Pony Club 9/16 March

[gb_astro]

Having car problems myself so cannot make the 9th.
With half the regulars away I think that leaves only Shane and Rod with keys.
Forecast is for cloud though at the moment.

The 16th is a possibility. The moon will not set until about 21.40 but
I am sure the Chaffey Dam expedition will keep us entertained until then. :)

Greg.

[cassiej]

Hey Greg :hi:

I am new to the astro world and live on the central coast too. I've been chatting with other locals too so thought I'd stop by and say hello!
I have been really looking forward to the pony club meeting this Saturday night (9th) so if there is any one else keen to go of love to drop by and say hi. Hopefully there is a confirmation in whether the PC meeting is in or not! Are you off to chaffey dam too?

Cassie :)

[gb_astro]

Cassie, always good to have a new face (or voice) in the group.
Check back tomorrow to see if anything is happening.

Greg.

[Shano592]

Saturday is out for me, sorry.

Perhaps next week, I may be able to make it.

[Irish stargazer]

Keen to go if the weather is OK and a key holder is present

[cassiej]

Great thanks everyone, I'll check back in tomorrow to see what the go is!

[gb_astro]

Sorry Cassie and John, looks like no key holders present.
Forecast is for cloud all night anyway.
Maybe see you both next week.

Greg.

[Deeno]

Disappointing, cleared here last night.

I remember when the access to the Pony Club was for everyone......

[gmbfilter]

I'm sure something can be arranged next time

[Irish stargazer]

Looking good on 7Timer for Saturday night. Looking forward to testing out my new Vixen Polarie.

[gb_astro]

Yes looks like Staurday might happen.

Greg.

[Rick Petrie]

I guess it's timely for a roll call for Saturday night.
What's the general consensus.

[MortonH]

Can't make this week due to family stuff :(

[Irish stargazer]

Keen to go. 7Timer was showing clear last night but has changed now.

[gb_astro]

Hmm another tough call.
Might make a decision around 3.
Greg.

[Allan_L]

I am planning on going tonight.
Watching the weather.
Watching this thread.
Hmm! I'd better go and get an Apple Charlotte.
So it won't be a total disaster.

[Irish stargazer]

Apple Charlotte:). I'm there:D
I have my new Polarie setup to show off too;)

[Rick Petrie]

Ditto Ditto Ditto

[gb_astro]

Worth a shot.
Be there about 6.30.
Transport problems so can only bring the 8".
Greg.

[Arthur Alchin]

Suffering from the deadly "man flu" if I survive and the weathers good probably next month although that is IIS camp, might be doing it alone :(

[gb_astro]

Delayed a bit.
Now 7.30.
Greg.

[Allan_L]

I am packed and will be leaving in about an hour or so.
No rush as moon set not until 21:40.

[Fizics]

Sorry i couldn't make this one but plan to go next month.

[gb_astro]

Only five in attendance, mostly cloudy with terrible seeing.
Allan's apple charlotte and coffee were a consolation.
Gate shut about 11.15.
Always next time...

Greg.

[Rick Petrie]

Ditto to the above and yes it was disappointing but worth a try as, in the past it has cleared on most occasions. As Greg has said next time.:)

[Allan_L]

It was fun, and worth a try.
Good company thanks to all who came.
A good footy win :thumbsup: (NRL), and a good night's sleep were the consolation.

[Irish stargazer]

Managed to test out the Polarie between breaks in the clouds. Couldn't do multiple stacks though due to the constantly changing murk. This is a single 30 second frame (no darks).

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8250/8563421634_b63690056b_h.jpg

[MortonH]

That's pretty impressive. What camera/ISO?

[Irish stargazer]

Canon 7D at ISO 800. Sigma F1.4 50mm lens (crop factor of 1.6 so effectively around 80mm). Very basic visual polar alignmnet.

[Rodstar]

Hi all, glad to hear that some of you got to observe on the weekend of the 16th.

Sally1Jack and I had a wonderful week of observing in the period 10-17 March at Pilliga Pottery near Coonabarabran. We were lucky to have clear nights throughout the entire period, with some periods of exceptional seeing. We were joined by our families and by John (Xstream) and Anna, who made the special trip down from Emerald, Qld.

We also had a visit during the week from the Deep South Texas Star Party crew, including Ausastronomer, Lachlan McDonald, Tony Buckley and co.

You will not believe Phil's new scope! I won't beat him to the punch, but you will be VERY impressed. The Mary Rose looks like a very poor cousin by comparison (even though the views through are still pretty competitive).

[MortonH]

Hi John,

Was the lens wide open? The stars are sharp even at the edges!!!

[Irish stargazer]

Hi Morton

The lens was fully open. There is a bit of false colour/fringing when you do this unless the focus is spot on but is it easily removed in post processing. Can be reduced by stopping down the lens. The Sigma f1.4 has a lot of aperture.