As amateur astronomers, we love a clear view of the night sky, or the day sky for solar astronomy, but we can't always have it our way. Sometimes our view of space is blocked by clouds.
Cloudy nights don't have to be a burden, even though they block us from seeing into space, there are some things you can do during these times. So let's talk about them now.
Complete Those Astrophotography Projects
If you are an astrophotographer, you can spend some time stacking and producing the images you have not yet completed. Look over those photo archives and find the projects you never got around to processing. You may find a gem in there that you can be proud of.
Bond With The Astronomers Hub Community
When your view of space has been blocked by cloud cover, it is a great time to get online and talk about astronomy. The astronomy forums here at Astronomers Hub are ideal. We can all relate to the frustrations of a cloudy night, and you are welcome to come to the astronomy forums and express your frustration. Tell everybody what you are doing instead. Sharing this with a community is a good way still interact with your interest in astronomy during cloudy nights.
Clean Your Equipment
Take some time to get a soft cloth and clean the lenses of your telescope, finder scope, cameras and anything else. Use the lens cap for your scopes to protect the glass in your equipment from getting dusty again.
Do Research and Learn Something New
Watch YouTube videos, read blogs, read a book. Do something to increase your knowledge of astronomy, astronomy equipment, the planets and your passion for the hobby. There is always something new to learn and this is worth taking the time to do, especially when your view of space has been blocked by clouds. Remember if you have questions you can always start a topic in the forums and ask so the community can offer you their opinions and advice.