(...) Don't know if those high temps will be any good for astronomy unless you can get a trans sky. In the other hand, with some moisture and instability you could get some big storms.
It is surely better for astronomy then frost. First, all the electronic is working correctly at comfortable +15...+25C. Second, you will not even feel cold, and no additional clothes (so usual during autumn-winter-spring) is necessary. Third, it need much less time to get the outside temp. and the telescope temp. equal.
I do not hope for a big storms now. Last T-storm was here on July,26, and it is no rain here for 12 days in a row (!)
John, I have never been to Odessa region, but I know a bit about Izmail, and I'm sure it's a great place. There is a lot of historical monuments, churches, and, of course a great nature - Danube and many big lakes in the nearby. I hope they'll enjoy the trip! Also it would be nice to see some photos from your friend on the forum.
Yes, I know about the asteroid (2983) Poltava.
Some time ago I have read an article in "Astronomic Calender" (published by Kiev Main Astr.Observatory) and there was mentioned not only this asteroid, but some more, which have been named in honour of famous ukrainian astronomers of XX century (including Chernykh).
But the asteroid itself is only 30 km dia. and in the nearest years it will be at 15-17 mag, so I'll never see it with my equipment.
