To add on to what junwei says, light pollution is also accentuated when high clouds/haze is present, because the city lights tend to reflect off high clouds. In Singapore with heavy light pollution, then, sky transparency and the absence of high clouds and haze is even more important.
Of course, one could venture off to dark skies, but there is still lots that is possible in Singapore. On clear nights, the flower shape of M42 is discernible in a 5" scope, and so is the bright core of M31. Clusters, be they open or globular, are easy yet satisfying targets. Of course, planets, with their high surface brightness, make them the easiest targets in light polluted skies.
Reiterating what the others have said, astronomy is a weather dependent activity and it does not just require the absence of thick clouds. It demands decent sky clarity with low haze and absence of excess high clouds. I guess part of the satisfaction we derive is that in waiting for that one clear night, we tend to appreciate it more than if it were freely granted to us.
Hopefully when the haze clears, you will still be able to keep up your enthusiasm. If overseas travel is not a viable option for you, we have lots of local sessions during clear weather periods. Be sure to come down and join us then! Astronomy is much easier when you have others around
Go well!
![[smilie=dead.gif]](./images/smilies/dead.gif "dead")
. Can anyone share their experiences with this celestial object and any tips? Ive heard that this galaxy is one of the easier messier objects to spot and look at. I own a 5 inch newtonian and often observe in a 20mm eyepiece( 50x) maginification. Should i get a bigger eyepiece like a 35mm one (28x) to view such messier objects? Thank you!!! ![[smilie=embarrassed.gif]](./images/smilies/embarrassed.gif "embarrassed")
