So busting for this camp now! Finally got my new ASI1600 image train assembled, all I need to do now is TEST the damned thing. So yeah, every time you see the thick clouds roll in around 7pm, think of me!
Hi all
Have some news! I was in Sydney over the weekend and took the opportunity to drop into the guys at Bintel. Had a very pleasant hour chatting with Mick, Don and John about all things astro. The subject of Snake Valley came up and end result we now have Bintel as a sponsor!!
The upshot is that all attendees at the camp will get a voucher/code for a 10% discount on a Bintel purchase over $100.
They will also be donating an item for us to use as a door prize/raffle prize in conjunction with Celestron.
Obviously, we are a small camp and they are running a business so they are not going to shower us with Televue eyepieces but it is a great boost to us and we are pleased to have them on board.
I will be updating our Facebook page and website tonight to reflect this.
Me too Yayyy but unfortunately Drews not coming this year he's getting too cool for us Astro geeks Hahahaha so I might have to nag my swan hill buddy Rex to come along this time instead 😜😜😜🔭🔭🔭
Is it September yet I'm really looking forward to the break 😈
Jen
Received the form and $$$. Shame about Drew, he may regret it though as I did have an enquiry from a group of up to 6 young ladies a few days back!!
Hi all
Bookings and enquiries on the camp are coming in. Cabins are now just about all booked so I may have to do some jiggering and making sharing arrangements for any further bookings. If you are OK to share, please let me know.
So far I have bookings from:
Malcolm (myself)
Paul Byron
Paul Fitzgerald
Wren
Simon Waters x 2
John Glossop
Darren Quinert
Paul Milvain
Christopher Milvain
Tom Fowler
Rowland
Norm and Melissa Matyson
David Murton
Jen (of course)
Dennis Busato
Tony Busato
Stefan del Pra
John Gurkin
Markus Stone
Eric and Nancy Nelson (from Utah)
Others that have told me they are coming are:
Andy Campbell
John Pullen
Julian O’Donnell
Steve Flemming
Jamie Pole x2
Camelopardelis (dunk on IIS)
Ian Merrick? I think I have that right?
Emmanual
PLEASE LET ME KNOW IF I HAVE MISSED ANYONE!!
We have had a few other enquiries and I am assuming that quite a few that are camping that haven’t booked yet will do so in the near future.
In other news, following on from recent camps we are pleased to announce a presentation for the upcoming Snake Valley Astro Camp. Ken Harrison (those of you on Ice in Space will know as “merlin66”) will be doing a presentation on spectroscopy. He will cover in brief, equipment, techniques, interpreting results and give an overview of this fascinating area where amateurs can make valuable contributions to science. He will all discuss his new Spectroheliograph that enables solar observations to be made in a wide range of wavelengths and bands widths.
At this stage it is anticipated that the presentation will take place Friday afternoon of the camp.
On that note, we are always keen to hear if anyone has an idea for a presentation, it could be as simple as How to drift align, Why you use a piece of gear, Image processing, interesting targets in tonights sky, anything really. Just let me know!!
Cheers
The spectroscopy presentation will be interesting, I will definitely like to sit in on that and know more about it.
In regards to ideas for presentations I would like to see one on polar alignment for night time and day time (solar) observing as I still have trouble getting this right. I am sure it will benefit others as well!
I was thinking of doing a quick demo of the QHY Polemaster that I have been using. It makes basic polar alignment very easy and only takes about 20 mins. Not sure how many others have these devices that are going, apart from Paul Byron and myself, but happy to show how it works for those interested!! I reckon it was close the best money I have ever spent on astro gear.
Needs to be at night and clear obviously.
I have a Polemaster that I use on a HEQ5 and an EQ6, brilliant bit of kit
I am happy to of a talk on something if people can decide upon a topic of two that they'd like.
I am technically qualified as an astrophysicist (haven't started my PhD yet) so if some topics are put into the air I can organise a talk or two There is a high chance I'll be there but I may end up house sitting two dogs and 60 odd chickens
I was thinking of doing a quick demo of the QHY Polemaster that I have been using. It makes basic polar alignment very easy and only takes about 20 mins. Not sure how many others have these devices that are going, apart from Paul Byron and myself, but happy to show how it works for those interested!! I reckon it was close the best money I have ever spent on astro gear.
Needs to be at night and clear obviously.
Malcolm
Both Jamie Pole and I have PoleMaster's as well so there will be a few around to show people..
Um....Speaking of presentations, I designed and built a Planispheric Astrolabe which can convert settings in RA, Dec to Alt Az and vice versa in the Southern Hemisphere. I can give a chat and demo about it if you wish.
Cheers!
my tanned QLD legs need protecting 
Simon, I'll be bringing mine if the planets align and the clouds part 
