Clouds are the natural enemy of astronomers, and I like clear skies as much as the next astro-guy, but sometimes you just have to appreciate the beauty of clouds, such as in this recent sunset in the field behind Wa-chur-ed Observatory.  Many astronomers are also amateur meteorologists and could tell you all about these clouds.  I just think they’re wonderful!

With the Oregon Star Party just 5 weeks away, this is a very busy time for me.  In addition to all the astro-photo prints and other stuff that needs to be prepared, I can’t afford to miss any opportunities to stay up all night capturing new images.  It should be a good star party this year – if only because a lot of people will be preparing for NEXT year’s OSP and the total solar eclipse that will happen right there and then!

It’s going to be a madhouse next year, especially in Oregon, which is the first place on land it can be seen (10:15AM, August 21, 2017).  It has been reported that Oregon has the best weather, on average, for this time of year, of all parts of the U.S. along the eclipse path.  Because of that, it is expected that millions of people will come to Oregon at that time.  If you haven’t already made your plans for the eclipse, you should do so soon, and keep those millions of people in mind.  If you need to go somewhere to see the eclipse, it would be best to get there days before and stay until a couple of days after.  Most of the roads in Oregon will become parking lots for long periods of time before and after the eclipse.

I’ll be discussing the eclipse in much more detail over the next year, so stay tuned!