When does atmospheric settling generally lead to improved 'seeing' for sharp telescopic views?
Answer
In the hours after midnight
The steadiness of the atmosphere, known as 'seeing,' improves significantly as the night progresses due to thermal changes on the ground. After the sun sets, the ground begins to cool down, which encourages the air to become more stable and settle. Seasoned observers frequently report that the deepest darkness combined with the steadiest viewing conditions, which is vital for sharp telescopic observation, occurs during the later hours of the night, specifically those hours following midnight, right up until the first signs of morning light appear in the eastern sky.
Related Questions
What lunar phase provides the best darkness for viewing faint deep-sky objects like nebulae?What angle below the horizon defines true darkness after astronomical twilight has ended?When does atmospheric settling generally lead to improved 'seeing' for sharp telescopic views?What atmospheric characteristic often makes winter months provide better transparency in northern latitudes?How long does it take for the light-sensitive cells in the retina (rods) to become fully active for dark adaptation?Which color of light source is recommended to preserve night vision when consulting charts or equipment settings?How does the reflected brightness of a Full Moon affect visibility, quantified by apparent magnitude cutoff?Why are the first hour or two after sunset less productive for stargazing than later hours?If targeting the Perseids meteor shower in August, what dictates the best observing time?Besides clouds, what factors reduce atmospheric transparency on seemingly clear nights?