<p>In terms of steadiness of the air and hence stability of the image (ie ability to see fine detail on planets or split close double stars), it could go either way, depending on the atmospheric conditions, including wind speed and direction, and the local topography.</p>

<p>In contrast, valleys can sometimes provide better seeing because they provide some protection from atmospheric conditions.</p>

<p>However, and all other things being equal, you will probably have a higher limiting magnitude (ie be able to see fainter objects) from the top of the mountain. </p>

CC BY-SA 3.0
2016-06-09T13:01:14.957Z
2016-06-09T13:01:14.957Z
Dr Chuck
<p>I have a small amateur telescope, and would like to defeat the atmospheric seeing conditions as much as is possible.</p>

<p>Fortuitously, I happen to live fairly close to this lovely patch of bare elevated rock:<a href="https://i.sstatic.net/ZO48R.jpg" rel="nofollow noreferrer"><img src="https://i.sstatic.net/ZO48R.jpg" alt="Mt Cardigan"></a></p>

<p>It's a <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mount_Cardigan" rel="nofollow noreferrer">granite peak</a> about 3,155ft (960m) above sea level.</p>

<p>Would this peak be expected to have improved seeing, as compared to the seeing from an adjacent valley on the same night?</p>

CC BY-SA 3.0
2016-06-09T12:54:05.883Z
Yes, as does being farther away from city lights.
iMerchant
CC BY-SA 3.0
2016-06-09T13:20:39.983Z
Debatable; for example, if it's bare rock it will be hot, so on summer nights it may actually promote turbulence for several hours after sunset... Only way to be sure is spend a few night observing and see how it goes...
Andy
<telescope><amateur-observing><planetary-atmosphere><atmospheric-effects>
Does the summit of a small mountain offer better seeing?
John Walthour
# Does the summit of a small mountain offer better seeing?

(Asked by: username_0 on 2016-06-09)

I have a small amateur telescope, and would like to defeat the atmospheric seeing conditions as much as is possible.

Fortuitously, I happen to live fairly close to this lovely patch of bare elevated rock:[![Mt Cardigan](https://i.sstatic.net/ZO48R.jpg)](https://i.sstatic.net/ZO48R.jpg)

It's a [granite peak](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mount_Cardigan) about 3,155ft (960m) above sea level.

Would this peak be expected to have improved seeing, as compared to the seeing from an adjacent valley on the same night?

**Tags:** telescope, amateur-observing, planetary-atmosphere, atmospheric-effects
> **Comments:**
> **username_1**: Yes, as does being farther away from city lights.  
> **username_2**: Debatable; for example, if it's bare rock it will be hot, so on summer nights it may actually promote turbulence for several hours after sunset... Only way to be sure is spend a few night observing and see how it goes...  

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## 1 answers

### Answer by username_3 on 2016-06-09. Score: 4 | Accepted answer

In terms of steadiness of the air and hence stability of the image (ie ability to see fine detail on planets or split close double stars), it could go either way, depending on the atmospheric conditions, including wind speed and direction, and the local topography.

In contrast, valleys can sometimes provide better seeing because they provide some protection from atmospheric conditions.

However, and all other things being equal, you will probably have a higher limiting magnitude (ie be able to see fainter objects) from the top of the mountain.


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