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Post by markt on Apr 7, 2008 20:54:57 GMT
Hey guys  I've kept popping on and off here throughout the winter season but I guess this is a time for hibernation for us NLC-ers, well, really I crave for some clear skies for some astronomy but that's another matter... I'm looking forward to a week away on the Isle of Skye in the last week of May this year and was basically wondering what my chances of catching some NLC in the week were? I kinda figure it's on the edge of the start of the season... While I know you can't say when a NLC display might be visible, I was wondering historically what you guys and gals 'up north' have seen (if any) in the ways of displays at this time of year... I'm really looking forward to this years season and really hope I can kick of my observations in Skye  |
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Post by heaven31 on Apr 9, 2008 21:51:34 GMT
Hiya Mark I was just looking at the archives of sightings from last year and the first observations were around mid may so maybe your luck will be in at the end of May. I'm also looking forward to the season starting this year and wondering when the first sightings will be. I wasn't very lucky last year but seen a great display the year before  Good luck with your observations and have a great time in the Isle of Skye Jo x |
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Post by markt on Apr 13, 2008 15:03:16 GMT
Hi Jo Glad folk are still checking back on the forum even though we're out of season, time has gone quickly this winter and it's now only 6-8 weeks before we could be having the first observations of the year  I had a flick back through the archives too and I reckon (fingers crossed & clear skies permitting) I have 1/2 a chance of seeing some NLC (assuming the blighters are visible!). Where we're staying has a good low northerly horizon; the camera will definitely be going with me and I have access to the internet there so should be able to give y'all real time updates ;D |
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Post by martinastro on Apr 15, 2008 15:48:13 GMT
Hi Mark
I reckon the chances of an NLC display in late May from that location are very good!. We even had displays here in N. Ireland (faint) during late May these last two years.
Like yourself, I'm very much looking forward to the 2008 season which will begin soon. By this time next month I will be scanning the horizon. Difficult to believe it has been a year already.
Tom, any idea on what kind of season we can expect this year?
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Post by tmcewan on Apr 16, 2008 9:03:22 GMT
Hi markt, I have been observing NLC from Central Scotland for over 20 years and have only recorded two NLC sightings in May. I know other, more experienced observers, who have never observed NLC in May. On the other hand, some observers do have better luck with May NLC's. Statistically speaking it's safe to say that the end of May isn't a particularly active period for NLC's with activity occurring infrequently and generally faint and weak in structure. However, that isn't to say that we shouldn't be looking - it's important that we observe as often as possible over the full season. Best of luck with your observations from Skye! Tom Hey guys I've kept popping on and off here throughout the winter season but I guess this is a time for hibernation for us NLC-ers, well, really I crave for some clear skies for some astronomy but that's another matter... I'm looking forward to a week away on the Isle of Skye in the last week of May this year and was basically wondering what my chances of catching some NLC in the week were? I kinda figure it's on the edge of the start of the season... While I know you can't say when a NLC display might be visible, I was wondering historically what you guys and gals 'up north' have seen (if any) in the ways of displays at this time of year... I'm really looking forward to this years season and really hope I can kick of my observations in Skye |
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Post by tmcewan on Apr 16, 2008 9:13:10 GMT
Hi Martin, I'm certainly hoping for a good season with plenty of favourable weather too! Tom Tom, any idea on what kind of season we can expect this year? |
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Post by markt on Apr 16, 2008 16:31:22 GMT
Hi markt, I have been observing NLC from Central Scotland for over 20 years and have only recorded two NLC sightings in May. I know other, more experienced observers, who have never observed NLC in May. On the other hand, some observers do have better luck with May NLC's. Statistically speaking it's safe to say that the end of May isn't a particularly active period for NLC's with activity occurring infrequently and generally faint and weak in structure. However, that isn't to say that we shouldn't be looking - it's important that we observe as often as possible over the full season. Best of luck with your observations from Skye! Tom I had a feeling it might be a bit early, but i'm an optimistic chap, so weather permitting I think it's safe to say you'll find me scanning the northern horizons, probbaly with a dram of whisky or two |
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Post by martinastro on Apr 16, 2008 17:48:33 GMT
www.nlcnet.co.uk/This shows a selection of NLC sightings from N. Ireland during 2007. Here's 2006 www.nlcnet.co.uk/Further north you are bound to catch something, however as Tom said (and from the images above) these early displays will most likely be faint, diffuse, and low but still very much worthy of observation. Nature is unpredictable though, a friend of mine who has been observing NLCs for much of his life recalls seeing very impressive shows during May so one never knows for sure. I wish you luck Mark. * those links should open up the 07 and 06 reports but they bring you back to the homepage. You know where to find them anyway
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Post by menno on May 14, 2008 19:01:40 GMT
When I lived in The Netherlands I observed NCL's for a period of 10 years. I never saw them in May, although I know they have been reported by other observers in The Netherlands. End of June and begin July I had the most hits.
From my new location (Romania) I think the NLC-window is even more thin (perhaps 15 days before and 15 days after the longest day), so for me chances for May-observations are almost zero....
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