What's Different About Astronomers' Forecasts?
In our geographic area the weather plays a large factor in observing plans, needless to say snow storms in April can put a damper on the best laid plans.
So how do astronomers address weather? For starters, you've probably heard the weather described in casual terms as "good"/"bad" or something comparable. Astronomers need to know a little more about the weather to plan a successful observing session.
Most forecasts are geared towards the general population and focus on the factors that affect comfort. A typical weather report available online or via a mobile app will include the highs/lows, chance of precipitation, severe weather alerts such as high wind advisories or storm warnings, and some even report relative humidity and even barometric pressure.
As useful as this information is, it is often inadequate for planning an observing session. Astronomers are more interested in what the cloud cover will be, as much can be seen through the gaps in moving clouds, and the quality of the atmosphere.
When air is moving quickly it causes turbulent mixing that can cause a slight bubbling effect and results in higher flickering, conversely on calm stable nights the air quality can be produce some of the steadiest images. Those of you who have looked through a telescope will probably recall seeing this effect, often causing the images to bounce around slightly and appear as if underwater.
To get an accurate local forecast that captures all of these critical factors, astronomer Attilla Danko has created a specialized site that compiles all of the pertinent weather data into a relatively simple display tailored for observers and is used by countless observatories and amateur astronomers around the world.
As always,
Clear skies!