25 December 2005

Observing Location	PSC
Observational Period	0800-0845 EST
Atmospheric Conditions	It looks like it will be a white Christmas this year but the white will be clouds in the sky rather than snow on the ground. As of 24Dec05, 2100 EST, it is looking marginal for tomorrow. It is nice and clear out right now but the forecasts call for it to cloud over before sunrise. Clear Sky Clock graphic NOAA graphic It is going to be another of those get-up-and-see events. I set the alarm for 0700 EST and got up to check the weather. Looking out the window I can't tell a thing. I don't know what I am supposed to be seeing so can't tell if I am seeing overcast or just a light haze and the sun isn't far enough up to really light up the sky. I am going to have to go out there and see what conditions are like. Clear Sky Clock graphic The NOAA forecast doesn't look good but looking out the window I can't tell what the actual conditions are. NOAA graphic The GOES IR satellite image doesn't look all that bad. NOAA graphic NOAA forecast for 0900 EST, 25Dec05 As of Cloud Cover POP Temp Wind Wind Chill 20Dec05 2100 EST 90% 40%       22Dec05 2100 EST 91% 19% 40°F 5 MPH -- 23Dec05 2000 EST 92% 14% 38°F 3 MPH -- 24Dec05 2100 EST 69% 14% 40°F 3 MPH -- 25Dec05 0600 EST 58% 18% 40°F 3 MPH -- Observed Conditions (Central Park) 41°F, 7 MPH, OVC002, Fog/Mist, Vis 1.25 Mi I have not validated their forecasts, but dryday.com creates a precipitation forecast 18 months in advance and doesn't change it. They say there is a slightly better chance that it will be a dry day on Christmas than a wet one, but they don't provide any information about cloud cover. dryday.com graphic If today is any indication of the validity of these forecasts dryday.com is all wet, and we will be too. It was bad. As soon as I got outside I kinda knew it wasn't going to happen, but I walked up to the designated bench on the oval anyway. From there I could see the chunk of sky where I was supposed to be observing the Moon in a blue sky. But all I could see was a light gray deck of cloud. The tops of the buildings looked like they might be wet. As I sat there fog started to cover the tops of the tallest buildings and gradually came down to near ground level. I sat watching the squirrels for about 45 minutes to make sure conditions were really worsening and it really looks like the predictions for terrible weather this afternoon and evening age going to come true.
Instruments	SAR: Coulter CT-100 - Charlie
Observing Party	Charlie Ridgway

Target	Occultation of Spica
Constellation	CMa
Category	Occultation
Time	25Dec05 0930 EST
Comments	Not Seen - clouded out Sky and Telescope article on the occultation. Space.com article about the occultation. A "Night Before Christmas take on the story from StarDate

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Observing Location
Observational Period	EST
Atmospheric Conditions	It has been raining all afternoon so I guess CSC is right. Close enough for government work anyway. Clear Sky Clock graphic Transparency Seeing
Instruments
Observing Party