Between the urban light fog and clouds (but not the rain we need), I do well to see second magnitude stars. However, I almost got blinded by Sirius a few nights ago. The problem with meteor showers is that you have to go way out into the country to see them and even farms are brightly lit these days. Plus peak is generally at two in the morning! Still, it can be worth it.
Last time I went away from the house looking for a viewing spot, I found a nice place with a power pole to lean on. Stepped right into a fire ant mound. The view was great, but when we got home found it just as good fron the driveway.
Bob: We have fire ants on the edge of our driveway. And the horned lizards are becoming extinct – mainly because fire ants are killing the larger harvester ants which were their preferred food. But they will eat fire ants. The ecological niche is being filled somewhat by the Mediterranean gecko, which prefers moths.
Oh Fred, I have done that! We live in the country so there is no ambient light. The starry skies are amazing, Uncounted myriads of stars covering the expanse. Too beautiful to describe. Just beyond words!
Simon_Jester over 12 years ago
Listen to him, man…it’s good for ya.
NE1956 over 12 years ago
Make room for me Fred lad. I love stargazing, especially on a warm August night to see the meteor showers. You made my day Fred. :-D
Simon_Jester over 12 years ago
BTW, the use of light and shadow in today’s ’toon is absolutely superb.
hippogriff over 12 years ago
Between the urban light fog and clouds (but not the rain we need), I do well to see second magnitude stars. However, I almost got blinded by Sirius a few nights ago. The problem with meteor showers is that you have to go way out into the country to see them and even farms are brightly lit these days. Plus peak is generally at two in the morning! Still, it can be worth it.
Bob. over 12 years ago
Last time I went away from the house looking for a viewing spot, I found a nice place with a power pole to lean on. Stepped right into a fire ant mound. The view was great, but when we got home found it just as good fron the driveway.
hippogriff over 12 years ago
Bob: We have fire ants on the edge of our driveway. And the horned lizards are becoming extinct – mainly because fire ants are killing the larger harvester ants which were their preferred food. But they will eat fire ants. The ecological niche is being filled somewhat by the Mediterranean gecko, which prefers moths.
Francine Long over 12 years ago
Oh Fred, I have done that! We live in the country so there is no ambient light. The starry skies are amazing, Uncounted myriads of stars covering the expanse. Too beautiful to describe. Just beyond words!