Solar Observing
A few days ago, while still recovering from mast cell symptoms, the sun had peaked through the clouds so I grabbed a lightweight telescope with a solar filter and headed outside. I wasn't feeling well enough to do any solar imaging (that can get complicated and involves a lot more gear... as well as a clear head) so I just grabbed one of my lightest scopes which happens to be my lowest quality scope too. Even though this was my lowest quality scope, I knew it would be good enough for a few quick views of the sun. Besides, it was still mostly cloudy and the sun was just peaking out in between clouds. I knew the solar observing would be short-lived on this day so it would have been a waste to use up energy on my better, heavier and bulkier astronomy gear. The moment I peered through the telescope, I realized that the sky conditions were lousy too. I hadn't noticed it before but it was hazy and the sun was veiled in thin clouds that I could see passing in front of the sun.