Wonderful Lunar Real Estate

Any optical aid, from binoculars to a small or large telescope, will show craters and mountain ranges on the Moon.
Take a peek, even in gaps between the clouds at the Moon.
Here’s two photos, with my Canon XS on a tripod, with a 250mm zoom lens. The first photo shows how the moon looks in the camera, but the next two photos have just the part with the moon in it.

first quarter moon canon xs 250mm

Previous photo with some sharpening and increased contrast.

The next night’s moon was very 3d with the mountain range north of the center of the Moon casting large shadows, but clouds kept the photos from being very sharp.

Thursday, sunrise over Copernicus crater (two days after the previous photo)- enlarge to see the details.

Wait! There’s still a show in the evening sky!

Wait! The planetary pile-up may be over with Jupiter having sunk into the glare of the sun, but Venus and Mercury are still waiting there low in the northwest sky right after sunset.
Not that many people have seen the planet Mercury – here’s another chance for you, with superbright Venus to show the way.

You’ll see Venus first, since it’s brighter. As the sky gets darker, Mercury appears to the upper left of Venus.
Through the middle of the month, Mercury will appear to make a circle around Venus – counterclockwise as the evenings go on. Mercury will get fainter and take longer to see each evening.

The moon joins them on Tuesday and Wednesday evenings.

Venus and Mercury low int the northwest about 30 to 60 minutes after sunset.

Preliminary and unofficial rainfall totals from June 6-8, 2013: Cold Front and Post-Tropical Storm Andrea

Report of rainfall from Boston, NYC, Philadelphia, Washington-Baltimore National Weather Service Offices for the cold front and post-tropical storm Andrea.
Most of the rain has stopped up through Boston when this was posted. Rainfall amounts are unofficial and preliminary reports.
Some of these offices have maps with the rainfall amounts if you go to their home pages…

bob

PUBLIC INFORMATION STATEMENT
SPOTTER REPORTS
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE NEW YORK NY
917 AM EDT SAT JUN 08 2013

THE FOLLOWING ARE UNOFFICIAL OBSERVATIONS TAKEN DURING THE PAST 25
HOURS FOR THE STORM THAT HAS BEEN AFFECTING OUR REGION. APPRECIATION
IS EXTENDED TO HIGHWAY DEPARTMENTS…COOPERATIVE OBSERVERS…SKYWARN
SPOTTERS AND MEDIA FOR THESE REPORTS. THIS SUMMARY IS ALSO AVAILABLE
ON OUR HOME PAGE AT WEATHER.GOV/NYC

********************STORM TOTAL RAINFALL********************

LOCATION STORM TOTAL TIME/DATE COMMENTS
RAINFALL OF
/INCHES/ MEASUREMENT

CONNECTICUT

…FAIRFIELD COUNTY…
BRIDGEPORT AIRPORT 4.60 500 AM 6/08 ASOS
DANBURY AIRPORT 3.89 500 AM 6/08 ASOS
BRIDGEPORT 3.80 600 AM 6/08 COOP OBSERVER
NORWALK 3.62 630 AM 6/08 PUBLIC
STAMFORD 3.34 1000 PM 6/07 MESONET
DANBURY 1.64 500 PM 6/07 SKYWARN SPOTTER

…MIDDLESEX COUNTY…
KILLINGWORTH 5.52 430 AM 6/08 LAKE HAMMONASSET
MIDDLETOWN 4.84 707 AM 6/08 MEDIA
HADDAM 3.50 700 PM 6/07 PUBLIC
WESTBROOK 2.90 1100 PM 6/07 EMERGENCY MANAGER

…NEW HAVEN COUNTY…
MADISON 6.20 700 AM 6/08 PUBLIC
WEST HAVEN 5.21 1054 PM 6/07 SKYWARN SPOTTER
HAMDEN 4.51 430 AM 6/08 MESONET
WOODBRIDGE 4.28 430 AM 6/08 MESONET
WALLINGFORD 4.09 430 AM 6/08 MESONET
MILFORD 3.50 817 PM 6/07 PUBLIC
MERIDEN 3.33 430 AM 6/08 MMK
BETHANY 3.27 810 AM 6/08 SKYWARN SPOTTER
NAUGATUCK 3.20 1100 PM 6/07 PUBLIC
CLINTONVILLE 2.92 1020 PM 6/07 SKYWARN SPOTTER
GUILFORD 2.85 1106 PM 6/07 PUBLIC
NORTH HAVEN 2.25 1109 PM 6/07 PUBLIC

…NEW LONDON COUNTY…
LEDYARD CENTER 6.30 730 AM 6/08 SKYWARN SPOTTER
COLCHESTER 4.80 830 AM 6/08 PUBLIC
GILMAN 4.80 600 AM 6/08 PUBLIC
GROTON AIRPORT 4.78 521 AM 6/08 ASOS
NORWICH 4.42 708 AM 6/08 COOP
YANTIC 4.12 430 AM 6/08 MESONET

NEW JERSEY

…BERGEN COUNTY…
NORTHVALE 3.90 150 AM 6/08 PUBLIC
RIVERVALE 3.60 440 AM 6/08 PUBLIC
TETERBORO 3.48 300 AM 6/08 ASOS
WOODCLIFF LAKE 3.31 430 AM 6/08 MESONET
LODI 3.30 430 AM 6/08 LODI IFLOWS
SADDLE BROOK 3.17 600 AM 6/08 SKYWARN SPOTTER
PARK RIDGE 2.90 430 AM 6/08 MESONET
OAKLAND 2.88 711 AM 6/08 FIRE DEPT
RIDGEWOOD 2.85 454 AM 6/08 SKYWARN SPOTTER
NORTH ARLINGTON 2.58 845 PM 6/07 MESONET

…ESSEX COUNTY…
NEWARK AIRPORT 3.91 300 AM 6/08 ASOS
MAPLEWOOD 3.85 811 AM 6/08 PUBLIC
ORANGE 3.60 430 AM 6/08 MESONET
CEDAR GROVE 3.55 647 AM 6/08 SKYWARN SPOTTER
CALDWELL AIRPORT 3.06 500 AM 6/08 ASOS
ESSEX FELLS 2.76 1000 PM 6/07 MESONET

…HUDSON COUNTY…
HARRISON 4.18 613 AM 6/08 COOP OBSERVER
NORTH BERGEN 2.53 845 PM 6/07 MESONET
SECAUCUS 2.48 845 PM 6/07 MESONET
JERSEY CITY 2.42 845 PM 6/07 EMERGENCY MANAGER
BAYONNE 2.20 845 PM 6/07 LOCAL POLICE
WEST NEW YORK 2.12 845 PM 6/07 MESONET
WEEHAWKEN 1.60 845 PM 6/07 MESONET

…PASSAIC COUNTY…
WEST MILFORD 3.39 430 AM 6/08 MESONET
WAYNE 3.26 430 AM 6/08 MESONET
LITTLE FALLS 2.98 430 AM 6/08 MESONET
RINGWOOD 2.73 430 AM 6/08 MESONET
ECHO LAKE 0.82 817 AM 6/07 CHARLOTTEBURG COOP

…UNION COUNTY…
MOUNTAINSIDE 4.26 430 AM 6/08 MESONET
CRANFORD 4.25 820 PM 6/07 PUBLIC
ROSELLE PARK 4.19 1030 PM 6/07 PUBLIC
GARWOOD 3.63 819 PM 6/07 PUBLIC
LINDEN 1.38 800 PM 6/07 AWOS

NEW YORK

…KINGS COUNTY…
MARINE PARK 5.29 818 AM 6/08 COOP OBSERVER
MIDWOOD 3.94 1017 PM 6/07 COOP
SHEEPSHEAD BAY 2.19 500 PM 6/07 SKYWARN SPOTTER

…KINGS (BROOKLYN) COUNTY…
SHEEPSHEAD BAY 4.25 756 AM 6/08 SKYWARN SPOTTER

…NASSAU COUNTY…
OLD BETHPAGE 6.13 844 AM 6/08 SKYWARN SPOTTER
WANTAGH 5.91 700 AM 6/08 SKYWARN SPOTTER
LIDO BEACH 5.60 915 PM 6/07 SKYWARN SPOTTER
HICKSVILLE 5.52 200 AM 6/08 PUBLIC
PLAINVIEW 5.28 730 AM 6/08 SKYWARN SPOTETR
BELLMORE 4.60 808 AM 6/08 SKYWARN SPOTTER
EAST MEADOW 4.50 1000 PM 6/07 SKYWARN SPOTTER
NEW HYDE PARK 4.30 943 PM 6/07 SKYWARN SPOTTER
NORTH MASSAPEQUA 3.89 831 PM 6/07 SKYWARN SPOTTER
OYSTER BAY 2.83 1000 PM 6/07 PLANTING FIELDS NEPP

…NEW YORK COUNTY…
CENTRAL PARK 4.77 300 AM 6/08 ASOS
MANHATTAN 0.95 837 AM 6/07 WEST 138TH ST

…ORANGE COUNTY…
MONTGOMERY AIRPORT 2.14 500 AM 6/08 ASOS
WASHINGTONVILLE 1.90 713 AM 6/08 SKYWARN SPOTTER
GOSHEN 1.68 859 PM 6/07 SKYWARN SPOTTER
NEW WINDSOR 1.46 1130 PM 6/07 SKYWARN SPOTTER
MIDDLETOWN 1.45 324 PM 6/07 AMATEUR RADIO
MONROE 1.25 745 PM 6/07 SKYWARN SPOTTER
WALDEN 1.12 106 PM 6/07 NEPP

…PUTNAM COUNTY…
CARMEL 0.71 801 AM 6/07 COOP

…QUEENS COUNTY…
NYC/JFK AIRPORT 4.42 500 AM 6/08 ASOS
NYC/LA GUARDIA 4.22 500 AM 6/08 ASOS

…ROCKLAND COUNTY…
NANUET 3.29 430 AM 6/08 MESONET
SUFFERN 1.88 430 AM 6/08 MESONET
SLOATSBURG 0.71 1006 AM 6/07 SKYWARN SPOTTER

…SUFFOLK COUNTY…
CENTEREACH 5.65 703 AM 6/08 NWS EMPLOYEE
CENTERPORT 5.28 748 AM 6/08 COOP
MEDFORD 5.02 800 AM 6/08 SKYWARN SPOTTER
MIDDLE ISLAND 4.98 711 AM 6/08 NWS EMPLOYEE
BAITING HOLLOW 4.94 430 AM 6/08 MESONET
UPTON 4.87 800 AM 6/08 NWS OFFICE
SHIRLEY 4.84 819 AM 6/08 SKYWARN SPOTTER
SOUTHAMPTON 4.75 809 AM 6/08 SKYWARN SPOTTER
BAY SHORE 4.75 914 AM 6/08 NWS EMPLOYEE
RIVERHEAD 4.73 649 AM 6/08 NWS EMPLOYEE
ISLIP 4.71 1130 PM 6/07 SKYWARN SPOTTER
ISLIP AIRPORT 4.58 500 AM 6/08 ASOS
SHIRLEY AIRPORT 4.26 500 AM 6/08 ASOS
ORIENT 4.12 200 AM 6/08 PUBLIC
BRIDGEHAMPTON 4.06 430 AM 6/08 MESONET
EAST FARMINGDALE 3.89 500 AM 6/08 ASOS
NORTHPORT 3.86 430 AM 6/08 NORTH NEPP
FIRE ISLAND 3.70 430 AM 6/08 FIRE ISLAND NEPP
STONY BROOK 3.69 200 AM 6/08 PUBLIC
WESTHAMPTON BEACH AI 3.52 500 AM 6/08 ASOS
CUTCHOGUE 3.50 1148 PM 6/07 PUBLIC
MONTAUK 3.44 732 AM 6/08 ASOS
GREENPORT 3.30 430 AM 6/08 GREENPORT POWERHOUSE
NORTH BABYLON 3.27 1115 PM 6/07 PUBLIC
SMITHTOWN 3.13 1030 PM 6/07 SKYWARN SPOTTER
LAKE RONKONKOMA 3.11 1225 AM 6/08 PUBLIC
MONTAUK POINT 3.05 1037 PM 6/07 ASOS
WEST ISLIP 2.12 753 PM 6/07 SKYWARN SPOTTER
MOUNT SINAI 1.82 600 PM 6/07 COOP OBSERVER

…WESTCHESTER COUNTY…
YORKTOWN HEIGHTS 4.10 848 AM 6/08 COOP
RYE 3.63 747 AM 6/08 PUBLIC
WHITE PLAINS AIRPORT 3.56 500 AM 6/08 ASOS

$$

TFM
PUBLIC INFORMATION STATEMENT
SPOTTER REPORTS
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE MOUNT HOLLY NJ
611 AM EDT SAT JUN 08 2013

THE FOLLOWING ARE UNOFFICIAL OBSERVATIONS TAKEN DURING THE PAST 8
HOURS FOR THE STORM THAT HAS BEEN AFFECTING OUR REGION. APPRECIATION
IS EXTENDED TO HIGHWAY DEPARTMENTS…COOPERATIVE OBSERVERS…SKYWARN
SPOTTERS AND MEDIA FOR THESE REPORTS. THIS SUMMARY IS ALSO AVAILABLE
ON OUR HOME PAGE AT WEATHER.GOV/PHI

********************STORM TOTAL RAINFALL********************

LOCATION STORM TOTAL TIME/DATE COMMENTS
RAINFALL OF
/INCHES/ MEASUREMENT

DELAWARE

…NEW CASTLE COUNTY…
WILMINGTON AIRPORT 3.62 500 AM 6/08 ASOS

…SUSSEX COUNTY…
GEORGETOWN AIRPORT 2.18 500 AM 6/08 ASOS

NEW JERSEY

…ATLANTIC COUNTY…
ATLANTIC CITY AIRPOR 2.92 500 AM 6/08 ASOS

…BURLINGTON COUNTY…
FLORENCE 4.10 245 AM 6/08 TRAINED SPOTTER
MOUNT HOLLY WFO 3.66 200 AM 6/08 NWS OFFICE
WRIGHTSTOWN 3.16 1031 PM 6/07 PUBLIC

…CAMDEN COUNTY…
BLACKWOOD 3.81 1034 PM 6/07 TRAINED SPOTTER

…CUMBERLAND COUNTY…
MILLVILLE AIRPORT 2.27 500 AM 6/08 ASOS

…GLOUCESTER COUNTY…
MALAGA 3.14 200 AM 6/08 TRAINED SPOTTER

…MERCER COUNTY…
TRENTON AIRPORT 3.72 500 AM 6/08 ASOS
EWING TWP 3.27 1032 PM 6/07 PUBLIC

…MIDDLESEX COUNTY…
CRANBURY 3.70 1031 PM 6/07 PUBLIC
HELMETTA 3.13 1115 PM 6/07 COCORAHS

…MORRIS COUNTY…
RANDOLPH TWP 4.00 300 AM 6/08 COCORAHS

…SOMERSET COUNTY…
SOMERVILLE AIRPORT 3.82 500 AM 6/08 ASOS

…SUSSEX COUNTY…
SUSSEX AIRPORT 2.62 500 AM 6/08 ASOS
HIGHLAND LAKES 1.80 1150 PM 6/07 TRAINED SPOTTER

PENNSYLVANIA

…BERKS COUNTY…
READING AIRPORT 2.00 500 AM 6/08 ASOS

…BUCKS COUNTY…
DOYLESTOWN AIRPORT 3.53 500 AM 6/08 ASOS
BENSALEM 3.23 1030 PM 6/07 PUBLIC

…DELAWARE COUNTY…
DREXEL HILL 4.01 435 AM 6/08 TRAINED SPOTTER
WAYNE 3.16 435 AM 6/08 TRAINED SPOTTER

…LEHIGH COUNTY…
ALLENTOWN AIRPORT 2.20 500 AM 6/08 ASOS

…MONROE COUNTY…
MOUNT POCONO AIRPORT 1.86 500 AM 6/08 ASOS

…MONTGOMERY COUNTY…
KING OF PRUSSIA 5.07 1215 AM 6/08 TRAINED SPOTTER
POTTSTOWN AIRPORT 3.06 500 AM 6/08 ASOS
GILBERTSVILLE 2.55 435 AM 6/08 TRAINED SPOTTER

…PHILADELPHIA COUNTY…
PHILADELPHIA INTL AI 3.82 500 AM 6/08 ASOS
NORTHEAST PHILADELPH 3.71 500 AM 6/08 ASOS

$$

IOVINO
PUBLIC INFORMATION STATEMENT
SPOTTER REPORTS
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE BALTIMORE MD/WASHINGTON DC
842 AM EDT SAT JUN 08 2013

THE FOLLOWING ARE UNOFFICIAL 24 HOUR RAIN OBSERVATIONS TAKEN DURING
THE PAST 5 HOURS. APPRECIATION IS EXTENDED TO COOPERATIVE OBSERVERS
AND SKYWARN SPOTTERS FOR THESE REPORTS. THIS SUMMARY IS ALSO
AVAILABLE ON OUR HOME PAGE AT WEATHER.GOV/BALTIMORE

**********************24 HOUR RAINFALL**********************

LOCATION 24 HOUR TIME/DATE COMMENTS
RAINFALL OF
/INCHES/ MEASUREMENT

MARYLAND

…ALLEGANY COUNTY…
FROSTBURG 0.23 740 AM 6/08 CO-OP OBSERVER

…ANNE ARUNDEL COUNTY…
2 ENE DEALE 1.76 645 AM 6/08 COCORAHS
4 W ANNAPOLIS 1.68 600 AM 6/08 COCORAHS
1 SE PASADENA 1.62 700 AM 6/08 COCORAHS
3 ESE PASADENA 1.43 800 AM 6/08 COCORAHS
1 WSW ODENTON 1.31 700 AM 6/08 COCORAHS
2 W SEVERN 1.08 500 AM 6/08 COCORAHS

…BALTIMORE COUNTY…
1 SW LONG GREEN 1.01 700 AM 6/08 COCORAHS
2 NW TIMONIUM 0.94 803 AM 6/08 TRAINED SPOTTER
2 NE JACKSONVILLE 0.85 640 AM 6/08 COCORAHS
CYLBURN 0.78 815 AM 6/08 CO-OP OBSERVER
NE REISTERSTOWN 0.70 700 AM 6/08 COCORAHS

…CALVERT COUNTY…
3 NNW HUNTINGTOWN 1.70 655 AM 6/08 COCORAHS

…CARROLL COUNTY…
1 W WESTMINSTER 0.53 700 AM 6/08 COCORAHS
4 NE TANEYTOWN 0.45 630 AM 6/08 COCORAHS

…CHARLES COUNTY…
4 SSE WALDORF 1.84 600 AM 6/08 COCORAHS
3 WNW LA PLATA 1.49 635 AM 6/08 COCORAHS
2 ESE BRYANS ROAD 1.40 700 AM 6/08 COCORAHS
1 SW BRYANS ROAD 1.31 530 AM 6/08 COCORAHS

…FREDERICK COUNTY…
2 SE EMMITSBURG 0.52 735 AM 6/08 CO-OP OBSERVER
4 SSW FREDERICK 0.48 700 AM 6/08 COCORAHS

…HOWARD COUNTY…
2 W COLUMBIA 1.02 700 AM 6/08 COCORAHS
2 SSE SYKESVILLE 0.90 700 AM 6/08 COCORAHS
1 WSW ELLICOTT CITY 0.80 745 AM 6/08 COCORAHS
3 NW COLUMBIA 0.80 730 AM 6/08 COCORAHS
2 N COLUMBIA 0.75 700 AM 6/08 COCORAHS

…MONTGOMERY COUNTY…
2 SSE SILVER SPRING 0.91 600 AM 6/08 COCORAHS
1 NNW POTOMAC 0.85 700 AM 6/08 COCORAHS
2 W COLESVILLE 0.84 700 AM 6/08 COCORAHS
1 SE ROCKVILLE 0.82 700 AM 6/08 COCORAHS
1 N SILVER SPRING 0.82 700 AM 6/08 COCORAHS
1 NNW TAKOMA PARK 0.81 700 AM 6/08 COCORAHS
6 N SILVER SPRING 0.80 700 AM 6/08 COCORAHS
1 ESE NORBECK 0.79 700 AM 6/08 COCORAHS
2 NW GERMANTOWN 0.62 700 AM 6/08 COCORAHS
1 WNW BOYDS 0.60 726 AM 6/08 COCORAHS

…PRINCE GEORGES COUNTY…
7 ESE BRANDYWINE 1.86 700 AM 6/08 COCORAHS
1 E BOWIE 1.52 630 AM 6/08 COCORAHS
2 WSW FORT WASHINGTO 1.25 700 AM 6/08 COCORAHS
2 SE FOREST HEIGHTS 1.07 700 AM 6/08 COCORAHS
1 W OXON HILL 0.99 700 AM 6/08 COCORAHS

…ST. MARYS COUNTY…
SW PARK HALL 2.73 700 AM 6/08 COCORAHS
4 E HOLLYWOOD 2.52 700 AM 6/08 COCORAHS
2 W CALIFORNIA 2.40 715 AM 6/08 RAIN TOTAL FROM ANDREA
1 NE LEONARDTOWN 2.05 600 AM 6/08 COCORAHS

…WASHINGTON COUNTY…
5 S SHARPSBURG 0.46 720 AM 6/08 CO-OP OBSERVER

VIRGINIA

…ALBEMARLE COUNTY…
5 ESE AFTON 0.53 738 AM 6/08 COCORAHS

…AUGUSTA COUNTY…
WAYNESBORO 0.21 820 AM 6/08 CO-OP OBSERVER
2 S CRAIGSVILLE 0.08 624 AM 6/08 CO-OP OBSERVER

…CITY OF FREDERCKSBRG…
FREDERICKSBURG 1.40 737 AM 6/08 CO-OP OBSERVER

…CULPEPER COUNTY…
3 N RIXEYVILLE 0.76 530 AM 6/08 COCORAHS
6 NNE RIXEYVILLE 0.69 640 AM 6/08 COCORAHS
6 N RIXEYVILLE 0.61 620 AM 6/08 COCORAHS

…FAIRFAX COUNTY…
1 NE LORTON 1.13 600 AM 6/08 COCORAHS
2 S MCLEAN 0.89 700 AM 6/08 COCORAHS
3 S HERNDON 0.84 700 AM 6/08 COCORAHS
VIENNA 0.63 810 AM 6/08 CO-OP OBSERVER

…FAUQUIER COUNTY…
4 ENE REMINGTON 1.04 700 AM 6/08 COCORAHS
6 SSE WARRENTON 0.76 735 AM 6/08 COCORAHS

…FREDERICK COUNTY…
2 E STEPHENS CITY 0.40 700 AM 6/08 COCORAHS
5 NE WINCHESTER 0.39 700 AM 6/08 COCORAHS

…HIGHLAND COUNTY…
1 SW MILL GAP 0.52 615 AM 6/08 CO-OP OBSERVER
7 SSW MONTEREY 0.39 700 AM 6/08 COCORAHS

…LOUDOUN COUNTY…
MOUNT WEATHER 0.63 715 AM 6/08 CO-OP OBSERVER
3 WSW ROUND HILL 0.58 730 AM 6/08 COCORAHS
4 W LEESBURG 0.44 600 AM 6/08 COCORAHS
8 N LEESBURG 0.42 600 AM 6/08 COCORAHS

…MADISON COUNTY…
7 NNW MADISON 0.68 700 AM 6/08 COCORAHS

…PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY…
4 S NOKESVILLE 0.72 600 AM 6/08 COCORAHS

…RAPPAHANNOCK COUNTY…
SPERRYVILLE 0.78 525 AM 6/08 CO-OP OBSERVER

…SHENANDOAH COUNTY…
4 N STRASBURG 0.33 700 AM 6/08 COCORAHS
2 NE WOODSTOCK 0.21 700 AM 6/08 CO-OP OBSERVER
EDINBURG 0.17 715 AM 6/08 CO-OP OBSERVER

…SPOTSYLVANIA COUNTY…
5 SSW FREDERICKSBURG 1.38 600 AM 6/08 COCORAHS

…WARREN COUNTY…
FRONT ROYAL 0.68 615 AM 6/08 CO-OP OBSERVER

WEST VIRGINIA

…BERKELEY COUNTY…
2 NW FALLING WATERS 0.27 700 AM 6/08 COCORAHS

…GRANT COUNTY…
BAYARD 0.30 645 AM 6/08 CO-OP OBSERVER

…HAMPSHIRE COUNTY…
2 ESE SPRINGFIELD 0.17 650 AM 6/08 COCORAHS

…MINERAL COUNTY…
2 SSW KEYSER 0.21 650 AM 6/08 CO-OP OBSERVER

…PENDLETON COUNTY…
3 NE FORT SEYBERT 0.27 600 AM 6/08 COCORAHS

$$

STRONG
PUBLIC INFORMATION STATEMENT
SPOTTER REPORTS
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE TAUNTON MA
946 AM EDT SAT JUN 08 2013

THE FOLLOWING ARE UNOFFICIAL OBSERVATIONS TAKEN DURING THE PAST 26
HOURS FOR THE STORM THAT HAS BEEN AFFECTING OUR REGION. APPRECIATION
IS EXTENDED TO HIGHWAY DEPARTMENTS…COOPERATIVE OBSERVERS…SKYWARN
SPOTTERS AND MEDIA FOR THESE REPORTS. THIS SUMMARY IS ALSO AVAILABLE
ON OUR HOME PAGE AT WEATHER.GOV/BOSTON

********************STORM TOTAL RAINFALL********************

LOCATION STORM TOTAL TIME/DATE COMMENTS
RAINFALL OF
/INCHES/ MEASUREMENT

CONNECTICUT

…HARTFORD COUNTY…
NEWINGTON 4.20 713 AM 6/08 TRAINED SPOTTER
MANCHESTER 4.14 727 AM 6/08 TRAINED SPOTTER
WETHERSFIELD 3.54 915 AM 6/08 HAM RADIO
WEST HARTFORD 3.49 654 AM 6/08 BROADCAST MEDIA
3 SE HARTFORD 3.47 606 AM 6/08 ASOS
FARMINGTON 3.47 710 AM 6/08 TRAINED SPOTTER
EAST HARTFORD 3.35 652 AM 6/08 HAM RADIO
SOUTHINGTON 3.28 623 AM 6/08 HAM RADIO
1 WNW WINDSOR LOCKS 3.11 554 AM 6/08 ASOS
AVON 3.05 721 AM 6/08 TRAINED SPOTTER
COLLINSVILLE 2.80 930 AM 6/08 NONE
NORTH GRANBY 2.60 814 AM 6/08 TRAINED SPOTTER
SOUTH WINDSOR 2.60 1136 PM 6/07 TRAINED SPOTTER
KENSINGTON 2.40 754 PM 6/07 HAM RADIO
GRANBY 2.10 1200 AM 6/08 AMATEUR RADIO
WEATHERSFIELD 2.02 743 PM 6/07 HAM RADIO
ANDOVER 2.00 752 PM 6/07 HAM RADIO
PLANTSVILLE 1.96 641 PM 6/07 HAM RADIO
W. HARTFORD 1.74 644 PM 6/07 HAM RADIO
E. HARTFORD 1.70 645 PM 6/07 HAM RADIO
HARTFORD 1.66 640 PM 6/07 HAM RADIO
SO. WINDSOR 1.57 639 PM 6/07 HAM RADIO
BURLINGTON 1.57 633 PM 6/07 HAM RADIO

…TOLLAND COUNTY…
ANDOVER 5.30 910 AM 6/08 SPOTTER
COVENTRY 4.40 811 AM 6/08 TRAINED SPOTTER
BOLTON 4.40 830 AM 6/08 SPOTTER
HEBRON 3.94 653 AM 6/08 HAM RADIO
STAFFORDVILLE 3.30 642 AM 6/08 CO-OP OBSERVER
TOLLAND 2.25 845 PM 6/07 PUBLIC

…WINDHAM COUNTY…
THOMPSON 4.80 930 AM 6/08 SPOTTER
CANTERBURY 4.75 130 AM 6/08 SOCIAL MEDIA
ASHFORD 4.30 540 AM 6/08 TRAINED SPOTTER
NORTH GROSVENOR DALE 4.22 700 AM 6/08 TRAINED SPOTTER
EAST KILLINGLY 4.15 617 AM 6/08 TRAINED SPOTTER
WOODSTOCK 3.96 550 AM 6/08 TRAINED SPOTTER
3 NE WILLIMANTIC 3.89 608 AM 6/08 ASOS
HAMPTON 2.13 813 PM 6/07 HAM RADIO

MASSACHUSETTS

…BARNSTABLE COUNTY…
MASHPEE 2.61 730 AM 6/08 HAM RADIO
EAST FALMOUTH 2.40 549 AM 6/08 HAM RADIO
SOUTH SAGAMORE 2.04 608 AM 6/08 HAM RADIO
BREWSTER 1.95 810 AM 6/08 PUBLIC
2 NE HYANNIS 1.93 607 AM 6/08 ASOS
EASTHAM 1.83 603 AM 6/08 HAM RADIO
2 NW CHATHAM 1.48 558 AM 6/08 ASOS

…BRISTOL COUNTY…
WEST MANSFIELD 5.38 845 AM 6/08 SPOTTER
BERKLEY 5.06 720 AM 6/08 HAM RADIO
2 WSW SWANSEA 4.94 700 AM 6/08 COCORAHS
4 ESE TAUNTON 4.67 623 AM 6/08 ASOS
DIGHTON 4.65 840 AM 6/08 NWS EMPLOYEE
FALL RIVER 4.45 913 AM 6/08 HAM RADIO
NORTON 4.42 700 AM 6/08 CO-OP
TAUNTON 4.35 922 AM 6/08 HAM RADIO
ATTLEBORO 4.25 717 AM 6/08 NWS EMPLOYEE
ACUSHNET 3.85 605 AM 6/08 HAM RADIO
3 NW NEW BEDFORD 3.71 600 AM 6/08 ASOS
MANSFIELD 3.55 1200 AM 6/08 TRAINED SPOTTER
FAIRHAVEN 3.50 753 AM 6/08 TRAINED SPOTTER
NEW BEDFORD 3.45 500 AM 6/08 TRAINED SPOTTER
TAUNTON 2.6NW 2.98 1041 PM 6/07 NWS EMPLOYEE
NORTH DIGHTON 2.97 1200 AM 6/08 AMATEUR RADIO

…DUKES COUNTY…
3 S VINEYARD HAVEN 1.62 612 AM 6/08 ASOS

…ESSEX COUNTY…
DANVERS 3.50 746 AM 6/08 PUBLIC
5 WNW BEVERLY 3.13 557 AM 6/08 ASOS
IPSWICH 2.86 727 AM 6/08 HAM RADIO
TOPSFIELD 2.75 708 AM 6/08 TRAINED SPOTTER
BEVERLY 2.63 726 AM 6/08 HAM RADIO
SALISBURY 2.57 719 AM 6/08 COOP OBSERVER
GLOUCESTER 2.50 1100 PM 6/07 TRAINED SPOTTER
LYNN 2.24 1200 AM 6/08 AMATEUR RADIO
3 NE LAWRENCE 2.23 609 AM 6/08 ASOS

…FRANKLIN COUNTY…
HEATH 3.00 920 AM 6/08 SPOTTER
NORTHFIELD 2.90 838 AM 6/08 NONE
CHARLEMONT 2.50 815 AM 6/08 SPOTTER
2 SE ORANGE 2.42 613 AM 6/08 ASOS
SHUTESBURY 2.15 724 AM 6/08 HAM RADIO

…HAMPDEN COUNTY…
CHICOPEE 2.85 700 AM 6/08 TRAINED SPOTTER
SOUTHWICK 2.74 737 AM 6/08 TRAINED SPOTTER
SPRINGFIELD 2.73 729 AM 6/08 HAM RADIO
GRANVILLE 2.54 728 AM 6/08 HAM RADIO
2 ENE WESTFIELD 2.54 553 AM 6/08 ASOS

…HAMPSHIRE COUNTY…
WARE 3.20 800 AM 6/08 HAM RADIO
AMHERST 2.35 720 AM 6/08 TRAINED SPOTTER
SOUTH HADLEY 2.30 1100 PM 6/07 SOCIAL MEDIA

…MIDDLESEX COUNTY…
HUDSON 5.40 521 AM 6/08 SPOTTER
HOLLISTON 4.90 850 AM 6/08 HAM RADIO
ASHLAND 3.61 701 AM 6/08 PUBLIC
ACTON 3.44 543 AM 6/08 TRAINED SPOTTER
CONCORD 3.22 536 AM 6/08 GENERAL PUBLIC
ARLINGTON 3.08 707 AM 6/08 HAM RADIO
SUDBURY 3.03 717 AM 6/08 HAM RADIO
WAKEFIELD 2.93 715 AM 6/08 TRAINED SPOTTER
FRAMINGHAM 2.91 725 AM 6/08 HAM RADIO
GROTON 2.91 316 AM 6/08 SOCIAL MEDIA
NORTH TEWKSBURY 2.80 913 AM 6/08 NONE
PEPPERELL 2.78 827 AM 6/08 TRAINED SPOTTER
2 WSW BEDFORD 2.74 555 AM 6/08 ASOS
TOWNSEND 2.25 819 AM 6/08 NONE
WESTFORD 2.16 315 AM 6/08 TRAINED SPOTTER

…NANTUCKET COUNTY…
2 ESE NANTUCKET 0.94 550 AM 6/08 ASOS
NANTUCKET 0.81 900 PM 6/07 TRAINED SPOTTER

…NEWPORT COUNTY…
PLYMOUTH 4.80 835 AM 6/08 HAM RADIO

…NORFOLK COUNTY…
SHARON 4.42 705 AM 6/08 HAM RADIO
FOXBORO 4.29 644 AM 6/08 TRAINED SPOTTER
FRANKLIN 4.22 721 AM 6/08 HAM RADIO
QUINCY 4.20 939 AM 6/08 GENERAL PUBLIC
STOUGHTON 4.10 603 AM 6/08 TRAINED SPOTTER
3 SSW MILTON 4.09 611 AM 6/08 ASOS
NORWOOD 4.01 800 AM 6/08 NWS EMPLOYEE
1 ENE NORWOOD 3.71 616 AM 6/08 ASOS
RANDOLPH 3.69 102 AM 6/08 TRAINED SPOTTER
BRAINTREE 3.48 712 AM 6/08 PUBLIC
BELLINGHAM 3.28 1200 AM 6/08 AMATEUR RADIO
WRENTHAM 3.26 706 AM 6/08 HAM RADIO
MILLIS 3.21 1200 AM 6/08 AMATEUR RADIO
WALPOLE 3.18 704 AM 6/08 HAM RADIO
MEDWAY 3.08 1200 AM 6/08 AMATEUR RADIO
DEDHAM 3.07 900 AM 6/08 NONE

…PLYMOUTH COUNTY…
HALIFAX 4.68 653 AM 6/08 TRAINED SPOTTER
DUXBURY 4.52 900 AM 6/08 NONE
HINGHAM 4.47 748 AM 6/08 CO-OP OBSERVER
PLYMOUTH 4.42 853 AM 6/08 NONE
BROCKTON 4.10 842 AM 6/08 TRAINED SPOTTER
MIDDLEBORO 3.86 925 AM 6/08 SPOTTER
SCITUATE 3.77 711 AM 6/08 HAM RADIO
HANSON 3.11 710 AM 6/08 HAM RADIO
MIDDLEBOROUGH 2.36 935 PM 6/07 TRAINED SPOTTER
4 SW PLYMOUTH 2.12 900 PM 6/07 ASOS
KINGSTON 1.48 811 PM 6/07 TRAINED SPOTTER

…SUFFOLK COUNTY…
DORCHESTER 3.77 525 AM 6/08 ADAMS ST BOSTON WATER
ALLSTON 3.75 525 AM 6/08 BOSTON WATER AND SEWER
BOSTON 3.65 708 AM 6/08 HAM RADIO
1 N EAST BOSTON 3.59 556 AM 6/08 ASOS
WEST ROXBURY 3.53 852 AM 6/08 HAM RADIO
ROSLINDALE 3.48 525 AM 6/08 BOSTON WATER AND SEWER
HYDE PARK 3.37 525 AM 6/08 BOSTON WATER AND SEWER
CHARLESTOWN 3.15 525 AM 6/08 BOSTON WATER AND SEWER

…WORCESTER COUNTY…
EAST DOUGLAS 5.00 800 AM 6/08 SPOTTER
DOUGLAS 4.70 627 AM 6/08 TRAINED SPOTTER
WEBSTER 4.12 701 AM 6/08 HAM RADIO
UXBRIDGE 3.90 703 AM 6/08 HAM RADIO
SHREWSBURY 3.74 702 AM 6/08 HAM RADIO
MILFORD 3.60 935 AM 6/08 SPOTTER
SOUTHBRIDGE 3.50 606 AM 6/08 TRAINED SPOTTER
3 WNW WORCESTER 3.32 614 AM 6/08 ASOS
HOLDEN 3.20 835 AM 6/08 SPOTTER
BROOKFIELD 3.15 659 AM 6/08 HAM RADIO
BOYLSTON 3.14 755 AM 6/08 TRAINED SPOTTER
LEICESTER 3.11 705 AM 6/08 TRAINED SPOTTER
LEOMINSTER 2.83 750 AM 6/08 TRAINED SPOTTER
ROYALSTON 2.74 827 AM 6/08 NONE
CHARLTON 2.61 730 AM 6/08 SPOTTER
AUBURN 2.52 1013 PM 6/07 TRAINED SPOTTER
4 SE FITCHBURG 2.34 605 AM 6/08 ASOS
LANCASTER 2.26 820 AM 6/08 SPOTTER
2 S LEOMINSTER 1.75 1101 PM 6/07 TRAINED SPOTTER

NEW HAMPSHIRE

…CHESHIRE COUNTY…
2 SE JAFFREY 2.15 552 AM 6/08 ASOS

…HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY…
PELHAM 2.54 723 AM 6/08 HAM RADIO
NASHUA 2.50 830 AM 6/08 SPOTTER
NEW BOSTON 2.27 905 AM 6/08 SPOTTER
HILLSBOROUGH 2.23 718 AM 6/08 HAM RADIO
HOLLIS 2.06 719 AM 6/08 HAM RADIO
GOFFSTOWN 2.04 708 AM 6/08 TRAINED SPOTTER
3 SSE MANCHESTER 1.91 610 AM 6/08 ASOS
NORTH WEARE 1.57 1210 AM 6/08 TRAINED SPOTTER

RHODE ISLAND

…BRISTOL COUNTY…
BRISTOL 4.35 733 AM 6/08 HAM RADIO
BRISTOL HIGHLANDS 2.65 854 PM 6/07 BROADCAST MEDIA

…KENT COUNTY…
WARWICK 4.15 805 AM 6/08 NONE
2 NNW WARWICK 4.10 617 AM 6/08 ASOS
EAST GREENWICH 3.67 1230 AM 6/08 PUBLIC

…NEWPORT COUNTY…
NEWPORT 5.03 826 AM 6/08 PUBLIC
MIDDLETOWN 4.45 601 AM 6/08 TRAINED SPOTTER
LITTLE COMPTON 4.10 805 AM 6/08 SPOTTER
4 NE NEWPORT 3.95 624 AM 6/08 ASOS
TIVERTON 3.11 715 AM 6/08 HAM RADIO

…PROVIDENCE COUNTY…
WOONSOCKET 4.86 800 AM 6/08 MEDIA
COVENTRY 4.66 713 AM 6/08 HAM RADIO
PROVIDENCE/NORTH PRO 4.54 829 AM 6/08 GENERAL PUBLIC
NORTH FOSTER 4.32 830 AM 6/08 CO-OP
BURRILLVILLE 4.24 756 AM 6/08 GENERAL PUBLIC
WEST GLOCESTER 4.10 745 AM 6/08 TRAINED SPOTTER
CRANSTON 4.08 712 AM 6/08 HAM RADIO
1 SW PROVIDENCE 3.64 1200 AM 6/08 COCORAHS
1 SW PAWTUCKET 3.49 1100 PM 6/07 COCORAHS
CUMBERLAND 3.45 1015 PM 6/07 NWS EMPLOYEE
PROVIDENCE 3.35 1102 PM 6/07 FEDERAL HILL
PAWTUCKET 3.30 1000 PM 6/07 COCORAHS
SMITHFIELD 3.01 1200 AM 6/08 AMATEUR RADIO
CHEPACHET 1.58 657 PM 6/07 HAM RADIO

…WASHINGTON COUNTY…
CHARLESTOWN 5.32 616 AM 6/08 TRAINED SPOTTER
WESTERLY (SE) 5.24 738 AM 6/08 NONE
NORTH KINGSTOWN 4.82 714 AM 6/08 HAM RADIO
SOUTH KINGSTOWN 4.48 1200 AM 6/08 TRAINED SPOTTER
PEACE DALE 4.27 605 AM 6/08 SOCIAL MEDIA
2 SSE WESTERLY 4.09 625 AM 6/08 ASOS
NARRAGANSETT 3.57 1200 AM 6/08 AMATEUR RADIO

**********************24 HOUR RAINFALL**********************

LOCATION 24 HOUR TIME/DATE COMMENTS
RAINFALL OF
/INCHES/ MEASUREMENT

CONNECTICUT

…HARTFORD COUNTY…
3 SW CENTRAL MANCHES 3.90 700 AM 6/08 COCORAHS
3 NNW WEST HARTFORD 3.20 730 AM 6/08 COCORAHS
2 SE ENFIELD 3.01 700 AM 6/08 COCORAHS
1 ENE NORTH GRANBY 2.42 730 AM 6/08 COCORAHS
1 WSW WETHERSFIELD 0.42 830 AM 6/07 COCORAHS
3 E SOUTHINGTON 0.41 800 AM 6/07 COCORAHS

…TOLLAND COUNTY…
NNW STAFFORDVILLE 3.30 630 AM 6/08 COCORAHS

…WINDHAM COUNTY…
2 SSE NORTH GROSVENO 4.34 700 AM 6/08 COCORAHS
1 SW EAST KILLINGLY 3.86 700 AM 6/08 COCORAHS

MASSACHUSETTS

…BARNSTABLE COUNTY…
2 SE EAST SANDWICH 3.02 705 AM 6/08 COCORAHS
2 WSW FALMOUTH 2.36 700 AM 6/08 COCORAHS
1 NW EAST FALMOUTH 2.34 700 AM 6/08 COCORAHS
1 NNW FALMOUTH 2.31 730 AM 6/08 COCORAHS
1 WNW EAST FALMOUTH 2.14 700 AM 6/08 COCORAHS
1 SW EASTHAM 2.02 700 AM 6/08 COCORAHS
1 E ORLEANS 2.00 800 AM 6/08 COCORAHS
3 E FALMOUTH 2.00 700 AM 6/08 COCORAHS
2 SE WELLFLEET 1.98 730 AM 6/08 COCORAHS
3 ENE HARWICH 1.97 900 AM 6/08 COCORAHS
3 NE HARWICH 1.97 645 AM 6/08 COCORAHS
1 NNW YARMOUTH 1.95 600 AM 6/08 COCORAHS
1 ESE EAST FALMOUTH 1.93 700 AM 6/08 COCORAHS
2 ESE BREWSTER 1.90 700 AM 6/08 COCORAHS
1 NW WELLFLEET 0.30 800 AM 6/07 COCORAHS
1 NNE SANDWICH 0.06 800 AM 6/07 COCORAHS

…BRISTOL COUNTY…
2 WSW SWANSEA 4.90 700 AM 6/08 COCORAHS
1 WSW DIGHTON 4.59 800 AM 6/08 COCORAHS
2 NNE NORTON 4.42 700 AM 6/08 COCORAHS
2 N REHOBOTH 4.34 745 AM 6/08 COCORAHS
3 NW TAUNTON 4.26 800 AM 6/08 COCORAHS
3 E ATTLEBORO 4.25 700 AM 6/08 COCORAHS
3 SSW DARTMOUTH 3.04 700 AM 6/08 COCORAHS

…DUKES COUNTY…
1 ESE VINEYARD HAVEN 1.98 630 AM 6/08 COCORAHS
3 N WEST TISBURY 0.04 800 AM 6/07 COCORAHS
3 NW EDGARTOWN 0.02 900 AM 6/07 COCORAHS

…ESSEX COUNTY…
2 W ANDOVER 3.00 700 AM 6/08 COCORAHS
3 NW BEVERLY 2.97 845 AM 6/08 COCORAHS
2 S BOXFORD 2.82 700 AM 6/08 COCORAHS
4 NW SALISBURY 2.57 600 AM 6/08 COCORAHS

…HAMPDEN COUNTY…
1 ESE SPRINGFIELD 2.73 800 AM 6/08 COCORAHS
2 SSW WILBRAHAM 0.17 800 AM 6/07 COCORAHS

…HAMPSHIRE COUNTY…
2 SW WESTHAMPTON 2.34 730 AM 6/08 COCORAHS

…MIDDLESEX COUNTY…
1 NNW CAMBRIDGE 3.51 800 AM 6/08 COCORAHS
1 SW ACTON 3.45 700 AM 6/08 COCORAHS
1 SE WINCHESTER 3.27 640 AM 6/08 COCORAHS
SW AYER 2.62 750 AM 6/08 COCORAHS
1 SSE MELROSE 2.15 700 AM 6/08 COCORAHS

…NORFOLK COUNTY…
1 NE FRANKLIN 4.22 700 AM 6/08 COCORAHS
S FOXBOROUGH 4.12 630 AM 6/08 COCORAHS
1 NW NORWOOD 3.86 700 AM 6/08 COCORAHS
1 NW WEYMOUTH 0.22 830 AM 6/07 COCORAHS

…PLYMOUTH COUNTY…
6 E MIDDLEBOROUGH 3.92 600 AM 6/08 COCORAHS
2 WNW EAST BRIDGEWAT 3.81 430 AM 6/08 COCORAHS
3 WNW KINGSTON 3.56 600 AM 6/08 COCORAHS

…SUFFOLK COUNTY…
1 W BRIGHTON 3.57 730 AM 6/08 COCORAHS
N WINTHROP 3.52 800 AM 6/08 COCORAHS
1 WSW BOSTON 0.14 811 AM 6/07 COCORAHS

…WORCESTER COUNTY…
2 NNW MILFORD 3.78 700 AM 6/08 COCORAHS
1 E SOUTHBRIDGE 3.38 700 AM 6/08 COCORAHS
2 S LEOMINSTER 2.73 750 AM 6/08 COCORAHS
2 NNE FITCHBURG 2.65 800 AM 6/08 COCORAHS
2 SSW FITCHBURG 2.60 600 AM 6/08 COCORAHS
1 SSE NORTHBOROUGH 0.11 817 AM 6/07 COCORAHS

NEW HAMPSHIRE

…CHESHIRE COUNTY…
WNW WEST CHESTERFIEL 1.83 700 AM 6/08 COCORAHS

…HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY…
2 E NASHUA 2.60 645 AM 6/08 COCORAHS
3 SE MILFORD 2.55 630 AM 6/08 COCORAHS
3 ENE HOLLIS 2.53 700 AM 6/08 COCORAHS
2 NE NASHUA 2.41 800 AM 6/08 COCORAHS
4 NNE AMHERST 2.27 600 AM 6/08 COCORAHS
1 SSW MONT VERNON 2.18 630 AM 6/08 COCORAHS
1 ENE GREENVILLE 0.08 800 AM 6/07 COCORAHS

RHODE ISLAND

…KENT COUNTY…
2 ESE EAST GREENWICH 4.96 700 AM 6/08 COCORAHS
3 NW WEST GREENWICH 4.20 700 AM 6/08 COCORAHS

…NEWPORT COUNTY…
1 SW MIDDLETOWN 4.45 700 AM 6/08 COCORAHS
1 E LITTLE COMPTON 3.29 700 AM 6/08 COCORAHS

…PROVIDENCE COUNTY…
1 ESE WOONSOCKET 4.68 700 AM 6/08 COCORAHS
NE MANVILLE 4.58 700 AM 6/08 COCORAHS
4 E CRANSTON 4.48 800 AM 6/08 COCORAHS
1 SW PAWTUCKET 4.42 800 AM 6/08 COCORAHS
2 E CRANSTON 4.20 700 AM 6/08 COCORAHS
3 SE WEST GLOCESTER 3.86 700 AM 6/08 COCORAHS

…WASHINGTON COUNTY…
6 W KINGSTON 5.50 800 AM 6/08 COCORAHS
4 S HOPE VALLEY 4.98 700 AM 6/08 COCORAHS
1 NW KINGSTON 4.91 800 AM 6/08 COCORAHS
3 N NORTH KINGSTOWN 4.68 800 AM 6/08 COCORAHS

$$

AED

Heads UP! for June 2013

The Sun pauses in its apparent northern movement at the Summer Solstice (solstice = sun stop) at 1:04am EDT on June 21. After this, the days will get shorter, but for now the summer sun gives us short nights for observing, but the prime time evening skies are teeming with fun astronomical sights.

For the brief nighttime hours, Saturn is a three-ring circus all by itself. The pale planet and its rings and moons are up all evening, mid-way up in the southeast. Saturn is a little smaller in the telescope than when it was at opposition at the end of April, and it’s rings are a little bit less open this month, but not enough to spoil the fun of looking at Saturn.

The long twilights mean lots of satellites to spot overhead. After applying a little insect repellent, lie out for an hour and count the stately moving objects crossing our skies. The International Space Station is visible every 96 minutes during the night for the first half of June. After that, through June 24th, the best times to see the ISS are in the evening after sunset.

This is a great month to see Mercury! Just after sunset, look out to a clear northwestern sky – where the Sun just set. About 30 minutes or so after sunset, brilliant Venus is visible first. Then about 45 minutes after sunset, Mercury should appear in the twilight, starting the month a short distance above Venus. After the 7th, Mercury sinks to the left of Venus and dims substantially, but it’s nice to have magnitude -3.1 Venus to point the way to Mercury, even if they are low in the northwestern sky.

In a telescope, Mercury is half full around the 10th and whittles down to a crescent about the 18th. Venus looks just slightly out of round, and despite being almost three times larger than Mercury, it looks only a bit larger than Mercury, since Mercury continues to hold the title for ‘closest planet’ to Earth and Venus is on the other side of the Sun from Earth. Jupiter completes its dive into the solar glare a few days into June. Watch for Jupiter in the SOHO solar observatory’s LASCO C3 photos around the date of its solar conjunction on the 19th.

June’s full Moon is the closest of the year, with full Moon occurring only about a half-hour from the Moon’s closest approach to the Earth for the month. Watch out for higher than normal tides around the 23rd. Can you see the difference from normal high tide at your favorite beach? Moonrise on 22nd and 23rd will be especially photogenic – look for interesting foreground objects to compare to the rising Moon. On the 18th, the Moon sets up shop between Saturn and Spica – Saturn’s on the left and Spica on the right. The spiky crescent Moon joins Mercury and Venus on the 10th.

Mars is deep in the solar glare in the morning sky, but getting far enough out from behind the Sun so normal communications are resuming with the orbiting spacecraft and Opportunity and Curiosity rovers.

Take a look at Buzz Aldrin’s new book Mission to Mars, where he applies his MIT degree and experience in orbital mechanics to how humans can establish a beachhead on Mars. Do you doubt Buzz’s orbital mechanics abilities? Check out Buzz’s Gemini 12 flight when he used the back-up tables he had prepared for NASA to plot the rendezvous with the Agena docking target when Gemini’s rendezvous radar failed. Another research and discussion question students of the space program: Did Buzz’s insistence on practicing underwater for his EVAs save the U.S .space program?

Here’s the photos of the great planet pile-up!

I had to look around some encroaching high clouds, but Venus, Jupiter and Mercury were impatiently waiting for me to take their photo as they were arranged in a backwards “L” this Monday night (May 27). I say impatiently because the earth keeps rotating and waits for no one. The planets became visible about 20 minutes after sunset, first Venus (the brightest), then Jupiter (to the left of Venus), then faintest, but highest – Mercury.
Here’s a zoomed-in photo with the 250mm telephoto of the trio, about 30 minutes after sunset, with my Canon XS on a mini-tripod on the roof of my Subaru.

Close-up of Venus (lower left), Jupiter (on the right) and Mercury (way up, straight up over Venus) Monday May 27 1/2 hour after sunset

Same scene, but turned the camera on its side to get more of the vertical view, including some trees on the horizon.
This is a longer (1/2 second) exposure, so the planets are brighter, but fortunately, the sky was not bright enough to overwhelm the planets in this scene.

This is a wider view – enlarge to see the planets in the middle of the view…

Bonus photo of some sunspots that I took today through the 200mm telescope.
We are nearing the maximum activity for this cycle, but it’s been a weaker than typical cycle.

Sun with spots. Canon XS with 2x barlow attached to 200mm telescope. ISO-200, 1/400 second exposure.

Clouds part to reveal the planetary pile-up

The clouds of the past few days have moved out, so we have a chance to see the planets Venus, Mercury and Jupiter low in the northwest sky Monday night (if clouds from the next system don’t start to filter in). No telescope needed!

See Sky and Telescope’s web page for good maps of the sky and where to look.
http://www.skyandtelescope.com/observing/home/The-May-June-2013-Planet-Dance-192020551.html

These three planets were closest together in our skies last night, and some saw them between the clouds.

Here’s a photo I took on Thursday night of the planets… click to view it full size. Venus is the brightest dot, Jupiter is to its upper left and Mercury is the faint dot to Venus’ right.

They will be lined up diffrently tonight, as seen via the above link and this map from Carte du Ciel…

sky 25 minutes after sunset monday may 27…planets are 10 degrees above the horizon and getting lower – less than a fist held out at arm’s length

Lovely weather…. for late fall!

Here we go, with showers, heavy rains, thunderstorms; temperatures in the 40s and 50s and blasting icy winds.

I guess we missed out on a real period of spring-like weather, so just like in Monty Python and the Holy Grail, perhaps we’ll give summer a complete miss as well as spring.

We have a strong upper air low pressure system over us. When we get systems like this, the low pressure aloft gives us colder temperatures aloft which makes the air below unstable, rising rapidly to produce heavy showers.

Here’s the upper air chart for the jet stream at 18,000 feet. The white lines making a circle just to our east show the upper air low pressure system. (NYC is in out on the right side of the map – look for the outline of the coastline and the state boundaries in black – hard to see sometimes).

This map shows the white lines of the winds about 1 mile up and the colors show temperature, which is related to our temperatures here at the surface. Notice the white lines dragging down the blue color into the eastern United States, bringing the colder temperatures we are having.

Warmer air arrives early next week, making for a nice Memorial Day and warmest later in the week. See the orange color over us on Saturday morning’s map – 16 to 18 degrees C a mile up, which can mean 32 to 36 degrees C here on the ground – in the upper 80s/lower 90s F.