When to see the milkway?

[Joel.W]

Hi guys,

I was wanting to photograph the milkyway, or at least try to, but cant find any info out there on the best time to see it in the night sky. I know I have to have clear, dark skies, and where I am that is fortunately a possibility, but what time of night do I need to be out? Cheers,

Joel

[htcdude]

My local newsagents open at 06:30 they have some Milky Ways left I think



Don't know if this helps:

http://homepage.mac.com/rarendt/Galaxy/youcansee.html

Nige

[Tringa]

It is not a matter of the time of the night to see it, but the darkness and clearness of the sky.

Apart from a dark clear sky the other thing to consider are the moon and the time of year.

As the moon gets closer to full the less chance there is of getting a good view of the Milky Way. So a moonless night or when the moon is close to new is best.

The long hours of darkness in winter mean you won't need to stay up until the early hours. However, there will still be good views in the summer, but at this time of year (ie not far from the summer solstice) the hours of dark skies are limited, even in very dark locations.

Any light pollution will make viewing the Milky Way difficult, if not impossible.

But when you get a good night, it is stunning - talk about feeling small.

Good luck

Dave

[Joel.W]

Thanks guys, i'm just on the edge of snowdonia so I think the main problem is going to be cloud cover. I was promised a clear sky last night but the weatherman is a liar and all I got were clouds. I think the moon is too bright at the minute for amazing shots anyway, but its just something I wanted to try before I leave the area at the end of summer. Who knows, i may get lucky and get one clear, moonless, dark night by then haha. Thanks,

Joel

[nytecam]

Late summer/autumn Milky Way is brightest and best - see sample sky for Aug 1 from NE [top] to SW [bottom]

[Joel.W]

Fantastic!!! All this cloud is driving me crazy at the minute, I can almost guarantee that the only cloudless night will be when the moon is at its fullest haha. I will keep you all posted as to my successes, or far more likely, my failings! Cheers,

Joel