Ready for a Painting

Those 19th century impressionists were always seeking the perfect light and clouds for their works of art. Well look no farther than your friendly Midwestern sky. This summer's sky has offered spectacular views of billowing clouds made just for capturing on canvas or in pixels.

UFO Spotted Over Wellman, Iowa

Today a daytime sighting of a disc-shape object was observed in the clear sky over Wellman, Iowa. While most of the overhead traffic near Wellman is filled with east-west jets flying between coasts, this classic 1950s saucer shaped object just hung in one spot. Perhaps a check of the MUFON web site is in order to determine if other discs have been observed lately. Mmm perhaps not, if we pull back a bit from the suspended disc the rest of the story comes into play. Hey, this is Iowa. We have plenty of discs near the ground and aimed towards the heavens.

No Comet Pan-Starrs Sightings in My Skies - Yet

The first visible comet of the 2013, Comet Pan-Starrs did not give up its dusk sky position at the 42N HQ on Wednesday, March 13th. While several northern latitude observers have already reported seeing and photographing the comet, the boiling ice ball has remained an elusive light smudge for me. So I concentrated on capturing a two or three day old moon instead.  

Compounding the frustration of not getting a visual lock on the comet, has been cloudy sky conditions at or near sunset. Current information about where to find the comet, its improving brightness, and possible fragmentation can be found here. I am poised to find Pan-Starrs on the next cloudless evening which could be this Sunday (St. Patrick's Day.) Good luck with your search.