NLC Season 2012 begins Options

[Stu]

Early this morning the first noctilucent clouds - or "NLC" - of the 2012 observing season (which runs roughly from early June to mid-August) were spotted, a little earlier than expected. Just a weak display, nothing jaw-dropping, but it fired the starter pistol for NLC-observers to prepare for bigger, better displays in the following weeks.

You can read more here: http://cumbriansky.wordpress.com/2012/05/2...eason-has-begun

There's a special section on my blog about what NLC are, and what they look like. Just look for the "NLC" tab top right.

I encourage all UMSF members to try and see some displays this year. Even though it means losing some serious sleep, it's worth it, honestly, just to see the northern sky burning with a force field-like splash of these icy blue-white clouds.

[jasedm]

Your enthusiasm for all things celestial is inspiring and infectious Stu - I shall indeed make time to wander outside and go to the top of our local hill NLC-spotting next time my daughter wakes at 2.30am complaining of crocodile infestations under her bed...

(Edited for appalling grammar)