Blue Mountains - Katoomba Airfield, NOW Friday Jan 11

[mental4astro]

Hi all,

Been a busy time this new year, and as things would have it, this coming new Moon the forecast is, well, crap. Peter and I are looking now at heading up to the Airfield this Wednesday, Jan. 9.

Short notice, sorry, but nothing that could be done.

Access to the Airfield is via Medlow Bath. Head into Station Street and hang a left onto Rutland (also called Grand Canyon Rd). The Airfield is 4km from this intersection, with the last 3km being unsealed, and can have errosion damage. On entering the Airfield, turn left at the entrance and head past the "No Entry" sign, and turn right at the buildings to the main runway. We use the concrete slab on the left just before the runway proper. The picture below will help with the route through to the set up slab.

We are welcome to stay overnight as there is plenty of space in the office building.

The Airfield is a total BYO situation: your own power, food, water, etc. There are loos for the ladies and kids.

I am looking to get there before sunset, and maybe head for dinner at The Grand Olive pizza shop in Wentworth Falls before hitting the runway.

NOTICE: If you are considering coming up, please keep in tune with the current bush fire warnings. The situation up in the Blue Mountains is grave with the coming forecast of high temperatures. The final word of yea or ney depends on this.

[MortonH]

I'd say I'm about 20% at the moment. We'll see what tomorrow brings.

[Wavytone]

I'll be there, depending on weather and fires :)
I'll decide go/no go before 5pm, depending on how the sly looks on the webcam at Katoomba Scenic railway...

I just had a look at the RFS website and it shows a bushfire is in progress tonight at the airstrip on Bells Line of Rd east of Lithgow, which is to the northwest of the Katoomba airstrip across the Grose Valley, so expect some smoke from this.

[AG Hybrid]

Ill be there.

[GeoffW1]

Hi,

I'm been called in by Dracula at the Blood Bank, so will probably feel too drained to make it (not supposed to drive much straight after).

Cheers and good luck there

[mental4astro]

Well, so far so good. Forecast temps much cooler than today's.

[Wavytone]

Hi Alex, I think we can forget it tonight :(

The Katoomba webcam shows it's quite windy and the sky is still grey overcast up there, though bright enough to cast shadows.

The BOM synoptic map indicates the southerly - and the cloud - will continue at least till Friday.

[AG Hybrid]

Judging by the webcam right now. It looks like just a nice place to be.

[mental4astro]

Now Friday Jan. 11

I'm getting sick of this. Very bloody sick of it. Spoke with Rod, and it is fine now. Bloody easterly wind change due for when we are due up there. Freaking hell, really!

I hate to change things, especially after forcing the issue for tonight, but I have to change it for Friday now. Last night it still looked good. I'm sorry, but I'm not up for a gamble on 50/50 for tonight. I'm not doing this any more.

If you've made plans for tonight, my sincer apologies. I'm sick to the eyeballs of this crap too. Hopefully you can make it on Friday instead.

Mental.

[MortonH]

My daughter has picked up a vomiting bug and if it goes round the whole family all bets are off for this weekend!

[Wavytone]

No problems Alex - we're all suffering the same ! The synoptic map suggests Friday night (for sure) and probably Saturday night should be good - there's a nice big fat high coming.

[AG Hybrid]

I know how you feel Alex. I want a night under a dark sky more then I want my next breath! Its been so long!

Friday it is then.

[Steffen]

Friday's forecast (Apanel) looks very nice. Fingers crossed…

Cheers
Steffen.

[MortonH]

I'm definitely out, unfortunately. Some day...

[Wavytone]

Alex, there's a total fireban and access to the national parks will be closed Friday - Monday.

Can Rod confirm the airstrip is still accessible ? I'm guessing the police will put a roadblock somewhere - this was the case last week when I was in Victoria.

In addition there will be back burning so I guess we must expect some smoke haze.

[mental4astro]

I'll call Rod in the morning and find out the situation.

Morton, sorry to read you not being able to join us. Yep, another time.

[mental4astro]

I've spoken with Rod. He says if National Parks closes the park around him, the road block is set up 50m past the entrance to the Airfield, so we'll be able to get there without any problem.

I'm hoping to get there around sunset, hopefully before 8pm.

Been a long time coming a clear new Moon night.

[Wavytone]

Great - webcam looks good, high cloud passing over and clear to the southwest, so should be a good night.

I should be there about the same time - leaving Parramatta about 5 but stopping en route for dinner.

[AG Hybrid]

Ill Leave from Toongabbie between 6-6:30. Should get there at about 7:45

[MortonH]

How was it last night?

[mental4astro]

Sooooo good to finally get a whole clear night. Sunset to sunrise all clear.

All up some 9 people came, including a couple of kiddies. I stayed over night with my son & hickny. A hot north westerly wind blew all night, & still blowing when we left. Conditions not 100%, but I'll take 90% after 18 months.

Achieved one goal of observing the Horse Head nebula. I used a locator map I found here in IIS, and there it was. A few other new objects too, & one sketch. A satisfying night for me. I'll let others give their take.

Mental.

[MortonH]

Sorry I missed it. Hopefully we won't have to wait so long for the next good night.

[Wavytone]

Many thanks to Alex for having the persistence to keep trying !
Thankfully it turned out to be quite a good night with good seeing despite the warmth of the day, and a gentle breeze just enough to keep the mozzies at bay.

[Steffen]

Me and Alex (my son) had a ball too, despite the big disappointment of leaving some key accessories at home (including the star diagonal) so I didn't get to use my own scope. But everybody was very accommodating, in particular thanks to Adrian for letting me use his 12" Dob all throughout and Alex for showing me the Horsehead.

Cheers
Steffen.

[AG Hybrid]

Yep a good night. No worries Steffen. Thanks for letting me have extended use of your Pan24.

[MortonH]

So when's the next one? I really want a good night!

[mr bruess]

So when's the next one?
I gotta come!
I couldn't find it on the UBD road map before.

[killswitch]

I am also interested in attending the next one

[rogerco]

How would it compare with Linden in terms of dark skies?

[mental4astro]

Have to see if Peter or I can make it first. If we don't look after the Aifield manager we run the risk of loosing access to the Airfield. I had asked several people to do this on a few occasions when neither Peter or I couldn't make it and Rod was always forgotten. Nothing was done on February as neither Peter or I could make it. All that we need to do is get Rod a gift slab of his preferred brew and we all then just share that cost to say thanks to Rod.

The Airfield has no significant horizon restrictions, unlike Linden. The only major light pollution comes from one direction, towards the east with Sydney & Katoomba. Also, being at around 1020m above sea level, it is one of the highest places within close proximity to Sydney. This height is significant in reducing the influence of the 'light dome' of Sydney. The glow to the south is very small, and next to none west and north. When conditions are at their best the limiting magnitude can be as low as 6.5/7 - truly beautiful.

I've been to Linden once to pick some folks who wanted to switch to the Airfield, and the difference in a few km west and being higher up does make a difference. But, hey, not too many places are better than Linden too.

[Wavytone]

Just as well - LOL - a massive thunderstorm passed over about 4pm on Saturday, and it remained overcast and raining gently all night.

[mithrandir]

I've never been there but if I remember correctly from the description given the coords you want for Google Maps, Google Earth or your GPS are 33°40'5.55"S 150°19'8.86"E

Directions to Katoomba Airport from opposite The Edge Cinema, Katoomba

1. Head southwest on National Route 32 (Great Western Hwy) toward Katoomba - go 6.6 km
2. Turn right at the lights onto Railway Parade, Medlow Bath (just past the Hydro Majestic) - go 900 m
3. Turn left onto Rutland Rd - go 1.0 km
4. Continue onto Grand Canyon Rd - go 2.5 km
5. Katoomba Airport entrance should be on the right. There are some signs.

[killswitch]

Ive been hiking around Blackheath in the past, i remember seeing the turn off for Katoomba airfield.



That would be great if you guys can organize one for March. I dont mind paying like a $10 entry fee to the airfield.

[AG Hybrid]

Hmmm... Our concrete slab is gonna get a bit crowded haha.