I have been visiting this seeing forecast site frequently over the last five months. To a first approximation it has done a good job of predicting what seeing conditions will be like. In my experience it does a better job of predicting what seeing conditions will be like than it does predicting whether it will be clear or cloudy for my area. Comparing the seeing foecast map of the US to the jet stream map of the US leads me to think that the location of the jet stream is the single biggest factor in the prediction made. In September and October 2002 the Midwest was frequently in the medium and dark blue during the pre-dawn hours and the actual seeing at the eyepiece was exquisite on these occasions. The maps seem to evolve from a forecast to a record of what the seeing conditions actually are. On several occasions I have checked the seeing forecast for 0900 UT for my area, found that the prediction was for mediocre seeing, observed anyway and found that the seeing seemed better than than, gone back and checked the map for 0900 on that date and found that the "retrospective map" now indicated moderately good seeing. It is sometimes a useful tool in deciding whether to observe on the front or back end of a particular night. I would be interested in the experience of observers in other areas with regard to these forecasts.
Kim Colter
Washington Missouri
Kim Colter
Washington Missouri
