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Re: (meteorobs) haze
In a message dated 98-05-21 07:02:52 EDT, you write:
<< > On the other hand, Polaris and even some major constellations were
> barely visible last night with no sign of cloudiness, so what
> meteorologists and astronomers mean by "clearing' may be different!
I am sure there is a great difference. Much like when the
meteorologists say x% cloud, as astronomers take it as a washed out
observing session. >>
Meteorologist, Joe Rao, once told me that there is no longer a set of human
eyes looking at the satellite images and that its all done by computer. And
that if there is no clouds below something like 500 to 750 ft. the computers
will call it clear. Well, not actually clear, they are calling it all "fair"
now. I'm not sure about this country wide but according to him it's true on
the east coast. On the local network news, there has been a lot of "fair"
skies that are filled w/ cirrus. Ahh progress.
Kevin