Doon Valley Photography & Weather

A great little walk just under 3 miles to do the circuit and well worth it some great views Track can be a bit iffy in places but worth the effort. The dog loved it.
http://www.ayrshirepaths.org.uk/walkdalmellington.htm

Click Picture for Album

Ness Glen Walk Loch Doon 16 November 2011:

'via Blog this'

Large Asteroid To Fly Between Earths And Moons Orbit Nov 8th 2011

2011-11-01T03:18:00.000-07:00

NASA in Final Preparations for Nov. 8 Asteroid Flyby - NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory:

'via Blog this'

TORRO CONVECTIVE DISCUSSION 2011/018

2011-10-17T00:14:00.000-07:00

17th October 2011 Weather Warnings Possible Severe Weather.

http://www.torro.org.uk/site/forecast.php

TORRO CONVECTIVE DISCUSSION 2011/018

A TORRO CONVECTIVE DISCUSSION has been issued at 21:40GMT on Sunday 16th October 2011

Valid from/until: 10:00GMT - 23:59GMT on Monday 17th October 2011 for the following regions of the United Kingdom & Eire:

England

Wales

S Scotland

Isle of Man

N Ireland

Eire

THREATS

Squally gusts to 55-60mph, locally 70mph; tornadoes; isolated CG lightning

SYNOPSIS

Strong upper jet will migrate from close to Greenland to above the British Isles by Monday afternoon. A developing upper trough will pass over through the afternoon and evening, and will take on a more confluent charateristic.

At low-levels, a strengthening baroclinic zone will extend from NW Eire into S Scotland, and a frontal wave will move along this as the upper trough crosses. To the south of this wave, model guidance suggests a pronounced line of heavy rainfall - this is assumed to be line convection. Strong low-level winds are supportive of damaging gusts along this line.

They may also be supportive of misocylone development, which is known to enhance severe wind potential, as well as tornado potential. The issue surrounding tornadogenesis is the amount of instability, which is depicted as being generally very low along and just ahead of the front. However, a region of somewhat better instability may accompany the front from approximately central Eire through the Irish Sea into N Wales and N England. Indeed, the reasonably warm waters of the Irish Sea suggest regions bordering it may be most at risk.

A large area has been included in this discussion for a couple of reasons: It is not completely clear how well the line will persist as it drives south-eastwards; there will be no forecaster available to issue updates through the day.

Despite the large area, the corridor of enhanced risk should be noted (lighter green area on map).

Forecaster: RPK

http://www.estofex.org/

Meteor Detection Live Feed

2011-10-04T14:50:00.000-07:00

Meteor Detection Live Feed:

Cracking piece of kit detecting meteor strikes on the Earth's atmosphere.

'via Blog this'

Draconid Meteor Outburst - NASA Science

2011-10-04T11:47:00.000-07:00

Draconid Meteor Outburst - NASA Science:

Up to 750 meteors per hour Saturday the 8th October possible between 1900 - 2200hrs worth a look.

'via Blog this'

Draconids Possible Meteor Storm 08/10/11

2011-10-03T11:38:00.000-07:00

Draconids Meteor Shower may be a spectacular once in a life time opportunity to view a meteor storm. So on Saturday if the skies are clear you may be amazed so look up at about 2100hrs BST if your lucky there could be 10 meteorites an minute , However a bright Moon may cut out the dimmer ones. So get to somewhere dark and see what you can see on the 7/8th October 2011

http://www.meteorwatch.org/2011/10/02/draconids-meteor-shower-2011/
http://earthsky.org/astronomy-essentials/earthskys-meteor-shower-guide
http://www.imo.net/draconids2011
http://britastro.org/baa/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=732:draconid-meteor-project-2011&catid=60&Itemid=118

Slight Tornado Risk Scotland 21/09/2011 12Z - 18Z Today

2011-09-21T01:12:00.000-07:00

Slight Risk of Long Tracked Tornadoes as per Red Box NI, Scotland, N UK Scotland 12Z-18Z Today http://www.ukweatherworld.co.uk/

BBC News - US hurricane centre in storm warning for Scotland

2011-09-09T04:30:00.000-07:00

BBC News - US hurricane centre in storm warning for Scotland:

'via Blog this'

Satellite Re-Entry Sept/Oct 2011

2011-09-08T16:27:00.000-07:00

Upper Atmosphere Research Satellite

Due to fall late Sept Early October forecast to drop into Pacific Ocean possible 500mile debris trail. Updates daily on link. Wonder if anyone will see it.

http://www.nasa.gov/...uars/index.html

EX HURRICANE KATIA MAY PASS OVER SCOTLAND ON 13/14TH SEPT 2011

2011-09-08T03:24:00.000-07:00

Ex Hurricane KATIA May Visit UK As Tropical Storm

Ex hurricane Katia is forecast to be a tropical storm when it passes over the UK (Scotland)

Between 2am Monday 12^th Sept and 2am Tuesday Sept 13^th 2011

It is a bit early to say exactly will happen as the weather models differ

but as the time gets closer the predictions should be more accurate.

There is a 50% probability winds over Scotland could be tropical storm force

between 39-73mph there is a 10% chance it could reach Cat 1 Hurricane force 74mph-95mph

This is only the current model predictions and may change drastically over the next couple of days. But nonetheless one worth watching.

Nationa Hurricane Centre Updated Forecasts And Maps

You can also follow updates on UKweatherworld

This Is for Information only and professional weather forecasts should be checked for the purpose of

protecting life and property

Two Naked Eye Comets October 2011

2011-08-19T08:36:00.000-07:00

Comet Honda is going to be naked eye visible from Oct 7th so we will have two comets to image at the same time. Good photo ops.

http://www.theweatherspace.com/news/TWS-08_19_2011_eleninhonda.html

Comet Elenin Naked Eye Object

2011-08-17T16:06:00.000-07:00

May become visible late in August giving a chance for imaging. I got an e-mail about it tonight from an e-mailing list but deleted by mistake so have had a bit of a dig. A bit of controversial reporting on the comet and its been claimed a cover up on reporting as it passes within 21 million miles of Earth on the 16th of August. Its effects on Earth have been described by some as that of a fly hitting the front of a super tanker. It is well documented on NASA and other websites. So worth checking out as it won't return for a thousands of years.
Space.com
http://www.space.com/12603-comet-elenin-photo-nasa-stereo-spacecraft.html

Article explaining why the conspiracy theorist are wrong
http://www.myweathertech.com/2011/05/24/dicovery-rips-apart-comet-elenin-conspiracy/

Magnitudes
http://scully.cfa.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/returnprepeph.cgi?d=c&o=CK10X010

Charts
http://www.heavens-above.com/

Will update when i get more information looks like being at Mag 5.8 in September.

Space Weather Mobile Phone Apps

2011-08-15T09:00:00.000-07:00

Here’s a couple android apps I’ve tried this week they are not extensive tests just some points from my own limited use so far and me thinking others may find them useful. Feel free to share your own space apps and what you think of them there is so much technology out there we some times can't see the wood for trees.

Google Sky

Free and easy to download, uses GPS or network for your location can manually add your location also. Tried it on the moon via search function no problems follow the arrow and you get their no problems. Tried Perseus and it also pointed me in the right direction although I found it a bit shaky on the screen the closer I got. Since found you can damp down this movement in settings. Haven't tried it on smaller objects yet. \useful night time view mode doesn't kill you night vision. It can be used for star, planet, constellations ,messier objects and

Ra/Dec grid. Point at the sky and away you go. Good free app for finding objects and confirming objects in the night sky.

https://market.android.com/details?id=com.google.android.stardroid&feature=search_result

Satellite AR

Another free app which is feature packed and a wide range of choices from locating

ISS to Iridium flares along with potentially visible objects. A very wide range of menus for locating specific satellites. You can use a camera view with star overlay or use a black or blue solid screen with or with out stars. I tried it on potentially visible sats and managed to id a Cosmos satellite with relative ease. I found my phone produced screen flicker which could get annoying if used for any length of time. I just tried an ISS search and it tells me it will be visible in about 6 hrs. My phone auto calibrated but a help menu is available if you need it. The app also put a warning on the screen

if you have poor calibration. Again a useful tool.

https://market.android.com/details?id=com.agi.android.augmentedreality&feature=search_result

Dalmellington Photo On The Great British Weather BBC Programme

2011-08-10T02:54:00.000-07:00

http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b0134m06/The_Great_British_Weather_Episode_4/

Pic from Dalmellington Ayrshire at 22.50mins. :)

The Great British Weather: Episode 4
www.bbc.co.uk
The team is joined by a trio of weather legends: Bill Giles, Michael Fish and John Kettle."

Noctilucent Cloud Display - Dalmellington -08/07/2011

2011-07-08T05:52:00.000-07:00

A nice display of N:C clouds during the night over Dalmellington,

More here

Noctilucent Clouds occur during the summer months. They are about 50 miles in height and their cause is still under investigation. They can provide stunning displays of electric blue clouds. A number of sites have information on displays and pictures. See link below for more information.

Noctilucent Cloud Watch 2011

Viewing a thread - Convective Outlook Tues 21st June 11

2011-06-21T03:03:00.000-07:00

Tuesday the 21st has a slight risk warning for thunderstorms and potential funnel clouds today. The link below shows the areas effected.

Viewing a thread - Convective Outlook Tues 21st June 11

Join Ukww Free, keep abreast of whats happening with UK weather. http://www.ukweatherworld.co.uk/

Starwatch: Lunar eclipse | Science | The Guardian

2011-06-14T12:38:00.000-07:00

Starwatch: Lunar eclipse | Science | The Guardian

Could be a nice sight if we get clear skies

OPAL Weather Photo Competition - our top ten photos | OPAL

2011-06-03T02:40:00.000-07:00

OPAL Weather Photo Competition - our top ten photos | OPAL

Got two local pictures in the top 10 out of 600 pictures. Rainbow Dalmellington, Fog in Ayr.

Viewing a thread - Noctilucent Cloud Watch 2011

2011-06-03T01:30:00.000-07:00

Viewing a thread - Noctilucent Cloud Watch 2011

Night time shining clouds have arrived this year and can be viewed in the early hours, So keep your eyes open.

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Noctilucent-Cloud-Observer-Network-2011/178014515556608

Gorse & Grass Fire Dalmellington 01/05/2011 - a set on Flickr

2011-05-01T12:39:00.000-07:00

Gorse & Grass Fire Dalmellington 01/05/2011 - a set on Flickr

Wind was blowing at 20mph gusting to 25mph Easterly, temp 17°C. Rumoured it was started on purpose. Filling Dalmellington with smoke and ash.

Viewing a thread - Lyrids 2011 Peak April 22-23rd

2011-04-22T04:13:00.000-07:00

Viewing a thread - Lyrids 2011 Peak April 22-23rd

Saharan dust heads for the UK « Met Office News Blog

2011-04-09T12:00:00.000-07:00

Saharan dust heads for the UK « Met Office News Blog

European Storm Forecast Experiment - ESTOFEX

2011-04-03T18:57:00.000-07:00

European Storm Forecast Experiment - ESTOFEX

METEOR SHOWERS 2011

2011-03-24T04:23:00.001-07:00

METEOR SHOWERS 2011

I for one enjoy the opportunity of capturing a meteor on camera it is challenging and can lead to long nights in the cold. The chance of catching a bright meteor or fireball can be very exciting.

Photographing Meteors

I use the std Pentax Lens at 18mm (the wider the better to cover more sky)

A remote cable is required for the long exposures (Bulb setting required) to prevent camera shake for up to two minute exposures I normally test settings from a minute up and judge the best exposure.

ISO settings up to 3200 recommended I normally start at 800 and judge it from there a useful tip if your camera has it is to switch off the noise reduction at low shutter speed setting as I found out you have to wait the exposure time used for processing before you can take the next picture. which leads to a lot of lost time.

Aperture I use is F3.5 but experimenting is always worthwhile.

Unfortunately a lot of the main showers this year are going to be affected by the Moon. I will get out when I can in the hope of seeing some meteors and hopefully catching some on camera.

LYRIDS 2011 Peak 21/22 April

3 days after full Moon making observing difficult

PERSIEDS 2011 PEAK 12/13 August

Full Moon will make any observations near impossible

ORIONIDS 2011 PEAK 21/22 October

Last quarter of Moon rising

LEONIDS 2011 PEAK 17/18 November

Last quarter of Moon will be in vicinity of Leo not good

GEMINIDS 2011 PEAK 13/14 December

Full Moon making observations almost none existent

Having just worked my way through the meteor showers left for this year the weather will not be the only issue making things challenging as the Moon is affecting all the Meteor showers . However the Moon position in 2012 is going to be favourable.

Viewing a thread - Full Moon (Perigee) Photo Op Sat 19th March 2011

2011-03-17T14:27:00.000-07:00

Full Moon (Perigee) Sat 19th March 2011:

The Full moon will be 356,577Km away and look 14% biggar than normal, The best time to see this is when it is near the horizon. It will give slightly higher tides than normal but apart fronm that no other adverse effects a good article is below from NASA followed by Heavens Above link for Moonrise times.

http://science.nasa.gov/science-news/science-at-nasa/2011/16mar_supermoon/

http://www.heavens-above.com/"

Noctilucent Cloud Watch 2011

2011-03-14T03:57:00.000-07:00

From mid May until August keep your eyes out for the night shining blue silver clouds. Look North after dark and you may be lucky enough to see the Noctilucent clouds which are a spectacular sight to see and a great object to photograph. The clouds are only visible when the Sun lies 6° or 16° below the horizon and sit at a height of approximately 80km (49miles). They are believed to form from water vapour at temperatures around -130°C. They have been observed in the past as far South as Italy. I have seen conflicting reports that high Sun activity reduces sightings and on the other hand they are getting bigger brighter and lower so it will be interesting to see what happens this year.

Above is an example from Dalmellington looking NW.

A good site for reports and information on observations and images is here http://www.kersland.plus.com/

Please report any observations in this thread so others may get a chance to see them and post your pictures in the Space Weather forum.

Some other fine examples can be seen here UKww NLC Competition results 2009

2011-03-14T03:53:00.000-07:00

Dalmellington Links
http://www.flickr.com/photos/daveh64/

Flickr: DaveH64's Photostream

www.flickr.com

How To Find Space Station, Satellites, Iridium flares, Comets and Night Sky Map

2011-03-14T03:35:00.000-07:00

How To Find Space Station, Satellites, Iridium flares, Comets and Night Sky Map

If you ever look up at the night sky and see a faint object moving through the sky or want to see the ISS Space station or see if any comets are visible or just want to find a star in the night sky. Heavens Above is the site for you i use it regularly and find it works well.

Night View From Loch Doon

Click Below For Heavens Above

To find your location to customise Heavens Above to your Location click below.

Iridium Flare Capture

Dalmellington Links

2011-03-07T04:33:00.000-08:00

Facebook Page for Dalmellington add your own links to local information or events,

Dalmellington Links

Northern Lights, East Ayrshire 01/03/2011 - a set on Flickr

2011-03-06T02:59:00.000-08:00

On the 1st of March I managed to photograph the Northern lights from East Ayrshire between Dalmellington and New Cumnock. The current activity pattern of the Sun means we may be in for some decent displays over the next couple of years. Cameras pick up the Northern Lights better than the human eye so a faint display may look fantastic on the digital image.

Northern Lights, East Ayrshire 01/03/2011 - a set on Flickr

The above photo was taken when the graph was at a lattitude of 60 and the bar was coloured red.

Activity can be monitored on the site below, looking at the bottom graph if the bars reach a latitude of 60 the lights should be visible low on the horizon in the North. Dalmellington sits at a latitude of about 55 so if the bars reach that level they should be easily seen from a dark area with out light pollution.

https://cssdp.ca/ssdp/app/static/related_projects/rt_oval.html

Some Interesting Space Facts

2011-02-22T13:06:00.000-08:00

Via: OnlineSchools.org

QUADRANTID METEOR ALERT/PARTIAL SOLAR ECLIPSE 3/4th Jan 2011.

2011-01-03T10:09:00.000-08:00

Visible from Scotland weather permitting.
http://www.spaceweather.com/

SpaceWeather.com -- News and information about meteor showers, solar flares, auroras, and near-Earth

spaceweather.com

Metallic photos of the sun by renowned photographer Greg Piepol bring together the best of art and science. Buy one or a whole set. They make a stellar gift.

Stargazing Live BBC 2 3-5th Jan 2011

2010-12-26T08:36:00.000-08:00

Large event with a number of observing sessions taking place across the UK also Quadrantids meteor shower will be taking place.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/tv/features/stargazing/

http://www.popastro.com/sections/meteor/meteor-jan2011.htm

Dalmellington In Top 12

2010-11-17T09:10:00.000-08:00

A Photo ( To Be Revealed) from just outside Dalmellington has made it into the final 12 out of 10000 entries into the Lloyds TSB British Weather Photographer of the Year 2010

http://www.lloydstsbweathercompetition.co.uk/about/

Lloyds TSB - British Weather Photographer of the Year competition

www.lloydstsbweathercompetition.co.uk

Comet 103P Hartley 2

2010-09-17T00:27:00.001-07:00

Comet 103P Hartley 2 is currently approaching Earth and visible through binoculars and telescopes. Current magnitude is 7,2 and getting brighter daily. i believe if it gets to magnitude of 5 it will become a naked eye object. I will be taking the opportunity to try and capture it on long exposures. As all comets its brightness is unpredictable it would be nice to see a burst of brightness so worth keeping an eye on.

http://www.aerith.net/comet/catalog/0103P/2010.html

http://www.heavens-above.com/comet.aspx?cid=103P&lat=0&lng=0&loc=Un...

Comet Hartley at mag 5.8 caught from Loch Doon, Dalmellington on the 01/10/2010

Milky-way Capture Same Night

Settings used for Milky-way shot similar for comet

with exposure time varied

Comet should continue to brighten during October

2010-08-26T05:05:00.001-07:00

TORnado and storm Research Organisation

2010-08-22T23:51:00.000-07:00

I am A Regional Co-ordinator for the Strathclyde Region and we are looking for new members /Site Investigators tke a look at the site I'm sure you will find it interesting. you can contact me via the contact page if you have any questions.

http://www.torro.org.uk/site/index.php

TORRO - Welcome to the TORnado and storm Research Organisation

www.torro.org.uk

The Tornado and Storm Research Organisation or 'TORRO' is a privately supported research body, serving the national and international public

Lloyds TSB - British Weather Photographer of the Year competition

2010-08-20T12:23:00.000-07:00

Lloyds TSB - British Weather Photographer of the Year competition

Persied Meteor Shower Max 12-13 August 2010

2010-08-06T04:09:00.000-07:00

Well I went out to Loch Doon with a few others and made best use of the Dark Skies
we now have. Friday the 13th 0100hrs - 0200hrs observered 23 meteors and even managed to photo one.
Conditions were cloudy varying between 7/10 and 1/10 cloud cover and some haze. During the second hours watch between 0200-0300 saw about the same again limited by the cloud. It appears the official figures for clear skies were between 80-90 per hour. The event was still enjoyed and some of the meteors were spectacular. I will post the next shower date in the blog and hope for clear skies.

Perseid Meteor

Meteor below Jupiter

Meteor in the cloud.

(Click Pictures For Larger Version)

2010-07-16T15:38:00.001-07:00

Came across this memorial in Gourdon ,Grampian whilst we were trying to find Brenda's ancestors house in the town which they built in 1760 they were fishermen (Mowatt)

The Memorial was dedicated to Seafaring Men Of Gourdon A.D. 1871 by James Farquhar of Hallgreen.

Not being from a meteorological background the info given on the device very interesting.

An Explanation of the man and his device can be seen here.

http://www.islandnet.com/~see/weather/almanac/arc2006/alm06nov.htm

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Bogton Loch Wildlife Hide - Dalmellington

2010-06-26T04:28:00.000-07:00

Paid a visit today and the log path to the hide is under construction this will save a lot of muddy feet. The hide gives an impressive view over the Bogton Loch.

Click Picture for large panoramic view from hide over the loch which is

5 photo's stitched together Dalmellington can be seen mid picture.

Bogton Loch is an area of scientific interest and a pdf.doc by
Scottish Natural Heritage is available click here.

Birding information by Ayrshire birding
Bogton Loch
Dalmelligton Moss
Nessglen
Loch Doon

A small island on the Bogton Loch called Elizabeth Isle has the appearance of a Crannog and possible from prehistory or medieval times
and is listed by the
Royal Commision on the Ancient & Historical Monuments of Scotland

A visit on the 25/06/2010 produced some interesting sights Red/Blue Dragonflies, Toads, Frogs. The site is well covered with foliage compared to the last visit. We also saw a Curlew &, Buzzard.

View from Hide

Red Dragonfly

Blue Dragonfly

Frog

Toad

Even the Reeds are sporting some colour.
More photos Here

However whilst walking at the site I became entangled with two treble hooks and a wire trace that had been discarded by a thoughtless fisherman. This may have gone through a child's sand shoe or killed or maimed local wildlife. (I disposed of the hooks at home) I am sure its the minority of fisherman who litter but if you come across discarded tackle or rubbish please remove it.

Hard to spot for human or wildlife

Litter & Animals Information

Lloyds TSB - British Weather Photographer of the Year competition

2010-06-22T14:08:00.000-07:00

Lloyds TSB - British Weather Photographer of the Year competition

I have been entering this competition and have so far posted over thirty weather pictures taken in the Doon Valley/Dalmellington area.

Naked Eye Comets

2010-06-08T09:04:00.000-07:00

Comet McNaught should be visible with the naked eye in mid June i will post further info here as i get it follow link below for more information and spotting map.

http://apod.nasa.gov/apod/ap100607.html

APOD: 2010 June 7 - Comet McNaught Becoming Visible to the Unaided Eye

Loch Doon

2010-06-05T21:17:00.000-07:00

Loch Doon is currently as low as I have ever seen it, Possibly due to a Hydro Power scheme supported from the Loch. See here for possible explanation or it could be just a lack of rain.
http://www.savethedoon.com

How to find Loch Doon Map

Loch Doon Castle Original Site Feb 2010

Loch Doon Castle Original Site June 2010

More Pictures of the Low water and evidence left of the Loch Doon Gunnery School Here

Rebuilt Loch Doon Castle Pictures Here

Some History of Loch Doon from Ayrshire Paths

Lyrid Meteor Shower 22/04/2010

2010-04-22T04:24:00.000-07:00

The Lyrids Meteor shower maximum passed in the early hours of this morning.

The Lyrids is annual meteor shower occurring between 16th-25th April they are medium speed meteors and quite bright with a maximum rate of 20-25 per hour.

I took up observations at Loch Doon with my camera at 0030hrs until 0400hrs

Conditions were not the best with a half moon and haze in the sky.

Loch Doon looking South

Moon set behind the woods

View from Loch Doon Dam

My Observations

Lyrid meteor hunt 0030-0400 At Loch Doon. Ground frost on grass, car and tripod. Spotted
4 between 0030-0130
2 head ons 0215
5 between 0245-0345 (In West low)

None caught on camera but some nice pics anyway.

Below are my recommended sites for following upcoming meteor showers

SPA Meteor Section

International Meteor Section

I hope to post future showers early to enable other to view if they wish

Fog Mist & Bows Dalmellington/Loch Doon. April 2010

2010-04-18T02:50:00.000-07:00

We seem to have our fair share of local mist and fog here, I for one find it a great subject to photography.
I recently photographed another fog-bow at the Loch Doon access road were i have also previously caught Glory other wise known as Broken Spectre.

Misty Morning 11/04/2010

Click here for more from this of this set

Fogbow 16/04/2010

Click for full size

Fogbows are caused by scattering the light through fine droplets in mist and fog which give the whitish

bow rather than a colourful one which defracts light.

Loch Doon Mist

Click for more from this Set

I have also found the Doon Valley to be a great place to photograph atmosphere optics and in the sets

below you will find Sundogs, Pillers, Rainbows, Fog-bows Mist & fog, iridescence and Halos.

Sun dogs And Halo

Glory or Broken Spectre

For more Atmospheric Optics Click Here

More Rainbows and Fogbows Here

A site which is great for atmospheric optics identification and explanations

high highly recommend is Les Cowleys site

ATMOSPHERIC OPTICS

A Warm Day In April

2010-04-10T06:34:00.000-07:00

Today the warmest so far this year in Dalmellington 16.5°C (62°F) managed to get the grass cut and take some pictures of the insect and garden coming back to life after the long cold winter

Butterflies bought some colour

Bee's got busy

Ladybirds came out.

For more pictures CLICK HERE

Loch Doon Grass Fire

2010-04-02T13:53:00.000-07:00

Was visiting Loch Doon on the 2nd April and could see a good going grass fire, Took the opportunity to get some pics although unsure if it was planned at not, I did see some watching that i thought were forestry folk.

Click Photo for more pictures

Also an interesting PDF from the Scottish Government

Click Here for The Muir Burn Code

Thunderstorm Storm 22/03/2010

2010-03-23T13:27:00.000-07:00

After Torro issued a convective discussion

http://www.torro.org.uk/forum/forums/thread-view.asp?tid=9612&posts=1&start=1

I kept an eye on the weather and sure enough about 1430hrs we had a heavy hail shower hail to 10mm in size followed be two long rumbles of thunder. I got my camera's together and hope to see some lighting but that was my lot for that storm. Below is the picture of the cell causing the hail and rumbles and link to some other convective cloud pics I caught.

Dark Sky Event Dalmellington

2010-03-20T01:25:00.000-07:00

On Friday evening 19/03/2010 Craigengillan Estate owner Mark Gibson Hosted a Dark Skies Event on his estate although the skies did not clear there was plenty to do. The Dark Sky Crew had an inflatable planetarium and displays of meteors and comet making which were thoroughly enjoyed by the crowd young and old a like.
Also present with photo displays and observing equipment to look at along with advice and information was the Renfrewshire Astronomical Society The Society along with Doon Academy And Craigengillan Estate. Hope to build an Observatory on the estate to allow a observations of the night sky from some of the darkest skies in the world.

Planatarium & RAS Displays

A warming bonfire was provided

Comet Making Proved Popular

The two Meteorites above are about 4.5 billion years old

the top one being a iron meteorite quite a feeling holding something so

old and from so far away

Hot food and drinks were provided by the Dalmellington Scouts which hit the spot.

A thoroughly enjoyable evening lets hope the Dalmellington Observatory

becomes the first located in a dark sky area

UPDATE 29/08/2010

The plans have been drawn up and look fantastic. What a fantastic development hope this comes off.

More information/plans here RAS

How To Find Space Station, Satellites, Iridium flares, Comets and Night Sky Map

2010-03-13T01:56:00.000-08:00

If you ever look up at the night sky and see a faint object moving through the sky or want to see the ISS Space station or see if any comets are visible are just want to find a star in the night sky. Heavens Above is the site for you i use it regularly and find it works well.

Night View From Loch Doon

Click Below For Heavens Above

To find your location to customise Heavens Above to your Location click below.

More of my photos can be seen here

Hurricane Crash Loch Doon 18/03/1944

2010-03-12T07:53:00.000-08:00

Link here in the main site to a bit of history and photos and a sad loss at the head of Loch Doom

Photograph of the Rolls Royce Merlin Engine at the head of the Loch.
To see the story behind the crash see here

Cirrus Uncinus (Mares Tails) - Dalmellington

2010-03-10T10:56:00.000-08:00

Further Pictures can be seen Here

Photographed some nice clouds today 10/03/2010 between 2-3pm the clouds appear to be over Loch Doon and Galloway Forest Park Areas. Taken from the A713 just outside Dalmellington.

I believe they consist mainly of Cirrus Uncinus (Mares Tails) clouds which usually form between 24000-45000 where they are formed by the high winds and ice crystals at these heights. The books I have read show them as imperfect weather indicators as the can indicate deteriorating weather or the remnants of a distant storm and changes observed closely. It was interesting to catch the rainbow type effect which appears to me to be falling ice crystals. I did'nt realise that Cirrus was the Latin term for “Lock of Hair”.

The above info is more for my reference but some might find it interesting, it was nice to see something different.

Doon Valley Photography And Weather

2010-03-08T15:05:00.000-08:00

My main site displays local weather, forecasts, local Photography and weather photography and Astronomical events , Transport and nature Photography also links to the Hurricane crash at Loch Doon. I hope to post things i find of interest and hope you do to. I hope to maintain the blog with items of current interest from time to time.

Main Site Weather Station and Photography Click Here.

UKww

2010-03-08T14:51:00.001-08:00

Great site, worth a look for all things weather related, Warnings,
Forcasts Discussion, Photography and more.

Ukww

Country File New forum added pop in and see what its about

Doon Valley Photography & Weather

BBC News - Dark Sky Observatory work under way in Dalmellington

Blogger: Doon Valley Photography & Weather - LIVE WEATHER

NOAA / NWS Space Weather Prediction Center

Russian spacecraft to crash to Earth on Sunday - Telegraph

Geminids 2011 - a set on Flickr

Meteor Detection Live Feed

String of storm systems equivalent to a Category Four Hurricane to Strike U.K. - TheWeatherSpace.com

Parliamo Scots? Weather

Cloud spotting guide - Met Office

Ness Glen Walk Loch Doon 16 November 2011

Large Asteroid To Fly Between Earths And Moons Orbit Nov 8th 2011

TORRO CONVECTIVE DISCUSSION 2011/018

Meteor Detection Live Feed

Draconid Meteor Outburst - NASA Science

Draconids Possible Meteor Storm 08/10/11

Slight Tornado Risk Scotland 21/09/2011 12Z - 18Z Today

BBC News - US hurricane centre in storm warning for Scotland

Satellite Re-Entry Sept/Oct 2011

EX HURRICANE KATIA MAY PASS OVER SCOTLAND ON 13/14TH SEPT 2011

Two Naked Eye Comets October 2011

Comet Elenin Naked Eye Object

Space Weather Mobile Phone Apps

Dalmellington Photo On The Great British Weather BBC Programme

Noctilucent Cloud Display - Dalmellington -08/07/2011

Viewing a thread - Convective Outlook Tues 21st June 11

Starwatch: Lunar eclipse | Science | The Guardian

OPAL Weather Photo Competition - our top ten photos | OPAL

Viewing a thread - Noctilucent Cloud Watch 2011

Gorse & Grass Fire Dalmellington 01/05/2011 - a set on Flickr

Viewing a thread - Lyrids 2011 Peak April 22-23rd

Saharan dust heads for the UK « Met Office News Blog

European Storm Forecast Experiment - ESTOFEX

METEOR SHOWERS 2011

Viewing a thread - Full Moon (Perigee) Photo Op Sat 19th March 2011

Noctilucent Cloud Watch 2011

Dalmellington Linkshttp://www.flickr.com/photos/daveh64/

How To Find Space Station, Satellites, Iridium flares, Comets and Night Sky Map

Dalmellington Links

Northern Lights, East Ayrshire 01/03/2011 - a set on Flickr

Some Interesting Space Facts

QUADRANTID METEOR ALERT/PARTIAL SOLAR ECLIPSE 3/4th Jan 2011.

Visible from Scotland weather permitting.http://www.spaceweather.com/

Stargazing Live BBC 2 3-5th Jan 2011

Dalmellington In Top 12

A Photo ( To Be Revealed) from just outside Dalmellington has made it into the final 12 out of 10000 entries into the Lloyds TSB British Weather Photographer of the Year 2010http://www.lloydstsbweathercompetition.co.uk/about/

Comet 103P Hartley 2

TORnado and storm Research Organisation

I am A Regional Co-ordinator for the Strathclyde Region and we are looking for new members /Site Investigators tke a look at the site I'm sure you will find it interesting. you can contact me via the contact page if you have any questions.

http://www.torro.org.uk/site/index.php

Lloyds TSB - British Weather Photographer of the Year competition

Persied Meteor Shower Max 12-13 August 2010

Bogton Loch Wildlife Hide - Dalmellington

Lloyds TSB - British Weather Photographer of the Year competition

Naked Eye Comets

Comet McNaught should be visible with the naked eye in mid June i will post further info here as i get it follow link below for more information and spotting map.

http://apod.nasa.gov/apod/ap100607.html

Loch Doon

Lyrid Meteor Shower 22/04/2010

Fog Mist & Bows Dalmellington/Loch Doon. April 2010

A Warm Day In April

Loch Doon Grass Fire

Thunderstorm Storm 22/03/2010

Dark Sky Event Dalmellington

How To Find Space Station, Satellites, Iridium flares, Comets and Night Sky Map

Hurricane Crash Loch Doon 18/03/1944

Cirrus Uncinus (Mares Tails) - Dalmellington

Doon Valley Photography And Weather

UKww

Dalmellington Links
http://www.flickr.com/photos/daveh64/

Visible from Scotland weather permitting.
http://www.spaceweather.com/

A Photo ( To Be Revealed) from just outside Dalmellington has made it into the final 12 out of 10000 entries into the Lloyds TSB British Weather Photographer of the Year 2010

http://www.lloydstsbweathercompetition.co.uk/about/