The IceInSpace AstroCamp (IISAC) at Lostock, now in its 6th year, is back again!  

IISAC2011 is a star party organised by the IceInSpace community and held over 3 nights, from the 27th to the 30th October 2011, at Lostock Scout Camp in the beautiful Hunter Valley area of NSW. The location was chosen because of its proximity to Sydney, the Central Coast and Newcastle, and at under 4 hours drive from Sydney you'll be amongst clear, very dark skies in a lovely country setting. If you want to see pictures and read reports from the three previous IISAC events, check out the Previous IISAC Events page.

There is bunkbed accomodation for up to 35 people in the two onsite farmhouses, or you can camp out in the large fields which have held over 500 scouts - so space is not a problem! The farmhouses also have a BBQ, full kitchen facilities, 240v power, 10 showers and 10 toilets, fridges and freezers. For off-site accomodation, the Lostock Caravan Park is only 6 km's away on the edge of Lostock Dam.

There'll be plenty to do when it's not dark, with a swimming hole to cool off during the hot summer days, as well as organised talks and workshops to cater for both newcomers and experienced amateur astronomers alike. You can go for leisurely drives through beautiful rolling hills, or a short trip takes you to the popular Hunter Valley wineries area.

The IceInSpace AstroCamp is the no-fuss star party - come to relax, to have fun, to unwind and to meet some of the great, friendly people that make up the wider IceInSpace family. And when it's clear, observe under brilliant dark skies and take home memories you'll cherish forever.

The AstroCamp is not restricted to IceInSpace forum members, it's open to anyone from anywhere! Of course we'd love you to join the forum community and join in the discussions and the fun, and we're very welcoming to newcomers.

Come for one night or stay for all three! We look forward to seeing you there!

Sponsors

A very big thanks to our generous sponsors who have donated prizes to IceInSpace AstroCamp 2011. They are:

Vital Stats

Features of the Site

• Exclusive use!
• Very dark skies
• 2 farmhouses with up to 35 bunkbeds in total (bring own linen). Remember, this is a scout camp. The bunkbed accommodation is not 4-star luxury!
• Loads of room for camping
• Huge observing fields with good open viewing (no trees etc)
• Camp where you observe!
• Power available on-site for recharging batteries, astrophotography, etc.
• Undercover area for meetings/presentations/wet weather etc
• The houses have full kitchens (stoves, cutlery, glasses, hot water, fridges and freezers)
• Amenities block with 5 showers and 5 toilets for both male and female  (remember, this is a scout camp!)
• The farm houses also have additional toilets and showers
• Swimming hole for cooling off during a hot summer day
• Off-site caravan park at Lostock Dam, about 6km's away
• Supplies at Gresford, 20km away.
  

Competitions and Prizes

Click to Enlarge Saxon 8" Dobsonian Telescope		Click to Enlarge Research Grade 50mm round LRGB filter set		Click to Enlarge 50% off an Argo Navis DTC

Lucky Door Prizes

Like IISAC2009 and 2010, there will be just 3 prizes; 3 lucky winners.

The following prizes are up for grabs, thanks to our generous sponsors.

• A Saxon 8" Dobsonian Telescope, sponsored by OzScopes (valued at $515)
• A Research Grade 50mm Round LRGB Filter Set, sponsored by FLI Camera (valued at US$825)
• 50% off an Argo Navis Digital Telescope Computer, sponsored by Wildcard Innovations (valued at $299)

The Important Competition Rules are set out in the Rules and Conditions section below. Please make sure you read them.

What To Bring!

Following is a list of items we strongly recommend that you bring to the AstroCamp.

• You may bring your own chair/picnic table, especially if camping. There will be plastic chairs and trestles tables under the marquee area. 
• Insect repellant (there will be mosquitoes and flies!)
• Toiletries (towel, soap, shampoo, toothbrush etc)
• Linen (pillow, sheets, blankets, sleeping bags)
• Tent, pegs, etc (if camping)
• Drink bottles for water (it will be hot, drink plenty of water)
• Hat and sunscreen (it will be hot!)
• Swimming costumes, towels (there is a beautiful swimming hole)
• It can get quite cold at night, so remember to bring warm clothes for observing or sleeping.
• Breakfast, Lunch, Snacks and Dinner (dinner is an optional extra with your booking). The nearest town for supplies is Gresford, about 25-30 minutes away.
• Batteries for powered scopes (240v power will be limited to the area around the farmhouse)
• Cardboard box / red screen for your laptop (see Light Use Policy)
• Torch with deep red filter (see Light Use Policy)
• Garbage Bags. There are no facilities for litter disposal. We will all have to take our rubbish away with us.
• Tarps for under your scope (if required)
• Tarps/covers for over your scope (if required) 
• Dew shields/dew heaters (it can get quite dewey)
• Wet weather games or DVD's (hopefully they won't be needed!)
• If bringing children, please bring enough games and toys to keep them happily busy! :)
• Your signed Acknowledgement and Disclaimer form.

Things to Know!

Along with the What to Bring section above, here are a few important things to know if coming to the IceInSpace AstroCamp 2011 at Lostock.

• Please come to the bottom house (HQ) when you arrive to collect your info pack, name tag and raffle ticket for the lucky door prize. We will also note down your car registration number for emergency purposes.
• The IceInSpace AstroCamp is the no-fuss star party. Come to relax, to have fun, to unwind and to meet some of the great, friendly people that make up the wider IceInSpace family. And when it's clear, observe under brilliant dark skies and take home memories you'll cherish forever. Please don't expect 4-star accommodation or amenities.
• The Acknowledgement and Disclaimer form must be signed and handed in when you arrive. This is to protect IceInSpace and the organisers against legal action if someone hurts themselves at the camp. All care is taken, but ultimately you are responsible. Please read the legal waiver now. And remember, it must be signed and handed in if you wish to stay at the camp.
• There is no GSM mobile reception at Lostock, however NextG may work from the high areas. There is no landline phone in either farmhouse.
• An "info pack" will be distributed when you arrive, containing rules, policies, the agenda, and local tourist information.
• There are 2 farmhouses, the bottom house is the HQ and the top house (5 minutes walk) also has facilities and beds. Each farmhouse holds about 18 beds. For those that have booked bunkbed accomodation, it is first-in best dressed when choosing your bunk. If you're bringing a family and wish to all be in the one room, please request this at the time of booking and every effort will be made to accomodate this.
• In the case of an emergency (bushfire, etc), please meet at the muster point outside the bottom house - see the field map.
• Please be all packed up and be ready to leave the camp by 10am Sunday. We need to leave it how we found it, so please help clean up any mess you make, take your rubbish and leftover food/drinks with you. Volunteers who wish to stay behind and help clean up will be most appreciated.

Daytime Activities, Guest Speakers and Workshops

A number of activities are planned to keep us busy during the day, while still allowing plenty of time to just relax, or go on sight-seeing tours of the Hunter Valley or local surrounds.

Please see the Programme of Events for the day and time that these activities are on.

• IISAC2011 Programme (PDF)

Guest Speakers

• John Sarkissian: Parkes Observatory: Fifty Golden Years
  The Parkes Radio Telescope is one of the great research instruments of the world. When commissioned on 31 October 1961, it was the most advanced radio telescope in the world and within months of its commissioning it established its reputation as the world's premier radio astronomy instrument - a reputation it still holds today. This talk will describe the history of the Parkes Telescope from its inception in the 1950's to the high impact science currently underway at the Dish today. Fifty years after its commissioning, the Dish is still going strong and playing its part in the future of world radio astronomy.
  
  
• Gary Kopff: "The Argo Navis Digital Telescope Computer" plus "Busting the myth of the 'perfect' polar alignment"
  Gary Kopff, creater of the Argo Navis Digital Telescope Computer, gives some background and insights into the creation of his world famous product. Using his years of theoretical and practical experience and testing in the field, Gary also gives us a primer on the effects that refraction has on pointing, polar alignment and tracking rates and busts the common misconception that there's something called a "perfect polar alignment".
  
  
• John Bambury:  Visual Astronomy and the use of Filters
  John Bambury is a very experienced observer and over the years has tried all of the filters available for visual astronomy. His talk covers all aspects of filters, including why we use them and what we're trying to achieve, how filters work, the different types of filters for both deep sky and lunar and planetary observing, and more.
  
  
• Mark Suchting and Isaac Qin: Optical Quality in Telescopes - What's important?
  Mark Suchting has been a professional optician for over 25 years : during  his career he has worked on instrument projects of major astronomical significance including the Anglo Australian Observatories 2DF project and the SUSI Stellar Interferometer. In the last 12 years he has been concentrating on supplying medium to large telescope optics to the amateur astronomy community . This talk will elucidate his perspective on the requirements for a superb optical surface and give an overview of the current trends in the commercial optics market with an overview of optical shop test methods and certification,  and  to demystify and be vigilant to some of the `hype' involved with marketing . There will also be a discussion of ways in which an end user can check their optical quality using simple methods.
  
   

Astronomy for Kids, Beginners and Partners

On Saturday 29th October at 11:30am, John Bambury will present a talk that goes through the very basics of Astronomy - including key people, events, objects, discoveries, types of telescopes and more.

This talk is perfect to keep the kids entertained for an hour, and will also be suitable for those beginning their astronomy journey. The partners of amateur astronomers may also find the talk interesting and are most welcome.

Questions will be most welcome!

Workshops

While there are no formal workshops scheduled during IISAC2011, a whiteboard located at the bottom house HQ will be used as a "community noticeboard" to get people together. It will be used both for people that need assistance and those that have the expertise to assist.

• For those that need help with collimation or polar alignment (for example), they might post a "wanted" notice such as "Bruce needs help collimating a 10" newt. Blue Hyundai Excel on the bottom field" or "Need help with polar alignment. Please meet here this afternoon at 4pm".
• For those willing to assist, they can post something like "John happy to help with polar aligning or collimation. Meet here at 4pm or see me at the white toyota hilux at the east end of the field".

Please don't be afraid to ask for help! Most amateur astronomers are happy to help and share their expertise when they can - we all started out by asking heaps of questions!

Vendor Stalls and Swap Meet

A number of vendors will be offering telescope equipment for sale at IISAC2011. The vendor stalls will be open on Saturday morning from 9:00am - 11:30am.

Vendors currently confirmed:

• Wildcard-Innovations
• Andrews Communications 

What's in the Sky at Lostock?

Late October is a great time to be observing under a dark sky. Wind your planetarium software forward and see what great stuff is on offer! Here is a sample of objects that will be in favourable viewing positions during the IceInSpace AstroCamp 2011.

IISAC2011 Sky Lists (670k zip) (Generated using CalSky.com) - contains 3 PDF's: 

• Binary Stars
• Deep Sky Objects
• General (planets, sun/moon rise/set times etc)

Night Sky Tours

Night Sky Tours will be conducted each night from 8:30pm on the lower field. Representatives from the Three Rivers Foundation (3RF) will have a number of large dobsonian telescopes (18" and above) through which you will be able to see amazing galaxies, nebulas, globular clusters and more.

Food and Beverage

The bunkhouses have fridges and freezers, as well as a full kitchen, cooking facilities and 2 BBQ's.  You are welcome to use the facilities provided and they are available for use by all paid attendees.

• Breakfast and Lunch is not catered, and you must make your own arrangements.
• A catered dinner will be provided by the Gresford RFB for those that request it with their booking. If you turn up without booking, you will have to arrange your own dinner.
• Tea and Coffee will be on-tap, 24 hours a day.
• Cans of cold soft-drink will be available for $1 each.
• Bottled Water will be available for $1 each.
• Tube iceblocks will be available for 40c each or 3 for $1.

The nearest shops for restocking and supplies are in Gresford, which is about a 25-30 minute drive from the camp.

IISAC2011 T-Shirts

IISAC2011 T-shirts are available for order through the online registration form as part of your camp booking. If you're not attending the camp but still wish to purchase an IISAC2011 t-shirt, please contact me.

The shirts are available in the following sizes:

• Adult sizes: S (w:46cm/l:71cm) , M (w:51/l:73cm) , L (w:56cm/l:76cm) , XL (w:61cm/l:79cm), XXL (w:66cm/l:81cm) , XXXL (very very big shirt- w:71cm/l:86cm)
• Kids sizes: XS (w:41cm/l:51cm)

Prices

• $20 adult size
• $15 child size (XS)

The shirts will be available for collection at IISAC2011.

Click to Enlarge IISAC2011 t-shirt

Prices and Booking

Book early! Bunkbed accommodation is limited, so be fast to secure your spot. On the booking form, you'll choose your option of bunkbed, camping or off-site accommodation.

Click on the button below to open the registration form and book your place!

• Participants who have made a booking and paid their money are eligible for the lucky door prize competition.
• Payment methods and other registration rules are set out in the Registration Payment rules set out below.
• Book and pay early (on or before the 20th September 2011) to receive an early-bird discount ($15 off the total price).
  

REGISTRATION COSTS

Once you have submitted your booking, you may come back to this page to make your payment via paypal. Please note: The button below is only for paying via paypal once you have registered. You still need to register using the booking form button above.

Testimonials

Here's what a few people had to say after IISAC2010, IISAC2009 and IISAC2008:

• "Having attended this event on all three occasions it has been held, I heartily recommend that the amateur astronomy community get behind this event. There is wonderful sense of community, and all levels of knowledge and ability are welcome and enjoy the event. When the skies are clear, they are superb, with many objects taking on stunning detail, even in modest apertures. This is also a place that the whole family will enjoy, with a beautiful natural environment and natural swimming hole which will keep the kids entertained for hours. The organisers deserve congratulations for the care and planning that go into making this event such a success."
• "This is my 4th IISAC and I'll continue to return as long as they are held. The organisers do a terrific job in making the stay as relaxed and enjoyable as possible. The location is great for family with kids and the atmosphere is easy going and fuss free. The amenities are more than adequate and the meals provided are just spot on.
  If your new to astronomy, then IISAC is a fantastic introduction to meeting people, equipment and the hobby in general. You don't need to be an expert in the astronomy nor do you even need to bring a scope to enjoy the wonders of the night sky. I would like to thank Mike Salway and the volunteers for an event that gets better and better each year."
• "An absolutely fantastic star party.  To Mike and the other organisers, the speakers, sponsors and the volunteers from Greford RFB my hat goes off to you for so generously giving your time, astro goodies, knowledge and help to make the event a complete success."
• "Having never been to a IISAC before and knowing absolutely nothing about Astronomy, I was thrilled with the standard of knowledge & the willingness to share it. The members were a pleasure to be with.And, it was fantastic value. My congratulations."
• "This is one star-party that I don't want to miss and the one that I enjoy myself at the most."
• "A great place to mix with amateur astronomers of all levels in a friendly environment. Highly recommended."
• "A terrific experience for all the family!  Saw fantastic objects in the sky you could never hope to see in Sydney!"
• "An awesome event. A great chance to meet like-minded people under dark skys and a credit to Mike and the team. Great work!"
• "Well run, great people, friendly atmosphere top event."
• "IISAC is a great informal event at a pretty campsite, run by people who are passionate about their hobby. Heaps to learn and enjoy, about stargazing, hearty dinners and a great creek side location to chill out in the daytime."
• "Would recommend this camp to newbies in astronomy as there are lots of talented people  happy to share their knowledge with you."
• "Fantastic event as always, good crowd and great people. Sadly I was away for the 2008 lucky door prize & my name got called out 2nd! Defintely going back again next year."
• "My guests loved the 2 hour 'window' where they gazed at Jupter and some of its moons for the very first time in ther lives! Also, they gazed at the milkyway and the shooting stars that could be plainly seen!"
• "It was great to attend IISAC 2008, in spite of the clouds it was great to meet and network with the people I have come to know on the forum."
• "The best river swim in history."  

Rules and Conditions

General

• IceInSpace and the organisers of the AstroCamp accept no responsibility for the safety or security of your posessions while at the Astronomy Camp.
• Please supervise all young children, as there will be expensive telescope equipment that the owners won't want knocked over.
• No pets are permitted. I'm sorry there are no exceptions to this.
• When driving, be aware of local wildlife and drive slowly and carefully. The last 20km's into Lostock is narrow and winding and you never know what's around the corner.
• The road into Lostock is narrow and winding. When driving, please be careful and take your time, especially in the wet or dark.
• It is a condition of entry that you sign and hand in the Acknowledgement and Disclaimer form when you arrive.
• All times specified on this page are in AEDST (daylight savings time).

Swimming Hole Rules

• The swimming hole is there for us to enjoy, however you choose to use it at your own risk. By signing the disclaimer form, you waive any right to bring action against the IISAC organisers or any volunteers for any injury sustained while using the swimming hole.
• The swimming hole will be open from 9am-11:30am and 1:30pm-5:30pm each day. It is not to be used outside these hours.
• Volunteer "lifeguards" will be present during open hours to ensure safe play.
• Parents must supervise their children while using the swimming hole. If a child is seen in the swimming hole without their parent present, the child will be asked to leave the swimming area.

Registration Payment

• Payment can be made in 1 of 3 ways, as outlined below:
  • Cheque/Money Order - made out to "IceInSpace". The address to send it to will be displayed upon completion of your registration.
  • Direct Deposit - bank/account details will be displayed upon completion of your registration.
  • Paypal - Payment via paypal can be made via the PAYPAL button above, or by using the button on the form at completion of your registration. Please be aware that payment via Paypal incurs a 3.5% surchage.
• Please arrange payment of your registration fee as early as possible so numbers can be confirmed for catering and insurance. Payment of your fees on or before 20th September 2011 entitles you to receive an early-bird discount ($15 off the total price).
• Cancellation of your registration may incur cancellation fees (see below).  

Cancellation Fees

• I understand that circumstances beyond your control may mean you can't make the camp. If you have booked and it turns out you can't make it after all, please cancel as early as possible. You will receive a 100% refund, less $20 cancellation fee.
• If you simply don't turn up at the camp, there will be no refund given, however your payment (less $25 cancellation fee) may be used as a credit for the next IISAC event.
• Refunds exclude any Paypal surchage.

Lucky Door Prize Rules

• Everyone who has a fully paid-up booking (whether staying on-site or off-site) will receive a raffle ticket for the lucky door prize when they arrive. That is, each person on your booking will receive a raffle ticket.
• If you turn up on the day without making a booking, you can still be eligible for the draw if you pay when you arrive and sign the Acknowledgement and Disclaimer form.
• You are only eligible for the draw if you have signed and handed in the Acknowledgement and Disclaimer form.  
• You (or your ticket) must be present at the draw to claim the prize. If the prize is not claimed within 2 minutes, a new ticket will be drawn.
• TBA will be drawing the tickets out of the hat. 
• Each ticket that is drawn (in order) will get their choice of the (remaining) prizes on offer, until all prizes are won.
• The competition will begin at 4:30pm on Saturday the 29th October 2011.
• The prize may not be converted to cash.

Location Photos

Here are some pictures of previous IISAC events, so you can get a feel for what it will be like to be there for IISAC2011!

IISAC2010 Photos

Click to Enlarge IISAC2010 Group Photo		Click to Enlarge Setting up for the clear skies		Click to Enlarge Southern Star Trails
Click to Enlarge Astrograph		Click to Enlarge Fred Watson preparing for his sing-a-long		Click to Enlarge Fred Watson's talk
Click to Enlarge Gary Kopff demonstrating the Argo Navis		Click to Enlarge Mine's bigger than yours?		Click to Enlarge Rod and family enjoying the talk
Click to Enlarge Houghy's car boot sale		Click to Enlarge Chris Lidman's talk		Click to Enlarge Norm's son won first prize
Click to Enlarge Signs of affection		Click to Enlarge Fred's talk		Click to Enlarge Greg coming back from the water hole
Click to Enlarge Fun with light painting		Click to Enlarge The ghostly ghastly old man Vanderhaven		Click to Enlarge Monte and Mark
Click to Enlarge The new Atlas mount		Click to Enlarge Mike		Click to Enlarge More affection from big Mike
Click to Enlarge Phil Hart in thought		Click to Enlarge Only a mother could love

IISAC2009 Photos

Click to Enlarge IISAC2009 Group Shot		Click to Enlarge Milky Way For Sale		Click to Enlarge IISAC Light Painting
Click to Enlarge Convincing the Telescope		Click to Enlarge Ready for the night		Click to Enlarge Preparing
Click to Enlarge Mountain views		Click to Enlarge The landing strip		Click to Enlarge The kids gang
Click to Enlarge Beautiful weather above the camp		Click to Enlarge The creek		Click to Enlarge Early morning fog
Click to Enlarge From the nearby mountain		Click to Enlarge IISAC Astronomers Ahead		Click to Enlarge Mike 'chopper' Sidonio
Click to Enlarge Mike Salway		Click to Enlarge Prof Geraint Lewis		Click to Enlarge Star Trails and Light Painting

IISAC2008 Photos

Click to Enlarge IISAC2008 Groupshot		Click to Enlarge IISAC in Red		Click to Enlarge Field shot at night
Click to Enlarge Field shot pano		Click to Enlarge Collimation		Click to Enlarge Mike on Halloween :)
Click to Enlarge Imaging Hill		Click to Enlarge Final morning		Click to Enlarge Swimming Hole
Click to Enlarge Lazing around		Click to Enlarge Marquee and Talks		Click to Enlarge Chris Omaroo
Click to Enlarge Private Property		Click to Enlarge Gresford RFB cooking the meal		Click to Enlarge Scopes

IISAC2007 Photos

Click to Enlarge Comet McNaught and IISAC Groupshot		Click to Enlarge Some of the 3RF big dobs in the field		Click to Enlarge The three amigoes, happy to be at IISAC
Click to Enlarge Groupshot from IISAC2007		Click to Enlarge Panorama from near the top of the property		Click to Enlarge More field/camping shots
Click to Enlarge More field/camping shots		Click to Enlarge Lizz and Mariah enjoying the waterhole		Click to Enlarge Transfixed on Comet McNaught!
Click to Enlarge Panorama of the waterhole

IISAC2006 Photos

Click to Enlarge Anthony Wesley's 13" scope		Click to Enlarge Gary Kopff and Andrew Murrell with "Hector"		Click to Enlarge Anthony Wesley giving his talk
Click to Enlarge The bottom farmhouse		Click to Enlarge Outside the bottom house		Click to Enlarge Enjoying the swimming hole
Click to Enlarge Group shot from IISAC2006		Click to Enlarge Bottom house kitchen		Click to Enlarge Light trails at night
Click to Enlarge Male toilets		Click to Enlarge Mike enjoying the rope swing		Click to Enlarge Mike enjoying a refreshing beverage :)
Click to Enlarge The road down to the bottom house		Click to Enlarge Swimming hole		Click to Enlarge