Pony Club, Central Coast NSW, this weekend

[Rodstar]

Hi everyone,

Weather looks OK for Saturday night (9th February) at this stage (touch wood).:)

I am interested in heading up to the PC. Anyone interested in joining me?:astron:

[Shano592]

I would, but I have this thing ....

Sunday is the only free pass I have right now.

[sally1jack]

yes i'm keen. i may have a friend to look through the mary rose if that o.k Rod, it will be good to catchup
phil :thumbsup:

[xstream]

Would love to Rod but will have to make it next month. :P Make sure you have a wee dram for me whilst you're there! ;)

[Rodstar]

Excellent Phil! Sounds great. Always happy to share some photons with you mate.:thumbsup:

[Rodstar]

John - can't wait till March in Coona.

I might consider an Ardbeg Uigeadail or Corryvreckan, an Auchentoshan Valinch, or even an Amrut Intermediate Sherry Cask Whisky. So many choices!:P

[Rodstar]

Shane - I can't do Sunday - meeting at 7.30am on Monday in Sydney, sorry mate.:(

[Allan_L]

Hi Rod,
Not sure what weather system you are looking at, but Saturday looks like rain and stormy on 7timer.

Friday seems by far the best option for the next week and I am thinking to go up Friday, if you (or anyone else) care to change your plans?
But I am happy to go with the majority vote. :)

[MortonH]

Friday will hopefully be ok for me. Want to get a decent look at Comet Lemmon.

[Rodstar]

Hi Allan,

At the risk of harping (apologies if you have endured this before) but, having discussed the art of weather forecasting with a meteorologist, the situation is that specific forecasts (eg that it will be sunny at 3pm and overcast at 9pm in 4 days from now) is guesswork at best.

There are several computer models used by meteorologists, depending on which one you use, you get a different forecast! This fellow laughed about the fact that people place so much faith in the forecast, even for the following day. He said that very often conditions will end up being completely different the next day from what is presented on the evening news. There are just too many variables to be accurately forecasting days and days out.

This explains why the forecast for a day in 4-5 days from now will keep changing from day to day. Today we are being told that there may be a late shower on Saturday. Tomorrow it will be revised, and the day after.

The one area where there can be some confidence is the movement of major pressure systems over the continent. Meteorologists can be reasonably confident that a major pressure system will be around for, say 4-5 days, for example.

All of this accords with my experience. How many times do we read such and such a forecast, only to find that conditions are completely different? I recall countless observing nights where conditions were supposed to be clear, but they have mysteriously clouded out. Other nights when it was supposed to be thick with cloud, and conditions have cleared and turned out spectacularly.

I recall one night at the PC where the conditions were supposed to be clear. I had set up the Mary Rose, and was ready to start observing when a sudden deluge came down. It rained so hard that we all sought refuge in the old Clubhouse, not sure if you were there Allan, but the rain on the tin roof was so loud that it was impossible to communicate with each other without shouting!

Having been involved in observing for 8+ years, my experience is that it is best to make a decision on the evening.

With these things in mind, the dominant weather pattern over south eastern Australia this week is a series of high pressure systems, associated with fine weather. Every day over the next week is expected to be predominantly sunny because of this pattern of high pressure systems.

Based on the dominant pattern of high pressure systems, I think there are good prospects for observing this Saturday night. Fingers crossed!

[iceman]

I'd love to be able to get up there and say g'day to everyone again but I'm at a work offsite for the next 2 days and not going home tonight so doubt I could get a pass-out on Saturday.

I miss everyone! Hope to see you soon Rod! We should catch up.

[xstream]

Rod, You have my permission to have one of each. :)

Yes, the countdown to Coona is on! :thumbsup:

[Arthur Alchin]

Unfortunately working till 1930 hrs Saturday. If the days not to bad might come up for a couple of hours, if we cop a hiding Saturday at work will give it a miss. Whichever way I will be scope less as I can't leave the scope in the car at work all day and hope to find it there when I get to the car after work :(

PS the Irish single malts are beautiful also and mostly lack the peaty taste. Bushmills 18 year old will do nicely. In fact will take a nice single malt to Chaffey in march I will :)

[Irish stargazer]

Friday looks promising. Saturday iffy at best. I don't want to wait for another month with comet Lemmon about. Keen to go Friday if a keyholder is going.:D

[Rodstar]

We love you Mike! One day you'll make it to the PC!!!

Yes, a catch up would be great. RB and I bumped into each other a week or so ago, and agreed the time has come. Will PM you.:thumbsup:

[Rodstar]

Some of us like the peaty taste, Arthur!:P

However, I would not say no to trying some Bushmills.;)

[gb_astro]

Certainly hope Rod is right but Friday seems the safer bet at this stage.
I would advise anyone wanting to go on Friday to go.
I couldn't get there until about 8.30 and then only with a grab and go.
Wouldn't mind checking out Morton's Delos and ES eyepieces though.
My SDM is finally back up running so if Saturday goes ahead I am hoping
to give it a run then.

Greg.

[MortonH]

I'm hoping to get there around 8pm but 8:30pm may be more likely. Happy to share the Delos with anyone who wants to try it out. I also have a new Explore 28mm 68° eyepiece I haven't tried myself yet.

[Inmykombi]

:whistle: Weather permitting, I am there.
Apple Charlotte anyone ?

[Rodstar]

The weather forecast for Saturday has changed already! According to BOM it is mainly clear all night on Saturday, chance of rain 5-7%.

I can't do Friday night, so I will go Saturday. I have a key (thanks Greg!)

For those who go on Friday, hope you have a good evening.

[Shano592]

Saturday may be back on the cards for me. Friday is out, for certain.

I also have a key.

[Irish stargazer]

Anyone going tonight?

[Allan_L]

OK. So I am still working towards being there tonight (Friday), if anyone else is interested.
Arriving 8 to 8:30 sounds about right.
I have a key and will try to remember red buckets for the lights across the road.
Probably wont stay too late.
I will make a decision on Saturday later.

[jakob]

Sounds like a good idea!
I see that I can make it.

J.

[MortonH]

Great. I'll be there tonight.

[sally1jack]

can't do friday daughters birthday , will be there sat
phil

[Fizics]

Hi Pony Clubbers,
New here. Can any bloke just rock up on the night with his insignificant scope?

Hope to meet you all sometime,
John

[gb_astro]

Yes John, all welcome.

Greg.

[GTB_an_Owl]

you most certainly can "just rock up" John

you will be welcomed with open arms by the guys

the more the merrier we say

geoff

[MortonH]

Hi John,

:welcome:

Not sure any of my scopes qualify as "significant" so don't be put off!!!

Morton

[Fizics]

Wow this thread is buzzing. Thanks for the quick replies. Hope to make it before 8pm it will take every second of 5 mins for me to setup my bargain basement nexstar 102 slt.
John

[Allan_L]

Hi John,
Welcome :welcome:
I will be there just after 8, so if you get there and its deserted, please hang around. (Possibly another key holder may get there earlier, have not confirmed).

Are you confident finding the place? The directions in the sticky at the top of this forum are good.

When you pass a yellow RTA warning sign of a Pony (left side of road) its the next driveway on the right.

PM me if you want my mobile phone number just in case.

BTW, your scope will not be the smallest to have come to the PC. And you will be welcome to compare views in any other scope that is there. You may be surprised how good your scope performs under a dark sky. :thumbsup:

[Fizics]

Thanks Allan for the direction tips, that yellow Pony sign should clinch it. I like the idea of joining a group and learning about the technology I am a novice.
John

[jakob]

Whats up with the black staff?
Just in the middle of packing and all this muck appears.
Not keen to drive up there for a cup of coffee :sadeyes::sadeyes::sadeyes:

[Inmykombi]

I am just too tired to come up tonight. It's been a big week for me.
Not even 1/2 a dozen coffees would keep me awake tonight.
I am still on for tomorrow night though.

geoffro

[Rick Petrie]

Might try for tonight as saturday night could be out for me.
Some cloud about now but should clear according to BOM.

[Fizics]

All,
Seems a band of thick cloud moving in from the south west, clear to wnw. My view is from the top of a ridge near Ourimbah. Though weatherzone says clear sky for 9pm.
I may consider tomorrow night.

[Allan_L]

I am still going as planned.
Have seen clouds like this clear quickly before.
But bring dew protection.

Jakob, its not just coffee, how about for a Cafe Late! (or two).

I am not likely for tomorrow, so its tonight or none for me.

PS:
I have downloaded the coordinates of the comet in Octans. :)

[gb_astro]

Another Friday dropout here.
Hope it clears for you guys.
Will try again tomorrow.
Greg.

[GTB_an_Owl]

i am out for to-nite

still on a course of antibiotics and recovering from 7 days in Gosford Hospital with a bad case of cellulitis in my dodgy left arm

maybe sat nite - don't know as yet

geoff

[vic4loc]

Was thinking of coming but finished work too late. Tomorrow is out for me as it is Chinese NY family dinner. Hope the high clouds clear and for you all to have a good night tonight, or tomorrow :)

Victor.

[Rick Petrie]

Well, lo and behold, we had clear skies the whole night and got some tremendous viewing in.
In all we had 5 guys turn up, Morton, John(irishstargazer), John (Fizics), Allan and myself.
Saw comet Lemmon, which was quite big and bright and a number of galaxies together with usual suspects.
Finished about 1:30am with a last view of Saturn coming up in the east.
Hope all going tonight jag a good one too.
Thanks John for the loan of the Delos and to all for good company and Al for the latte.
Cheers Rick

[gb_astro]

Glad it cleared for you Rick.
There was a bit of discouraging cloud over Sydney most of the night but it looked good to the north.
Tonight is looking reasonable.
Hope to be there around 7 if things stay the same.

Greg.

[Irish stargazer]

Comet Lemmon from last night



http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8106/8...2803b065_h.jpg (http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8106/8456104939_f22803b065_h.jpg)

Crop
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8096/8...e46d9eba_h.jpg

Packed in at 10.30pm. Now I know why I don't normally do Friday nights. Too tired after a long week.

[Fizics]

Great night. Good to meet some of you and thanks for making me welcome.

[MortonH]

Thoroughly enjoyed it. Paying for it today as it was 3am when I got to bed.

[Inmykombi]

The Clouds to the West are not helping my decision to go tonight.

Who else is thinking of going tonight ( Saturday night ).

[GTB_an_Owl]

i will see after i have my afternoon siesta

geoff

[jakob]

I'm kicking myself for not joining last night!

I'm packing now and hope it will clear.

There is a bit of wind that should move the clouds away!

j.

[gmbfilter]

Ill be there

[Inmykombi]

Packing now for a departure around 5-ish.

Fingers crossed.

[Rodstar]

I am a definite starter tonight. I will aim to arrive about 7pm.

[Inmykombi]

What time will the first key holder be arriving ?

[sally1jack]

wiil get there about 7.00
phil

[Inmykombi]

Do you have a key Phil ?

[gb_astro]

Rod and I have a key.
I'll be there about 7.30.
Rod said about 7 for him.
Greg.

[gmbfilter]

I have a key from last years
Worked 18 months ago

[jakob]

leaving now:)

[Rodstar]

Hi all, yes I have a key, all packed, just waiting for dinner to be served, some shovelling will occur, then I will be off.

Hoping to get there by 7, depending on dinner!

The clouds are coming and going where I am. Some large sucker holes. Fingers crossed things clear a little as darkness falls.

[Rodstar]

Hi all,

Despite nagging clouds, I had a thoroughly enjoyable time last night. Thanks to Phil, Geoff (Filter), Greg, Jakob, Geoffro and a late arriving Owl for some good company.

Yes, we did get some observing in, had some good views of Jupiter, M42, Tarantula, Jewel Box, and some doubles like Adhara and Sigma Orionis. Conditions were very still, it was a shame that more of the sky was not open so we could make the most of it.

Unfortunately we did not get clear views in the direction of Comet Lemmon.

We were all very impressed with Geoffro's new set of wheels and stories about topless neighbours; Greg's newly appointed SDM was having some technical issues; Jakob polar aligned until there was complete cloud cover (D'oh!); Geoff (Filter) showed off it his new scope config with materials imported from the States and the Owl gave us an update on his medical issues.

Phil purred quietly in anticipation of receiving delivery in March of his........28 inch SDM. Hooly Dooly! More than twice the light capture of the Mary Rose, poor old Mary will be relegated to Scouts evenings, or become a very expensive (and impractical) paper weight. A 36 inch sounds alright. I think if I get it, I might call it, "Morning Glory". To be clear: no overcompensation issues going on.......

Best wishes to all!

[MortonH]

Wow. I was impressed with Rick's 14" Orion on Friday but will definitely need to check out these monster scopes!

[Satchmo]

I was up at the Mangrove airstrip until 7pm, intending to drop in, but went home as the sky was entirely cloudy.

[gb_astro]

A good night dispite the clouds.
A bit hard to relax though with that lightning show out to the west and trying to guess which way it was moving.

Greg.

[Rodstar]

Have done the calcs.....

Phil's scope (28") will have just UNDER twice the light capture of a 20" scope like the Mary Rose.

If I get a 36" scope, this will have 3.25 times the light grab of a 20 inch scope, and 1.65 times the light grab of Phil's....

But then Phil will get a 50".

Not sure if I can afford to keep up with the Jones' (Townsend's)....

[Irish stargazer]

Go for it Rod.:D
I used to think my 12" was a decent size until the first time I brought it to a gathering. Its now just my "grab and go" scope.
Still, its not how big it is -but what you do with it that counts.

[Rick Petrie]

Hey Rod, I think there was a 30" scope for sale here recently on IIS.
That way you could just keep in front of Phil until he gets his 50".;);):P

[RB]

Sorry I missed last night guys.
ATM I'm still sick in bed with a stomach bug.
Will have to catch up next month.

Might even bring my 40" (TOA) :P

[sally1jack]

No i'm very happy to play second to a 50", Rod if you get the 50" & have a hard week at work I can bring my grab it & go 28" :P

phil

[Inmykombi]

My little 10 inch SCT would make a good finder on your new 36 incher Rod.

[Rodstar]

Guys, if each of you chips in $10K, I could place the order with Peter Read this weekend!

[Shano592]

Anybody up for a Sunday night session?

I'm heading up to try out Steve's (UniPol) wedge. If anybody else wants to front up, you are more than welcome.

Aiming to get there around 7, so I can see what I am doing. Have key onboard.

[Inmykombi]

Cant make it Sunday night....work tomorrow.....

Hope you have a great night. Watch out for those exploding Meteors....:eyepop: