NSW Central Coast Casual Observing

[sharptrack2 (Kevin)]

@thecableguy, visitors and questions always welcome. I still consider myself an absolute beginner and have been at it for over a year now.

If we see you pull into the drive, I can always come down with a red light and guide you in. 10pm may be pushing it for what we might want to endure given the forecast temperature, but generally we start packing up around 11pm... all depends on the seeing and if we've run out of hot water for tea .

See the sticky thread...http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/s...ad.php?t=26142

for directions.

Hope you can make it out, don't hesitate to call to check on us, 0424063305.

[thegableguy (Chris)]

Hmmmmm.... yeah probably won't make it. I finish performing around 930pm, by the time I've packed everything into the car and get on my way it'll likely be after 10pm and it's a 40-min drive so unlikely to be there before 1040pm. Probably not worth the drive if you're going to be packing up when I arrive.

That's a real shame! I'm a musician & singer and I work pretty much every Friday & Saturday night; do these things ever happen mid week? I'm guessing not...?

[Shano592 (Shane)]

Hi Chris,

On occasion, Allan_L has been known to head up on a Monday/Tuesday nearest to a new moon.

You're still welcome to come on up and say hi... scope not essential.

[nobby2 (Neil)]

Can you give me an approximate time that the gate will be open? last time I was way to early (being a man of leisure).

[Shano592 (Shane)]

Hehe. Good to see you in town, Neil.

I'm aiming to get there around the 4:30 mark. I will be leaving Tuggerah at around 3:45.

[sharptrack2 (Kevin)]

A big thank you to Shane for opening up last night, Allan and Neil for attending! Was a good night!

Seeing started off reasonably good, then faded out a bit, then cleared right up around 11pm . Lots of meteors (to me anyway), I think we all had double digit counts by the end. There were a number of really bright streamers, I hope I got one or two on the camera .

Some good fun target competitions (we all tried to find the same thing, I think I did pretty well with my little C8 up against the big boys... )

I scored a couple of firsts, personally found M104, M27 and Neptune. Counted 4 moons around Saturn, and got my best view of Centaurus A.

Regrettably some could not make it, for various reasons (mostly work! I know the feeling), here's hoping they can make the next night out.

All in all, definitely worth not getting home until 01:30am. I'm ready for next weekend!

[Allan_L (Allan)]

Nice to get out under the stars again.
Thanks Shane, Kevin, Neil

Final Counts:
meteors 12 ;
temp 4°C;
bedtime 00:24

[Youssef (Youssef)]

gday

Myself and potentially a friend or two are very interested in coming along to one of these events, if welcome. Complete and total novices.

When might the next one be?

Thanks!!~

[Shano592 (Shane)]

Yes, it was a good night, with really good company. Thanks to Kevin, Neil and Allan.

The moon did have an effect on the eastern side of the sky - the west was beautiful and dark; the stars were crisp and clean - but the east was quite contrasted out.

Slowly getting the hang of the LX on the wedge. This time was much better.


Final Count for me:

Meteors: An easy 20. All over the sky, too. Some of the best were in the vicinity of the SMC.

2 ISS passes, though the first one ended just being a plane...

Final temp was approx 2°C

Gate was locked just on 1am

Bed just after 2am


Youssef:

Yourself and your friends are certainly welcome to these nights. We welcome all comers.

The Pony Club nights are generally held on the week of the new moon, and most often on a Saturday night. We jumped at last night because the weather has been so up-and-down lately.

There is a chance for next week, otherwise it will be at next month's new moon... weather permitting.

Just keep an eye on this thread for updates.

Any questions, just ask.

[Inmykombi (Geoff)]

Crappy weather for tonight people. Is there any chance it may clear ?

[Allan_L (Allan)]

Originally Posted by Inmykombi

Crappy weather for tonight people. Is there any chance it may clear ?

Not from what I can see Geoff:
Cloud free night

[Inmykombi (Geoff)]

Hi, Is anyone going up to the PC this Saturday night 3rd Sept.?

Just checking, as I would love to catch up with all the group that I have not seen for ages.

[Allan_L (Allan)]

Love to catch up too.
Its been too long.

[GTB_an_Owl (Geoff)]

i will be in Coffs

geoff

[Gee (Gareth)]

I haven't been for ages. I'm keen for Sat 03SEP.

Gareth.

[Shano592 (Shane)]

Hopefully the weather is keen for it too!

If it does clear up, expect dew, judging by the amount of rain falling at the moment.

[GTB_an_Owl (Geoff)]

i predict all good for Sat nite

geoff

[Inmykombi (Geoff)]

Originally Posted by GTB_an_Owl

i will be in Coffs

geoff

Enjoy Coffs. We'll catch up sometime soon.

[Allan_L (Allan)]

Looking a bit dodgy at the moment...
But the Weather Owl has said "It Will CLEAR !"

Waiting until after 4 today to make a decision.
Who else is up for it?

[Inmykombi (Geoff)]

The Sky is clearing, but the wind is still here. Still watching with crossed fingers.