SPSP 2018 Registrations look to be open now

[glend]

I happened to check today and the SPSP 2018 registrations are being accepted now, at least they accepted mine.:lol:

[strongmanmike]

I'm not coming this year :sad.. first SPSP I have missed in 14 years...going to the Texas Star Party instead :D :cool:

Mike

[Tinderboxsky]

I have just registered for my first SPSP. :)

I have combined this with a 6 week road and camping trip in country NSW, leaving Tassie in late April. Next challenge; how much gear can I squeeze in?

[multiweb]

I'm in too. Can't wait for those cool dark winter nights. I'm finally coming out of my cave, cobwebs and all. :thumbsup:

[tlgerdes]

We are now at 35% of our registration quota after less than a week since opening registration.

Remember, there are only 300 spaces. There is no onsite registration, you MUST pre-book your attendance.

If you are thinking of going, now is the time to act, else you could be disappointed.

[Marke]

I'm registered made sure I was ready this year having missed the last 2

[tlgerdes]

If you are thinking of going, now is the time to commit. We are at 62% of our registration quota.

Don't be the one who was turned away because they thought they would wait to see what the weather was doing.

[tlgerdes]

Last call for those thinking of going. Only 14 spots left. Sorry though, the Saturday night roast dinner is sold out.

[h0ughy]

For the first time in years I have booked to go

[glend]

:hi:Looking forward to seeing you there.

[OzEclipse]

lo mismo!

[Nikolas]

Stupid question
SPSP?

[glend]

South Pacific Star Party

http://www.asnsw.com/node/712

[Allan]

That is terrible news with six weeks still to run until the star party.

[strongmanmike]

:doh:.....havent seen you at SPSP in years and I decide to miss my first one in 15yrs to attend the Texas Star Party :rolleyes:...so you did this on purpose..didnt you Houghy ;)

[h0ughy]

Lol Like to say yes but no,i only made my mind up yesterday

[Nikolas]

Thanks for that

[glend]

Having not attended SPSP previously my knowkedge of the site is limited to what i can glean from the website. My question here relates to access to AC power on the imaging field. I know charging stations are provided, but that pre-supposes batteries for everything. I just need to know how to configure, do i bring big batteries and inverters for AC plug pack devices like powered hub, camera power supply, laptop, etc; or just a long 25m power cord and safety switch power board?

[multiweb]

I use a small UPS whenever I go on the main on the field now at the house. The batteries at the house are usually topped up with a genie so it will be enough for the crowd. Charging stations are available on the main field.

[h0ughy]

so do you camp up at the house? can you take your own generator?

[glend]

Thanks Marc, not sure i undetstand completely, but it sounds like your saying "no AC on the imaging field".

I have found the following info related to power (provided by Trevor) in the 2011 SPSP thread: ".... we have 240v in the imaging field, just bring a 20m extension lead and a powerboard. You can bring your gen if you want, we can then take turns if necessary powering the place.

We have an off grid battery system that was able to run 8 scopes last year all night. It can be charged from the Gensets during the day. I think the house is a 1.5Kva battery system

We switched off the genset and ran on the house batteries from around 10pm.

We have a 2Kva gen up there."

So i am confused. The 2011 info sounds great, but can it be confirmed?

Also, how far is it from the camper, caravan area? I can run power from my camper batteries as long as it is limited to 25 metres.

[multiweb]

Check with Trevor, but we have AC at the house from the battery bank which gets topped up by solar and genie for the SPSP crowd. I think people can bring their own genies as well. I recommend a UPS for power drops and brown outs. Not worth frying $$$ of equipmemt. Surge protector is a good idea as well. To protect the UPS. 25m is the minimum you want, depending on how many people turn up and how far from the batteries you will be.

[glend]

Ok Marc, i have sent a PM to Trevor. Checking back on the 2011 thread it was Trevor who provided the quote in my previous message. I might just plan on bringing enough battery power to run my gear, regardless of where i setup. Thanks

[Allan_L]

Hi Glen,
From my (limited) experience at SPSP, it is a lot further than 25 metres from van sites to the (official) observing field.

However, if you mean imagers field, that is even miles further. However, I am not sure if imagers are able to park at or near the imagers field. This is (or at least was in my time) a bloody long way from the official "Observing" field. In fact I never found it. :shrug:

[tlgerdes]

Hi All,

Yes, at the imaging field of the Wiruna site, we have 240v power, with enough power to run 8-12 scopes and cameras for the night. You are also welcome to bring your own generators or batteries.

If bringing your own generator, a 25m (or more) power cord is advisable to get your generator away from the main area to limit intrusion to others.

Likewise, if you want to use the house power, bring your own 25m power cord.

The house power is batteries with inverter and a backup generator. We usually run the generator till around 10pm and then go silent on battery till morning.

I start the generator up again around 8am to revive the house batteries and let others recharge their own batteries.

As the field is designed for imaging, we have a "less strict" light policy (night blindness is a byproduct of looking at a computer screen). Please put your laptop's in some sort of box to restrict light bleed (The Reject Shop has a great storage box for under $10, see picture below), and dim your display, but no need for fancy red shields if you don't want. Also as we park cars and vans also on the field, there is no fancy certificate to say you car is dark approved etc. Dim white torches are ok, just keep them aimed towards the ground and not at other peoples equipment. Just be considerate of how your stray light affects others.

As Marc stated, a small UPS can be a worthwhile investment (something like http://ijk.com.au/branch/ijk/product_info.php?cPath=280&products_id=148270 ). This protects you against fancy footwork from fellow imagers who may inadvertently disconnect you temporarily at 2am, 28mins into a 30min subframe.

The house is a common area with kitchen, shower and toilets (and TV) for anyone to make use of. There is limited sleeping accommodation within the house on a first come, first served basis in a bunkhouse arrangement for around 12 people (8 bunks and 4 floor mattress). Just let me know ahead if you are thinking you want to use them.

I'm the "Field Marshal" for the Imaging Field (and expect to be addressed as such :) ) my caravan is the old white and green one next to the radio dish. I'll be there from around 1pm on Thursday, but others may be there from Wednesday night. If you are planning an early arrival please PM me.

None of the above applies to the main Wiruna observation field. They have there own stormtroopers policing their own very different rules. :fight:

Everyone is welcome at the imaging field, just turn right through the gate next to the main hall and continue down the track for about 500m.

[tlgerdes]

Hi Glen,

Yes you can park your car in the imaging field, and even camp next to you scope of you like. The imaging field is now about half a football field in size. We just ask people with vans or large tents to camp around the edge of the field near the tree line, just so the best imaging spots aren't obscured by a mobile Taj Mahal.

You can get an idea of the field layout from Google https://www.google.com.au/maps/place/Barry+Gerdes+Lodge,+lot+7,+Old+Ilfo rd+Rd,+Razorback+NSW+2850/@-33.0117674,149.774028,18z/data=!3m1!1e3!4m2!3m1!1s0x6b0e74c70 6310bc3:0xf6ca8572429760ef

Trev.

[tlgerdes]

It's a "Platform 9 and 3/4" thing, you weren't special enough :P

[tlgerdes]

We now have a full house.

26th Annual Star Party: 10th-13th May 2018 - SOLD OUT!!

Registrations are now CLOSED for 26th Annual South Pacific Star Party: 10th-13th May 2018

[h0ughy]

Wow I'm a lucky barstool :D

[tlgerdes]

Hi everyone,

Information packs for the SPSP should be in your inbox in the next few days. Nothing much really has changed since last year, but please take the time to read and get excited about this year's event.

We have 2 great speakers and topics for this year's Friday and Saturday afternoon sessions.

Our keynote speaker for Saturday afternoon is Melissa Hulbert from Sydney Observatory. Melissa will share her experiences of Total Solar Eclipses in a talk titled "When Sun, Moon and Earth Align". Melissa has successfully led three total solar eclipse tours all over the world and has been to eight totalities, witnessing them all, and loves sharing the wonder and awe of this amazing natural phenomenon. She is a keen astrophotographer and has imaged all eight eclipses with great success. Travelling to watch eclipses is also a chance to immerse yourself in the culture of the country you’re visiting. Melissa will talk about the recent ‘Great American Eclipse’, some of the other interesting places she has observed eclipses from, and some of the fascinating cultural highlights she has experienced.

Our speaker on the Friday afternoon is Trent McDougall, presenting on "Makers in the Scientific Community". High-end technology is now readily available to the home hobbyist. Armed with manufacturing tools and modular electronics; home hobbyists are able to turn ideas and concepts into reality very quickly. In some instances, a completely new device of original thought can become reality within a matter of hours. Trent’s talk will discuss his experiences and projects in the last few years doing exactly this, and how he became one of the few amateurs who are active and contributing to interplanetary robotic science, from his shed at home in Australia.

If you don't get your information pack, please PM me at the end of next week.

[tlgerdes]

Hi Eveyone,

There are delays with finalising the info pack and it has not been sent out yet. I hope to have an ETA this afternoon.

Trev

[tlgerdes]

For those eagerly awaiting this year's event, info packs are on their way to your inboxes as we speak. Just got mine.

Let me know if you don't get yours.

[glend]

What do the weather forecast gurus have to say about SPSP from next Thursday? The extended forecast I have looked at on Accuweather are not encouraging.:shrug:

[Marke]

dont say that :(:(

[multiweb]

Packing my umbrella and a bottle of port. :rain:

[tlgerdes]

Who hasn't sacrificed their goat on the bbq?

Wiruna is strange weather place, don't place too much emphasis on the reports. But prepare for anything.

[multiweb]

Makes sense. Let's BBQ more goats.

[OzEclipse]

Weather, not looking great - all models predicting the same thing.
Predictions are stable ie much the same day after day. :sadeyes:

Looks like there will be plenty of time to sit around and chat.

Joe

[glend]

Well lets see how the weather pans out in reality. But sitting around in the rain is not my idea of a great astro weekend, regardless of the company.

The ASNSW should consider an alternate New Moon weekend in June or July as a contingency. As the site is theirs it seems within their power to defer the event.

[multiweb]

I would be a logistical nightmare to offset the dates for 300+ attendants. April/May is the sweet spot, like August for astrofest but with the warmer weather we possibly get rained in this year. Not the usual weather for this time of year. It's still a fair way away. Maybe we get lucky.

[tlgerdes]

Way too hard to move, we have speakers booked, scouts catering, generators, marquees, plus Saturdays dinner all booked to roll. Plus those who have taken annual leave or even flights etc.

You just have to roll the dice.

Yeah it's not looking good, but I have seen worse forecasts come good in the last 48hrs.

If you want to get the early nod to what might happen, jump over here https://www.ski.com.au/xf/threads/9-12-may-winter-starter-kit.81148/

These guys are on the the ball for weather prognostication. They will be the first to see any deviation.

[Allan]

I have had a lot of people get in touch, wondering what I am doing with the 32” and keen to spend some time observing with it. I was very much looking forward to sharing some large aperture views with everyone, so this weather turn of events is very disappointing.

It’s a fair effort and cost to get the dob to SPSP, and with the forecast of 40mm of rain for Bathurst and snow above 1200m, it would be reckless to bring the scope out in that.

It’s frustrating, but we’ve had many years in a row now of pretty good weather for SPSP, so these things are bound to happen occasionally. I’ll try with the big dob again next year.

[The Mekon]

Weather forecast not encouraging and I am considering pulling out. Not a nice weekend in a tent at Ilford if rains and cloudy at night. Had a few SPSPs with poor weather in the 1990's that I remember. Back then there was no restrictions on campfires in the glen and other areas, so at least we could sit around the fire and pass a bottle of port around.
Would be interesting to know if the committee would ease the fire restrictions if it rains.

[tlgerdes]

I cant comment on any variation to the camp fire scenarios should inclement weather set in.

But don't cancel just yet. Looks like the weather models for the end of the week are diverging, over the weekend they were all in consensus. https://www.ski.com.au/xf/threads/9-12-may-winter-starter-kit.81148/page-4

[h0ughy]

well be nice to catch up and see the area, perhaps some widefield shots and cloud appreciation society.......;)

[glend]

What is the cancellation process?

[tlgerdes]

email secretary@asnsw.com

[nobby2]

Latest as i see it through to Friday at least.

[alan meehan]

Iam thinking I might pull the pin on this myself I have sat up in rain and cold many times not good getting too old for that now

[multiweb]

Pfft...bunch of sooks... :P

[alan meehan]

Marc tell me all about when you get back ,I hope its fine for you see you in QLD
AL

[multiweb]

:lol: I don't think I'll get much imaging done. I'll probably be stuck next to the coffee machine and wait for a kandos scout burger with the lot. ;)
Looking forward to astrofest though. :thumbsup:

[tlgerdes]

Al, how many nights in the year do you get to view and image versus spending quality time with such legendary people as Marc Aragnou?

[Marke]

I bet you frogginator is not staying in a tent hmm lol

[tlgerdes]

No, we have a special pond for him on the property. :lol:

[alan meehan]

Glend.....QLDSEND ME YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS

[multiweb]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dqf1BmN4Dag


Nope... not me. :windy: I always stay within a 2m radius of the fireplace. Last time I fell asleep and melted the rubber sole of my trainers. :lol:



Not anymore. I got thrown out by the yabbies. They say I'm a bad influence on the offsprings. I party too hard. :drink:

[alan meehan]

Marc your a crack up ,Trevor 9 days of astrofest

[spacezebra]

Im staying in a nice warm bed that weekend! Have fun.

[cfn]

The high resolution forecast is now available here (http://www.liveweather.com.au/wiruna/). Good luck.

[multiweb]

Looks like we might even have a snow fight.... :evil:

[h0ughy]

well i am coming down with a cold, not at all happy. my wife had it over the end of last week:sadeyes: and i had hoped i was going to miss it. had flu shot last tuesday? with the prospect of clear skies diminished as i would have had to leave Friday (21st birthday for daughter and mothers day) i might have to forego throwing frozen water at Marc:P

[tlgerdes]

Building a Snowfrog sounds fun

[tlgerdes]

Determinations on changing any restrictions will be made based on point in time conditions.

[The Mekon]

You should have been a politician Trevor! If Scotti, Pavel & I do come it may be for Saturday and for the hope of Sunday night being OK.

[tlgerdes]

ASNSW Committee member is as far as I go

[tlgerdes]

Actually, considering the forecast of snowmageddon down south, the lastest forecasts aren't that bad.

[multiweb]

Looks like Saturday night forecast got a little better over the past few days. Finger crossed.
Plugged everything this arvo indoors making sure I don't forget anything. The rig will be performing well.

[gary]

Possibility of snow Friday. Drive safely.

[Marke]

Yes saw the snow warning could be an interesting drive tomorrow

[h0ughy]

those frogs legs look a tad wobbly with that instrument on it

[tlgerdes]

We actually got a few of hours of clear sky tonight here. Turned to mud around 1030pm.

Saturday night is looking the pick now :astron:. Friday night will be for "socialising" :cheers:

[tlgerdes]

Midnight weather update.... sleeting!

[h0ughy]

bet the fire place in the shed is popular

[multiweb]

Leaving in about 2h. Hope I can make it past Katoomba. That's where I got stuck last time it snowed.

[nobby2]

Report from SPSP. Thursday Night I had decided to make it an early to bed night after thick cloud. Had a last look around 7.30 and it cleared to a beautiful (first time) clear Wiruna night.

By the time I got out of the tent Friday it had been raining and there was light snow over breakfast. Cold, windy and wet for the rest of Friday.
Only slightly better most of Saturday with showers and gusty wind.

After settling in beside the fire after dinner with a glass of wine ready for another early night Saturday, it just cleared again for another magic Wiruna night.

[multiweb]

Well against all odds the weather Saturday and Sunday nights was terrific. And it looks like Monday night is a corker as well. Got stacks of data. Two nights no wind, no clouds, decent seeing Saturday and much better Sunday. Gear behaved and operator is a happy chappy. :stargaze:

[h0ughy]

good news, any photos of the field - and any snow?

[multiweb]

I was there Friday night only for wine cheese and crackers then took off to Mike's place Saturday morning further west, but the weather was the same at the house in Wiruna from what Joe says.

[OzEclipse]

So glad to hear the weather improved. Our tent collapsed and leaked Friday night, sleeping gear got wet so had to bug out Saturday morning somewhere where we had motel accommodation.

We drove out west to Parkes Saturday, then West Wyalong last night, Cowra tonight. Clear all three nights. Predicted cloudy tomorrow night when we're back in Canberra. We have booked into Mt Stromlo for astrophotography Wednesday night. Then it's clouds for the next few days and I have to go back to work Thursday.

Here is one of last nights time lapses :

http://joe-cali.com/astronomy/astrophotography-2/WEETHALIE-SILO-2.mp4

Thanks to the SPSP organizers. Fantastic job!! :thanx:

Joe

[tlgerdes]

Snowfall at Wiruna imaging field and Friday nights "house party"

[The Mekon]

I sensibly decided to arrive on Saturday. Still very cloudy and light rain. But by around 7pm the sky was clearing and at midnight the transparency was superb. With my 106mm I was picking up 11th mag galaxies in the northern sky as if it was an 8" scope anywhere else. This is why I go to Wiruna.
Next night, Sunday was also clear. Sure, numbers were down this year, but it was good to meet up with other IIS members. Steve (Tinderboxsky) picked up an award for his well thought out mods on his TRex mounted Vixen 140. Congratulations Steve, a pleasure to meet you.

John

[h0ughy]

Ahh the in crowd

[Tinderboxsky]

Thank you for your comments John. I too enjoyed our conversations on the observing field.
The Wiruna skies are certainly overall darker than my home skies. I enjoyed the deeper views.
I enjoyed the SPSP experience and we won't forget the cold for some time to come! Camped at Eden at the moment and not back in Tas until early June.

[tlgerdes]

Cold at Wiruna? This years SP wasn't cold, windy yes, cold no.

Cold at Wiruna for a SP, is when you get up off your seat in the field and come back 5mins later and find it iced up. (-5c) :lol:

[Tinderboxsky]

Haha ... yes it was the wind chill that was the killer. Actually, I had to take my freezer top off for a while during the Sat night viewing as I was just too toasty all rugged up.
Rugged up in a freezer suit makes for comfortable viewing on sub zero nights. Still, frosty nights are quite serene.

[multiweb]

I thought it was quite warm this year actually. Nights didn't go any lower than 6c where I was so focus was pretty easy to track. Or maybe it was all the vino. :question: