Wow Glen you are busy this month.
That refractor sound very nice indeed.
Work is the governing factor with me too, so here's hoping.
I am really hoping for nice weather and good skies for us.
It's about time we had a good break from the less than desirable nights we have been suffering lately.
Arthur I don't believe we were considering a traditional weekend rather the days on or just after the New Moon, like the 29th or 30th of April onward. I know Allan will be at IISAC until the 27th. I thought Geoff was ok with that based on previous posts suggesting days from the Wednesday to Saturday, but maybe I am wrong. If there is no interest in the April New Moon then fair enough. I only raised it because both Allan's suggested it as a monthly thing.
Glen I am straight back into work after IISAC, so I can't make it to Bretti. May is the SPSP. So for me June will be the next time I can consider Bretti, and that depends on what my work roster is like then. Will be keen to look through your new scope by then, and I might have my Zambuto mirror around June or July, so will definitely need a Bretti trip to test it out.
Looks like I maybe required to be in Sydney for a couple of days that new moon week, if so I'll have to miss this one. Sorry Geoff. Not completely out yet though.
Starting to look like I will be there alone, again.
still...
weather looks promising for Monday to Wednesday.
hoping for some company.
Got the scope out at home last night (Sunday April 20)...
sky was clear as,
but seeing was not so great...
ahh for the dark crisp clear nights that Bretti provides
I have been at Lake Glenbawn since Easter Sunday and conditions have been great. Best night was a 21.81 on the Sky Quality Meter which is better than the 21.77 at Chaffey Dam on the first night there. Had some high haze last night but it has cleared this morning. My last night here tonight then home tomorrow. The new Hunter Expressway was a real joy and reduced the trip significantly. It is only 167kms from my place to Lake Glenbawn. Only problem with this site is a lack of level ground but there is enough for scopes.
I will try to get to Bretti but I can not promise due to daughters schedule.
OK. Looks like Bretti trip may be postponed for me this month too.
Weather is not looking promising.
A close work colleague has lost her fight with cancer and funeral is Monday.
and... my azimuth drive has died and needs repair or replacement.
I have no notion of how to do this, so looks like an appointment in Glebe.
Work has been more than a handful since Sept last year, so it's been hard to plan on anything happening outside of public holidays or weekends...
I've just got home from IISAC2014. It was fairly typical lostock conditions... a bit humid, the usual sky glow and some unsettled sky. Really miss Bretti!
It sucks the June long weekend is a full moon or that would have been perfect.
Given enough notice I think I can swing a few days off to make a long weekend. New moon at the end of June (27/28) suit anyone?
Sure Rob, June sounds good at this point - but what about May New Moon as well, it's much closer and we've missed out on April for various reasons.
Personally I am 'astronomied out' after my week at Lake Glenbawn and have things on this week anyway. I have to get back to work on my refractor build too.
I know Allen is committed to SPSP in May, but how do others feel about May New Moon?
Will be heading for Bretti reserve on the 22nd of August for 4-5 nights.
Yes you may say that's months away but some of us need early notification unfortunately.
The new moon is on the Monday night (25 th) so will have the lead up amd follow up skies. Remember this on will be pretty cool temp wise so we will need a camp fire and freezer suits and a sleeping bag rated to at least -4
Will be heading for Bretti reserve on the 22nd of August for 4-5 nights.
Yes you may say that's months away but some of us need early notification unfortunately.
The new moon is on the Monday night (25 th) so will have the lead up amd follow up skies. Remember this on will be pretty cool temp wise so we will need a camp fire and freezer suits and a sleeping bag rated to at least -4
Got told yesterday leave not possible. Not a happy chappy as you can imagine. May be a possibility for the camp if not I can see a job search coming in the crystal ball. Currently have 10 weeks up my sleeve and can't access them
I had a visit from new IIS member Scott (Skullmurphy user id) who has recently acquired a new Orion XX14 Goto dob. Scott wanted to look at how I made my dob wheel barrow handles as he is trying to come up with a design that will work with the vertical supports on the side of the Orion. Scott is located nearby (Caves Beach) and still hasn't managed to get first light through his new scope due to the rain and cloud.
The reason for that information is that Scott expressed an interest in coming out to Bretti and asked about the next trip. All I could tell him with certainty is that we'll probably be out there at the end of August but to watch this (and the other) Bretti threads for news. He seems to be able to go for more than just a weekend which is always good.
Anyway Scott if your reading this, welcome to IIS and it was nice to meet you and hear about your Orion. Watch this space for Bretti news.
