How many of you can see the Milky Way at night?

[Canon Pete]

Thanks for sharing that Coyne. I remember when I was younger , a lot younger ( sigh ! ) seeing the MW from the Island I came from almost every night . Now conditions have to be near perfect, whih is not very often.

TBH , I can drive for an hour and see it with relative ease. I just yearn for the days when I could open my back door and marvel at the sight above me .

Clear skies

Pete

[psonice]

I went out a while back, and the sky had cleared somewhat (probably 50% cloud cover). Admittedly I was only out for 10 minutes or so and there's street lighting, but still, I counted the visible stars. 11.

[PBalu]

To all those who have seen the Milky Way, I envy you. I live in a light polluted area bang in the middle of a large university campus and just about am able to make out Polaris. Sigh......

[craterdavy]

I have a wonderful view of it,.,the nearest streetlight is 2mi. away at the Vol.fire dept..,.and there are no neighbors in view.,.,electric lines stop about a half mile from our home.,.,when it is like tonight.,,overcast and drizzling.,you can't see your hand infront of your face.,.but when it is clear and there is no moon.,.you can see forever.,.,O+O

[Tombstone17]

PBalu, I can commiserate with you, craterdavy I envy you...

[WWPierre]

I can see it reasonably distinctly on a moonless night sheltered from the sodium vapor lamps surrounding me.

[Dublin sky watch]

AustinPSD

Here's a wide-field shot of Jupiter in the Sagittarius region from September of 2009.

Ahhh Coyne! I both thank you and hate you for posting that so beautiful image of our Milky Way.
Strange how our values change in life. If I were buying a house now, my only concern would be how dark is the night sky?
Thanks for the wonderful image.
Now I shall cry.

[Dublin sky watch]

VentureStar

You're very lucky! I'd be lucky to get a hint of the Milky Way on the best of nights.

The best time for us here in Ireland or the northern hemisphere to see the Milky Way band is around Summer time. Obvious problem for us is that the sky never really gets dark. But if you are lucky with a lot of variables coming together, and go to a good dark location...you just might be surprised with the view.

Had a great view a few years back and was amazed Plan on getting some images this year. We are due a good Summer.

[EJMaine]

Later in the evening on clear nights I can see it, but not as wispy as some. I live near a small private college and they now have stadium lights on for practice fields and games, so have to wait until the game is over to see well. But I consider myself fortunate to see it at all, given how close to town I am.

[Graham D]

You guys make me feel lucky ( and guilty ) as the Milky Way is visible most places in NZ.
Next year I will be moving to Leigh which is a coastal village 90 km north of Auckland and the skies are black.
This upcoming move is really what has renewed my interest in astronomy as I intend to spend many hours star-gazing.
Graham.