you up there to stay? 
Just ask 'em!  Could be prophylactic.
   
...

I went out to ask what they're conspiring -
But they're gone.  And the stars I'm admiring.
Guess I'll open, at least ..
Wait! - What's that in the east?
Oops, they're back.  Well, that's it - I'm retiring.

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Submitted on 2008 Jul 3 [3:25:29]