Two Saturdays are available to us this month!
Hi folks,
This month's New Moon sits smack bang mid-week. This gives us two shots at dates for a trek up the 'Mountains. Rod's happy for us to have the two Saturdays, the 20 and 27. Can't say it's through no lack of trying...
Some of us may be able to do both Saturdays, some one or the other. With how lousy things have been this year for us, other than living up in the Blue Mountains this is as good a chance as we can get, <sigh>...
If you haven't been to the Airfield before you are most welcome to come. Doesn't matter if you have a scope or not you are welcome. We are a friendly bunch, and don't bite too hard...
Access to the Airfield is via Medlow Bath, the next village after Katoomba heading west. At Medlow Bath's only set of traffic lights turn into Station Pde, and then turn left into Rutland. Rutland is also known as Grand Canyon Drive. The Airfield is 4km from this intersection with the last 3km being unsealed.
NOTE: recent rain up there has eroded the road surface, so take it easy.
The Airfield is totally BYO power, food, drinks, etc. Loos are available for kids and ladies and those feeling less adventurous (ok Duncan, we promise to not be too harsh on you in future {said with fingers crossed behing his back...
}) ). There is no knock-off time as we are welcome to stay overnight. When you've had enough you make your call. There are sofas in the office building we can get some kip in too. The office building also has a combustion heater that becomes the centre of the universe during winter, and it will still get very cold up there so come prepared,
This is an informal gathering. We all share the cost of a gift to Rod of his preferred brew. The hat gets passed around for this.
These get togethers are a great chance to ask questions if you are new to astronomy. Folks who come up bring a wide variety of instruments and gear, and their interests vary just as widely from visual through to imaging (and even sketching... ). The Airfield's elevation at 1000m also makes it not only one of the highest observing sites close to Sydney, but also its elevation makes a big impact in reducing the influence of Sydney's light pollution.
Heading to the Airfield
Note that some natsav systems call this site "Katoomba Airport", and won't show Katoomba Airfield.
On entering the Airfield's gates, keep to the left hand track - there is no access to the observing field using the other two tracks. Drive past the "no entry" sign and turn right up the hill past the various buildings. The setup slab is on the left once you reach the main runway.
The first pic below shows the route to the Airfield coming from Katoomba. The second pic shows the way to the observing slab on the main runway.
If you have a telescope, bring it along! If all you have are binoculars, brilliant! Bring them! Binos are a fantastic astronomy tool. I always bring my pair. If you don't have a scope, no problem either, we like to share the views through ours.
Mental.
.....)
