I would think Brent has just not found good sites. There are places in the desert with many clear nights, I have had many good observing nights at Island in the Sky and the Wedge Overlook. Island in the Sky seems to also have some steady air with topographical features that steady the air (surrounded by mountains that are high and not real jagged). I have been in many sites through out the US and think Utah compares favorably.
I also remember a remarkable night in northwest Utah, where I saw the pink and blues in the Trifid Nebula. Colors where also noticed by inexperience observers that commented on the colors without prompting. Brent have you been to some of SLAS's private star parties? Wolf Creek and Pit&Pole are all good sites near SLC. I guess you do need to be committed to getting out when the weather is favorable. Work schedules can hamper that and it does seem you must endure some bad desert weather to experience the good. I also remember some blizzards and howling winds, and have rips in tent to prove it. Erik Hi Brent,
On 24 Jul 2009, at 10:47, Brent Johnson wrote:
I have been a lifelong resident of Utah, but until recently paid little attention to the sky. Recently I got my first scope and began noticing how often Utah has horrible skies for astronomy. Cloud cover almost every other day. And on the days the sky is clear, seeing is aweful. Is there no hope?
Well, FWIW, I just checked my observing log and saw I had my observatory open 187 nights in 2008 and 91 nights so far this year.
Admittedly the trick is to be able to observe any night the sky is ok (ie. to be retired). And it also helps to live in a place that allows you to observe from your home (having to travel and set up equipment tends to cut back on observing for most folks).
So, yes, there is hope. Just get old, retire and live in the boonies. :)
patrick
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