Susan and I are scheduled to fly-out tonight at 8PM from HIA to Charlotte, NC, then for Key West 9:45AM Saturday AM. Pray for us!
Doug Grove from ASH is leaving this afternoon from Harrisburg driving this afternoon to Lorton, VA to pick up the AutoTrain, leaving 4 PM Saturday afternoon to arrive 9 AM Sunday in Sanford FL! Then they drive all day Sunday (through Super Bowel traffic around Miami) to reach Big Pine Key, overnighting to be in line on West Summerland Key Monday AM! Been there done that! He generously is transporting my ExploreScientific Comet Hunter, my Berlebach Tripod, DM6 mount, my DenkIIs and my 4 Ethos EPs! Wonder if I'll see him and my equipment at the 2010 Winter Star Party on Monday?
Pray for us... each and every one of us!
Gastronaut Inside: looking down and looking up; outside only UP! Observe Galaxies and Eat More Fiber and always have an extra Star Diagonal handy!
Bowl, Bowel
What a difference an "e" makes!
Been doing to many "inside jobs" lately.
Need more "outdoor" night-time 'scope work! Inside: looking down and looking up; outside only UP!
Gastronaut
Observe Galaxies and Eat More Fiber and always have an extra Star Diagonal handy!
Doug Grove txt'd me to say outbound Florida AutoTrain for Saturday 4/6 was CANCELLED!!
He is driving ALL THE WAY to the WSP!
As of 4:30 PM they lumbering through Lumberton NC.
At least he'll (and my 'scope) make the WSP. Now that's a hardcore visual observer!!
Gastronaut Inside: looking down and looking up; outside only UP! Observe Galaxies and Eat More Fiber and always have an extra Star Diagonal handy!
Made it to Charlotte. On to warmth in the Keys today. 35• here now; damp flooding. Have fun digging out! Haven't a clue where Doug and my Ethoii are! Rumor is he's headed west to AZ!
Gastronaut Inside: looking down and looking up; outside only UP! Observe Galaxies and Eat More Fiber and always have an extra Star Diagonal handy!
Submitted by Robert Pody on Sat, 2010-02-06 09:29.
As of 8:30am, we have 16 1/2 inches of snow in Steelton, and it is still coming down strong.
Well I doubt the state gameland and forest poeple will have any of our lots plowed by Sunday night. Perhaps if we called them and let them know how important this is...
You can always go North tonight or Sunday to avoid snow. The Wilkes-Barre weather report this morning showed NO snow all night - not even one flake. Areas East did get hit (Poconos) with some snow though.
We only have 4-5 inches so far at 9 am in New Ringgold. It is still coming down and I won't get out to plow until it stops, supposedly around noon, but it should be very accessible. After clearing the drive, I usually plow a strip on the astro field to provide a clear area for observers.
Wind is going to be the problem tonight, plus the cold, and you should really check it out before going anywhere! I am hoping to do some CCD work (from inside) if the wind is not too bad.
At this moment, that Winter Star Party seems like a nice thought.
Glad to hear you made it. I just hope the rest of your equipment makes it, too! We had 19.5 inches of snow here in Eagle. Just finished digging out my parent's 300-foot long driveway. Contrary to the title of this thread, I like the snow, so long as I don't need to go anywhere. It's the one thing that makes life seem to slow down. I couldn't help noticing how quiet it was all day outside. Hardly any cars went by. I couldn't even hear much in the way of snow blowers. Without a doubt, clearing it is harder on my body with every year that goes by, but I still like it. Hope you have a great time at the Winter Star Party. I look forward to hearing about your trip.
Glad you enjoy the snow (or the peace it brings). Give Karl a call and consol him!
Heard from Dave Mitsky yesterday, he and Tony Donangelo are head to the Chiefland Star Party, called me from Cape Canaveral where they had planned to watch last night's Shuttle launch (which unfortunately was scrubbed due clouds, late).
Heard from Keith who attended Winter Astrofest at Kopernic Observatory in Vestal, NY, where it was clear last night ( and no snow )!!
Gastronaut Inside: looking down and looking up; outside only UP! Observe Galaxies and Eat More Fiber and always have an extra Star Diagonal handy!
Just heard from Doug Grove! (2:30PM Sunday) as he just arrived at his motel on Big Pine Key!
Wow, two days and 1300 miles from Harrisburg! Now at least I know my Ethoii are safe! (Doug and his wife too!)
I'm sure there will be tales to tell!
Gastronaut Inside: looking down and looking up; outside only UP! Observe Galaxies and Eat More Fiber and always have an extra Star Diagonal handy!
Hey, I like snow. I'll admit it has its negative effects on certain activities, such as observing. In fact, the sky was beautiful late Saturday night after the clouds blew out. I was thinking of setting up my scope, but there wasn't a really a place to do it and wisps of snow kept blowing off the trees and house. Not to mention the fact that, with the last quater moon, there was considerable reflection off the snow, no doubt owing in part to how clear the atmosphere was. So I just enjoyed the nightscape. Besides all that, if you really do decide to retire to WV, you had better get used to SNOW!!!
Marty
The problem even after the skies clear out is all the reflection from outdoor lighting (even good full cutoff) off the snow into the sky. So it really is another source of light pollution.
The good thing about West Virginia is the lack of lighting, so the sky stays fairly dark.
If you guys don't knock it off I think I'm gonna' puck!
Gastronaut Inside: looking down and looking up; outside only UP! Observe Galaxies and Eat More Fiber and always have an extra Star Diagonal handy!
Submitted by Robert Pody on Tue, 2010-02-09 12:28.
I find a clear, light-pollution free sky similar to the outdoors after a major snowfall. Both present a 'landscape' of serene beauty. Both are free of manmade activity (sights and sounds). With both there is a sense of release from the weight of civilization, allowing us a glimpse of our place in the universe. An important difference is that we must choose to go to a dark site, while a big snowfall takes control away from us. Yes, there is a lot of work digging out and regaining control, but, once you realize there is really nothing you can do to stop the snow, you can just sit back for a short while and enjoy some peace.
OK, so whatever happened to that vocal group that kept warning us about global warming? Perhaps they all go into hibernation during the winter. Enjoy the respite while you can; they will be back with the next summer heat wave.
1. Kills dark windows
2. Driving in it
3. Digging vehicle out, then doing it again when the plow passes a second time.
4. Took 6 hours to get home from work one time
5. Took 7 1/2 hours to get home from work. anther time.
6. KILLS DARK WINDOWS!!!
Hey, nobody likes dying, but you can't do anything about that either
Why do you think we're getting all this snow? How much new glass was bought by CAS members? I wonder if the weather gods found out about Josh's order? That'll be another 25"...of snow. Do you think we'll be able to get out observing by June at this rate? On the bright side, it was nice with no planes out Saturday night.
Edge On Eddie
Driving in it can be fun if you know what you are doing.
Watching the idiots who don't know how to drive it in can be highly entertaining - from a safe distance anyway.
It can challenge one's grasp of the laws of physics: how did that idiot in the Minivan manage to wrap himself around a tree on the inside of a curve anyway???
The challenge of getting home in under 6 hours inspires creativity. A mind is, after all, a terrible thing to waste. So are shoulders, sidewalks, those conveniently marked "No U-Turn" paths, etc.
Watching the news media hype up every storm to boost ratings is getting to be almost as funny as watching people rush to the store to buy up all of the bread, eggs and milk. Oddly enough you never hear of a rush on maple syrup, so presumably these people already have plenty of that on hand for their French toast.
Hey Ed, I think my dues for the 25'' scope will be paid with this storm, so look for a clear June. As far as snow goes, I love it with one exception and that of course is the light pollution. My front yard looks like the sun will be up any minute. Driving in the snow, now thats just awsome! I will actually wait for a good snow storm to arrive, and then go shopping for my maple syrup, just so I don't have to put up with a crowded store.
Growing up in Wisconsin and Canada, I admit to liking the snow as well. Right now the snow is just a tad shy of the door handle on my trailer. June, eh?
Re: I HATE SNOW :(
Maybe NOWHERE!
Susan and I are scheduled to fly-out tonight at 8PM from HIA to Charlotte, NC, then for Key West 9:45AM Saturday AM. Pray for us!
Doug Grove from ASH is leaving this afternoon from Harrisburg driving this afternoon to Lorton, VA to pick up the AutoTrain, leaving 4 PM Saturday afternoon to arrive 9 AM Sunday in Sanford FL! Then they drive all day Sunday (through Super Bowel traffic around Miami) to reach Big Pine Key, overnighting to be in line on West Summerland Key Monday AM! Been there done that! He generously is transporting my ExploreScientific Comet Hunter, my Berlebach Tripod, DM6 mount, my DenkIIs and my 4 Ethos EPs! Wonder if I'll see him and my equipment at the 2010 Winter Star Party on Monday?
Pray for us... each and every one of us!
Gastronaut
Inside: looking down and looking up; outside only UP! Observe Galaxies and Eat More Fiber and always have an extra Star Diagonal handy!
Re: I HATE SNOW :(
Super "bowel" traffic? Talk about your Freudian slips. Doc must REALLY need a vacation!
Re: I HATE SNOW :(
Yup, I do.
Bowl, Bowel
What a difference an "e" makes!
Been doing to many "inside jobs" lately.
Need more "outdoor" night-time 'scope work!
Inside: looking down and looking up; outside only UP!
Gastronaut
Observe Galaxies and Eat More Fiber and always have an extra Star Diagonal handy!
Re: I HATE SNOW :(
UpDate
Doug Grove txt'd me to say outbound Florida AutoTrain for Saturday 4/6 was CANCELLED!!
He is driving ALL THE WAY to the WSP!
As of 4:30 PM they lumbering through Lumberton NC.
At least he'll (and my 'scope) make the WSP. Now that's a hardcore visual observer!!
Gastronaut
Inside: looking down and looking up; outside only UP! Observe Galaxies and Eat More Fiber and always have an extra Star Diagonal handy!
Re: I HATE SNOW :(
Made it to Charlotte. On to warmth in the Keys today. 35• here now; damp flooding. Have fun digging out! Haven't a clue where Doug and my Ethoii are! Rumor is he's headed west to AZ!
Gastronaut
Inside: looking down and looking up; outside only UP! Observe Galaxies and Eat More Fiber and always have an extra Star Diagonal handy!
Re: I HATE SNOW :(
No, that's right.
davel
Re: I HATE SNOW :(
40.1698*N, 75.7293*W
i am coming back as my children...our youngest left before snow Thursday for Disneyland and will be back, after snow, Tuesday
Re: I HATE SNOW :(
As of 8:30am, we have 16 1/2 inches of snow in Steelton, and it is still coming down strong.
Well I doubt the state gameland and forest poeple will have any of our lots plowed by Sunday night. Perhaps if we called them and let them know how important this is...
Bob P.
Re: I HATE SNOW :(
You can always go North tonight or Sunday to avoid snow. The Wilkes-Barre weather report this morning showed NO snow all night - not even one flake. Areas East did get hit (Poconos) with some snow though.
We only have 4-5 inches so far at 9 am in New Ringgold. It is still coming down and I won't get out to plow until it stops, supposedly around noon, but it should be very accessible. After clearing the drive, I usually plow a strip on the astro field to provide a clear area for observers.
Wind is going to be the problem tonight, plus the cold, and you should really check it out before going anywhere! I am hoping to do some CCD work (from inside) if the wind is not too bad.
At this moment, that Winter Star Party seems like a nice thought.
Frank
Re: I HATE SNOW :(
Frank
Made it to Key West.
75 Sunny and Blue Skies.
I can't post photos from my iPhone, just as well.
You'd all hate me more
Gastronaut
Inside: looking down and looking up; outside only UP! Observe Galaxies and Eat More Fiber and always have an extra Star Diagonal handy!
Re: I HATE SNOW :(
Glad to hear you made it. I just hope the rest of your equipment makes it, too! We had 19.5 inches of snow here in Eagle. Just finished digging out my parent's 300-foot long driveway. Contrary to the title of this thread, I like the snow, so long as I don't need to go anywhere. It's the one thing that makes life seem to slow down. I couldn't help noticing how quiet it was all day outside. Hardly any cars went by. I couldn't even hear much in the way of snow blowers. Without a doubt, clearing it is harder on my body with every year that goes by, but I still like it. Hope you have a great time at the Winter Star Party. I look forward to hearing about your trip.
Clear dark skies!
Marty
Re: I HATE SNOW :(
Marty,
Glad you enjoy the snow (or the peace it brings). Give Karl a call and consol him!
Heard from Dave Mitsky yesterday, he and Tony Donangelo are head to the Chiefland Star Party, called me from Cape Canaveral where they had planned to watch last night's Shuttle launch (which unfortunately was scrubbed due clouds, late).
Heard from Keith who attended Winter Astrofest at Kopernic Observatory in Vestal, NY, where it was clear last night ( and no snow )!!
Gastronaut
Inside: looking down and looking up; outside only UP! Observe Galaxies and Eat More Fiber and always have an extra Star Diagonal handy!
Re: I HATE SNOW :(
To All:
Just heard from Doug Grove! (2:30PM Sunday) as he just arrived at his motel on Big Pine Key!
Wow, two days and 1300 miles from Harrisburg! Now at least I know my Ethoii are safe! (Doug and his wife too!)
I'm sure there will be tales to tell!
Gastronaut
Inside: looking down and looking up; outside only UP! Observe Galaxies and Eat More Fiber and always have an extra Star Diagonal handy!
Re: I HATE SNOW :(
Jeez Marty...I'll have to remind you at the next meeting about the heart of CAS!
Karl
Re: I HATE SNOW :(
Hey, I like snow. I'll admit it has its negative effects on certain activities, such as observing. In fact, the sky was beautiful late Saturday night after the clouds blew out. I was thinking of setting up my scope, but there wasn't a really a place to do it and wisps of snow kept blowing off the trees and house. Not to mention the fact that, with the last quater moon, there was considerable reflection off the snow, no doubt owing in part to how clear the atmosphere was. So I just enjoyed the nightscape. Besides all that, if you really do decide to retire to WV, you had better get used to SNOW!!!
Marty
Re: I HATE SNOW :(
The problem even after the skies clear out is all the reflection from outdoor lighting (even good full cutoff) off the snow into the sky. So it really is another source of light pollution.
The good thing about West Virginia is the lack of lighting, so the sky stays fairly dark.
Hey Marty...do you like clouds also?
Karl
Re: I HATE SNOW :(
I like the big puffy clouds on an otherwise sunny day. I have to say, though, that there is something very soothing about rain!
Re: I HATE SNOW :(
If you guys don't knock it off I think I'm gonna' puck!
Gastronaut
Inside: looking down and looking up; outside only UP! Observe Galaxies and Eat More Fiber and always have an extra Star Diagonal handy!
Re: I HATE SNOW :(
I find a clear, light-pollution free sky similar to the outdoors after a major snowfall. Both present a 'landscape' of serene beauty. Both are free of manmade activity (sights and sounds). With both there is a sense of release from the weight of civilization, allowing us a glimpse of our place in the universe. An important difference is that we must choose to go to a dark site, while a big snowfall takes control away from us. Yes, there is a lot of work digging out and regaining control, but, once you realize there is really nothing you can do to stop the snow, you can just sit back for a short while and enjoy some peace.
Looking forward to a peaceful Wednesday.
Bob P.
Re: I HATE SNOW :(
We might as well make lemonade because there is nothing we can do to stop it!
Rob
Re: I HATE SNOW :(
OK, so whatever happened to that vocal group that kept warning us about global warming? Perhaps they all go into hibernation during the winter. Enjoy the respite while you can; they will be back with the next summer heat wave.
Re: I HATE SNOW :(
I hate snow for multiple and valid reasons.
1. Kills dark windows
2. Driving in it
3. Digging vehicle out, then doing it again when the plow passes a second time.
4. Took 6 hours to get home from work one time
5. Took 7 1/2 hours to get home from work. anther time.
6. KILLS DARK WINDOWS!!!
Hey, nobody likes dying, but you can't do anything about that either
Re: I HATE SNOW :(
Man, you need to move to another part of the country!!
Nobody likes dyin' so they enjoy their life while they can!!!!!
50 days until April......
Rob
Re: I HATE SNOW :(
I think it was #4 and #5 that pushed me over the edge!
Karl
Re: I HATE SNOW :(
Why do you think we're getting all this snow? How much new glass was bought by CAS members? I wonder if the weather gods found out about Josh's order? That'll be another 25"...of snow. Do you think we'll be able to get out observing by June at this rate? On the bright side, it was nice with no planes out Saturday night.
Edge On Eddie
Re: I HATE SNOW :(
I do think Ed is correct, and I've already blamed my daughter for her part.
Karl
Re: I HATE SNOW :(
I like snow, also for several valid reasons:
Tongue in cheek!
Bob
Re: I HATE SNOW :(
I am totally onboard with the maple syrup. People who like snow plan for those 'special' days.

Bob P.
Re: I HATE SNOW :(
Hey Ed, I think my dues for the 25'' scope will be paid with this storm, so look for a clear June. As far as snow goes, I love it with one exception and that of course is the light pollution. My front yard looks like the sun will be up any minute. Driving in the snow, now thats just awsome! I will actually wait for a good snow storm to arrive, and then go shopping for my maple syrup, just so I don't have to put up with a crowded store.
Re: I HATE SNOW :(
Mmmmm
Anyone else enjoying french (oops, freedom) toast with maple syrup this morning?
Bob P.
Re: I HATE SNOW :(
Growing up in Wisconsin and Canada, I admit to liking the snow as well. Right now the snow is just a tad shy of the door handle on my trailer. June, eh?
Edge On Eddie
Re: I HATE SNOW :(
Go west young man, go (south) west!
You could live and observe near here:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Very_Large_Array
And for your significant other:
http://www.catchwine.com/wineries/new_mexico/
Bob P.
Re: I HATE SNOW :(
I still HATE SNOW!
Shoveled 3 times, including out till midnight last night.
Lost power for a bit
Shoveled again this morning to get the van and Vibe out after the plow came through during the early morning. Needed to get to work.
And yes it's clear tonight, and snow light pollution will be in effect
Karl
Re: I HATE SNOW :(
Now these people know how to handle snow. Click on the link and scroll down. Click on the pics for a larger image.
http://damncoolpics.blogspot.com/2010/01/so-you-want-to-whine-about-wint...
Fred, I.S.G.G.B.D.