Mt Waverley (Melbourne SE) get together Thu Feb 22

janoskiss (Steve H) · #1 02-02-2007, 04:35 PM

Anyone from Mt Waverley or neighbouring suburbs interested in catching up, I propose Thursday 22nd Feb, 7:30-11pm for an informal get together. Moon, Saturn and some of the brighter DSOs should be enough to keep us busy, weather permitting.

There is a great site for observing near the centre of Mt Waverley, apart from light pollution of course. Locals should know it well already - if you don't you should get your bum off the couch more often.

PM me for exact location. If there is any interest at all I will be there with a scope + binos.

[1ponders] (Paul) · #2 02-02-2007, 04:51 PM

I'll add the event to the calendar Steve.

Just out of curiosity any particular reason for the 22nd and not the 17th? New moon on the 18th.

janoskiss (Steve H) · #3 02-02-2007, 05:04 PM

Paul, if I'm observing on the 17th it will be at the Briars site with Dave and the MPAS. Considering the light pollution we have here in Mt Waverley, a little bit of lunar observing right after sunset will be a good thing. And also, I wanted to make it a weeknight - imo more appropriate than the w/e for a local gathering.

[1ponders] (Paul) · #4 02-02-2007, 05:07 PM

janoskiss (Steve H) · #5 05-02-2007, 05:32 PM

Several people have expressed interest so unless the weather turns nasty this will be going ahead.

I was asked about vehicle access and gate closures and the only advice I can give is read the signs as you enter and leave your car somewhere where it won't get locked in overnight. There should be plenty of parking space around close to the observing field.

EzyStyles (Eric) · #6 07-02-2007, 03:25 AM

it will be good to catch up with you steve as well as meeting others. where abouts is this secret site in Mt Waverley? I can't say at this stage if i am 100% free but will let you know.

bojan · #7 07-02-2007, 07:36 AM

I believe it is Valley Reserve, is it Steve? :-)
I would like to be there of course, if weather permits.
B

janoskiss (Steve H) · #8 07-02-2007, 11:20 AM

PMs away guys.

That makes eight of us so far.

Might be worth making use of the facilities and having a bit of a cookup on the BBQ before sunset.

jase (Jason) · #9 07-02-2007, 01:09 PM

Would like to meet a few ISS people in person, but can't make it this round. I'm off to europe for business this Sat and gone for a month or so. Hopefully next time.

janoskiss (Steve H) · #10 19-02-2007, 12:38 PM

I lost count now how many people have expressed interest in this meetup so far, via PM and email - at least 10, maybe more. Please use PM rather than email if possible (account is very spam infested but I will keep an eye on it).

At this early stage weather is looking good.

For anyone looking to purchase their first scope in the near future, this would be a great opportunity to have a first-hand look at and through some telescopes before buying. Ditto eyepieces. I'll try to bring as much of my gear as I can.

janoskiss (Steve H) · #11 19-02-2007, 12:47 PM

One more thing: A few people seem to have gotten the impression that observing will be at a "dark sky" site in Mt Waverley. To dispel any unrealistic expectations let me clarify that there is no dark sky sites anywhere near Mt Waverley. The city is just too close for that. Proper dark skies are at least an hour's drive away. But we will be making the most of the polluted skies we have close to home.

erick (Eric) · #12 19-02-2007, 01:28 PM

Thanks Steve, I still plan on being there - not sure how early but before sunset. Working on trying to get a few others as well - newbies like me. Weather forecast suggests partly cloudy - hence

erick (Eric) · #13 22-02-2007, 10:41 AM

Mt Waverley is Go! tonight? We won't let a thunderstorm or two deter us??

bojan · #14 22-02-2007, 10:58 AM

I will be there.

janoskiss (Steve H) · #15 22-02-2007, 11:10 AM

Yes. Mt Waverley meeting tonight will go ahead regardless of weather. I will be there from 7:30. BYO dead animal/mineral/vegetable for BBQ - or scavange

- I'll bring plenty of food.

Looking forward to catching up with everyone.

bojan · #16 23-02-2007, 08:07 AM

Steve, it was a very pleasant evening to spend with you guys :-) Roo on a barbie was fantastic!! :-) And so is your eyepiece collection :-)
I am looking forward to more such gatherings in the future ....
Bojan

janoskiss (Steve H) · #17 23-02-2007, 10:26 AM

Had a great night. It was nice to meet some of the locals. Looking forward to meeting more of you in the future. Bojan's high-tech Dob was amazing. And Erick's giant binos were fun.

And welcome to Maureen and Sean! Bring your scope next time. I'm sure it is a good one just needs to be set up properly.

I'll post a few piccies later.

btw. Bojan, you look at least 10 years younger in person than in your avatar photo.

erick (Eric) · #18 23-02-2007, 10:30 AM

And we looked at lots of great stuff in the sky!!
In great company!! What more could one ask, apart from an RDO today! But no such luck.

More later

bojan · #19 23-02-2007, 12:09 PM

That is good :-) I do not need to change my avatar for the next 10 years :-)

kitty · #20 23-02-2007, 08:52 PM

Thank you janoskiss, bojan, Erick for a very informative and friendly night. As a "newbie" the only thing I have really seen with my scope is the moon. As beautiful as it is to watch I really wanted to see more. I was excited to see Saturn for the first time last night, the Jewel Box and lots of other exciting stuff. I was pretty amazed with the scopes and binoculars the guys had. I would suggest to all you "newbies" to try to go to a get together and have a watch and talk to some IISers who will gladly give you advice and a look through their scopes. thanks guys. kitty