Hi guys.
May 7 was completely clouded out, so we've planned to have an impromptu session either Friday or Saturday night, this weekend (13th or 14th of May) up at Kulnura again (paintball place).
No BBQ's, just observing. Arrive when you want, leave when you want. But it's dark by 6pm, and of course it would be good if people arrived together so they could setup and observe together.
I had originally planned Friday, but am now free Saturday, and it might be more convenient for people because most wouldn't be working and so would be able to get there before sundown to setup. But i'm easy, so I ask for your preferred night.
The moon will be up, but not for long. On Friday, it sets at 8pm and will be thin and low. On Saturday, it sets at 9pm but again it shouldn't impede much at all on dark sky observing, especially towards the east and south.
Friday night, the GRS on Jupiter transits the middle at about 6pm. On Saturday night, about 11pm. No moon transits unfortunately, unless you count Io at 2am on Sunday morning
Of course everyone is invited.. it will be informal and this is the basis for our central coast observing group, which will get together whenever the sky is clear and the need is great, and people organise it. It could be once a month on new moon weekend, or last quarter, or even early in the lunar phase when the moon sets early.
I'll set up a mailing list for interested people, so they can email out and say "it's clear tonight, who wants to head up there?". or "planning to go on saturday, who's with me?", etc. Ideally phone numbers should also be swapped, so plans can be arranged etc.
Email or PM me with your email address and phone number, so you can be added to the mailing list.
You don't have to be from the central coast, of course if you're from Newcastle or Sydney or inbetween you're more than welcome. It just depends how far you want to drive. I know for sure that the core will at least be:
Me (iceman), Rod (rodstar), Andrew (hector), Gary (gary), John B (ausastronomer), Anthony (frogman), maybe Brendan?.
Hopefully Greg Bryant, John H, Louie, Narayan, Wayne, Ed + the newcastle boys might also make it from time to time, and anyone else who considered coming on May 7.
So, let me know if you want to come, what day you prefer, and if you want to be on the list for future impromptu observing sessions, PM or email me with your email address and phone number.
Thanks!
Definites for this weekend:
iceman
ausastronomer
h0ughy
atalas
rodstar
frogman
trufflehunter
frontieroptics
Maybe for this weekend:
gary
orion
hector
On the centralcoast mailing list:
iceman
ausastronomer
gary kopff
h0ughy
atalas
orion
rodstar
frogman
trufflehunter
frontieroptics
hector
greg bryant
We'll hook it up to my encoders 
. Taking the missus classic car for a run.
