Queensland Astrofest 2013

[jjjnettie]

Oi!!
No crack sticks for you.

[h0ughy]

geez i just got some updates on expected roadworks from Newcastle to the border - my goodness me there are some delays!!! i think this year it will add probably over 2hours to the trip - i have no idea what's on the other side of the border?

[Nortilus]

queensland, also known to the locals as heaven :P

[jjjnettie]

With the possibility of clear skies on the way, I'm loath to pack all the astro gear into the van just yet. :)
4 sleeps to go!!

[Nortilus]

are you not coming up friday nettie...otherwise 3 sleeps

[OneCosmos]

Only a few days now and I have some news - as of 30 minutes ago we officially became Permanent Residents of Australia - so a big G'day to all my IceInSpace friends :)

[astroron]

:welcome: To Australia Chris and family ;)
From One Pom to another:D
Cheers:thumbsup:

[RickS]

Congrats, Chris! See you at Astrofest...

[OneCosmos]

Thanks Rick - see you there indeed.


Better learn the Aussie National Anthem now in preparation for the citizenship test - I wonder if they'd let me have the ceremony at Astrofest:D

[h0ughy]

fantastic Chris - welcome aboard:thumbsup::D

[h0ughy]

well its a little more challenging this year - :rofl: less is more :rofl:

though in our defence there wont be food, and eq6 and tripod and a few other things coming home:question::P

[stanlite]

oh goodness Dave that is a bit overloaded lol...

good news all i have received news late today that because of the delayed nature of the upcoming election i can take the Monday off so I will be up on the Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights :P although i must return to Brisbane for the day Saturday :(

Therefore ... Alan prepare the PLEASURE DOME, Dave prepare the freezer suit, JJ prepare the smiles and cookies, and peter ... you just sit there with your beer. the gang is going to be back together again ;) :P

Oh btw who was bringing the ritual sacrifice this year ... was it meant to be a goat or have we upgraded to human sacrifice this year ???

[alan meehan]

Grady that could be me I might be hanging out the window all the way up
AL

[multiweb]

Really?... :question:

[astro_south]

Al - make sure you keep an eye on the overpass / bridge heights for Dave ... don't want to trim off the top of that load (or break any bridges :) )

I am glad you decided to cut back this year Dave :thumbsup:

[h0ughy]

i am being panned here but i have only brought one mount, two scopes:P
and the support gear of course;):P

[allan gould]

Always knew you were a minimalist David. OMG is there room for Alan?
I was going to remind you of the ONAG but I can see that won't fit in.
Drive safe you two and I'll see you there.
Allan

[stanlite]

what dave fails to tell everyone is that although he has cut down on the mounts and scopes he is bringing the size of the ones he has are about 400% larger then previous years :eyepop: :P;)

[allan gould]

Looking forward to catching up, Grady.

[stanlite]

As am i Master ;) :P

I am now a full convert to OAG, and SGP as per our conversations last year to quote you ... "SGP makes setup and AP as smooth as a babies ass" ok maybe not direct quote but close ;)

You going to be there to laugh at my attempted night setup on friday???

[jjjnettie]

The look on Al's face in those photos is pure gold. LOL

[Tandum]

I just realised there is a trailer under that pile of stuff.

No wonder Al just bought a motorbike.


And it's cold outside... colder than it's been in a while .. that' a good sign ..

[Nortilus]

I still have 2 seats in my car for the Phil Plait's Bad astronomy event at griffith uni on the 8th...

[h0ughy]

and here is the trailer gift wrapped......:lol:

[allan gould]

Just heard a rumour that the border police are on the lookout for a 4000 kilo shipment of Ganja coming into Qld in the next few days by road.
Hmmmmm!

[RickS]

I hope there will be room on the field for the rest of us!

[h0ughy]

:rofl: it took me over an hour to wrap it - its not an easy unwrap;)

[h0ughy]

of course there is room - no one will be using the observing field:P:D;)

[mozzie]

sweet jesus david....there's bunk houses there you didn't have to bring your camping gear :lol::lol::rofl::rofl:

how do i explain to lachlan that we can't setup our scope for lack of room on the field know :D:D

[h0ughy]

its only a toilet tent - honest;)

[mozzie]

safe trip guys !!!! careful with the roadworks there's a lot of lane changes around my area-coffs to woolgoolga..

[h0ughy]

yeah I read that on the Rta web site. there are quite a few on the way up there. be interesting to find out where people are coming from for the event, apart from anyone coming from OS I think Tassie is the long hauler:question:

[mozzie]

and i think coming down from north qld !!!!

[h0ughy]

busy downloading drivers, updates and software.....

[astronobob]

Hi Astrofest'liano's, just wondering what the situation is with making a day visit and into the evening, but not staying overnight ? Is there a fee for this, i dont mind contributing if a fee is in place for daytime visitors !
Would like an estimate of such a fee if relevant, if possible ?
Wouldnt mind the previledge of dropping in, seeing stuff and meeting a few :thumbsup:
Thanx . .

[jjjnettie]

There is a fee for day visitors. It's to cover insurance costs. :)

[jjjnettie]

:) I did that yesterday.
I'm still thinking I'm missing something important though. I guess I'll remember what it was when I get there.

[alan meehan]

OFF I n the morning have a safe trip everyone see you there
AL

[xstream]

Gee I hope you've had those wheel bearings serviced, Dave. ;)

[RB]

No worries he's got a spare bearing in the EQ8 John.

:lol:

[astro_south]

You too Al ... catch you on the weekend :thumbsup:

[jjjnettie]

Safe travels. :)

[h0ughy]

well that could be the mount - but that in the trailer:question::lol:

[jjjnettie]

The camper van is choc a block. No room for the 10" dobbie unfortunately.
All I need to add now is clothes, food, computers and alcohol. :)

[acropolite]

We're at Ballina ATM, happy to report that despite the proliferation of roadworks, there weren't any significant delays, I'd estimate under half an hour in total Newcastle to Ballina judging from the GPS estimates and the real times. The trip from Ballina to Brisvegas might be a different story though.

[OneCosmos]

Just in case anyone is interested I have a spare EQ8 counterweight - I bought an extra one just in case but now definitely don't need it. I'll bring it along to AF.

Chris

[stanlite]

some interesting weather forecast for Friday night ... wonder if it will show up?

Might be good setup weather though lol :P

[jjjnettie]

The latest from BOM. (Linville works off the Ipswich forecast but subtract 4C off the minimum temps)

Friday Fine, partly cloudy. Min 6 Max 24
Saturday Fine, mostly sunny. Min 7 Max 23
Sunday Fine, sunny. Min 4 Max 22
Monday Fine, sunny. Min 4 Max 22
Tuesday Fine, mostly sunny. Min 5 Max 23
Wednesday Fine, mostly sunny. Min 6 Max 24

[stanlite]

well car is packed and now just gotta wait til i can escape from work :) see everyone tomorrow night ;)

[OneCosmos]

It's 05:51 and I'm all ready to pack the car and set off. I am worried though that this year I won't fit all the kit in. I might be turning in to Houghy:P

[firstlight]

If you were turning into Houghy you wouldn't be afraid, you'd just buy a bigger trailer!

[AstroJunk]

Quite around here all of a sudden. Where's everyone gone? :rofl:

[Tandum]

I've been in the Garage ...

Better pack a bag or something I guess :)

[whzzz28]

Weather is looking awesome for the next week.
Good luck all and look forward to the many images to come!

Maybe next year i can attend again. Starting new job Monday - sort of couldn't "take time off" :)

[acropolite]

Nice night here at Astrofest, doing battle with the mount ATM, my drift alignment skills are almost non existent, still it's good to be out under the stars again, it's been almost 3 years.

[RB]

Houghy sent me some photos from his phone last night.

1. Phil (acropolite), looks like he's gettting setup for the electric chair !
2. One of Houghy's rigs.
3. Set for a great night of imaging.

Have a great time everyone, hope you have a ball !

RB

[strongmanmike]

You mean he has other rigs, besides this one :eyepop:...:lol: ah Houghy....

Enjoy the clear skies guys :thumbsup:

Mike

[whzzz28]

That cable management!

[acropolite]

It's another magnificent night here at astrofest, as an Honorary Northerner, I can't understand why more of you New South Welshmen (and of course ladies and those from the deeper south) don't make the pilgrimage.

h0ughy has definitely travelled with less gear, numerically at least, the equipment size however, is larger than ever. I am set up in an upmarket strip of Astrofest real estate, next to the h0ugh Mahal, my humble toilet tent carefully aligned so as not to upset the astral orientation of the structure Sir h0ugh as so skillfully erected.

[Tandum]

I got the car packed ready to leave in the morning. CYA there.

[Garbz]

It's over for me *sadface*

Thanks everyone. It was great to meet a lot of you. Such an amazingly helpful and friendly community. Thanks H0ughy for pulling me out of the crap with some spare dewstraps :)

[acropolite]

Beautiful night again. Currently imaging the Catspaw, quite apt as there's a purring noise from the h0ugh Mahal, yes Sir h0ugh is sound asleep in the chair, pumping ZZZ's like a contented cat.

[Dennis]

Now that would be worth a photo!:lol:

Cheers

Dennis

[h0ughy]

Well what an astrofest – I am officially stuffed, and typing this from a motel in Ballana NSW on my way home after what I can say what the most perfect 10 days ever!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I have it on very good authority that sleep deprivation does lead to incoherent conversation – I was a babbling idiot at 1.20am on Friday morning – after a whole week of all nighters – dusk till 530-6am every day.

The sky – crystal – the seeing – brilliant to not bad, but I was tracking the sky quality all week with a SQM meter. Averaging 21.7-21.9, but the last three nights the meter went off the chart - -22.32!!! simply brilliant.

The last night I stayed up until 2am – then the fog was starting to roll in – thank goodness or I would have kept going.

The food – well that was to die for ;) - if you were there you would know – nuff said

now on to more pressing matters – the eq8!!!!!!! simply saying this - IT IS BLOODY UNREAL!!!

First night – rms of 0.02 – this was witnessed by several people. Weeks average was 0.06 – 0.11 with the exception for Thursday as the seeing week pear shape for a short while and the rms was 0.33.

simply put between the brains of Grahame and myself we worked out the two star alignment procedure and then adjusted the offset to find the SCP – two iterations for me and it was done – I never touched it for the rest of the week. But – and there is a big but – I hate the pier – its a mongrel to setup and level – but in saying that its very stable.

I will add more later – heaps of photos and I haven’t processed a single image, but judging from the quality of the images I saw being captured by some others, simply awesome.

As for the skyaction – there were heaps of meteors – one in particular that not only had a bright white blue colour but also left a vapour trail and was audible.

But the milky way – it was breathtaking to see in all its glory from north to south.

In all it was great to catch up with everyone.

[h0ughy]

it was a sad sight - caught a 20 minute break while doing the veil neb

[h0ughy]

Astrofest is an experience that you simply cant express - isn't it:rofl:

[h0ughy]

yep they manage themselves ;)

[RB]

Have a safe return buddy, glad you all had a great time and great weather.
Can't wait to see the photos.

:thumbsup:

[h0ughy]

Tony - you have seen the trailer - in the flesh - it all fits

[Nortilus]

was a awesome event...love it. cant wait to do it all again.

[Little Johnny]

Astrofest over for another year. Just 11 months to go. Just enough time for houghy to unpack his trailer and repack for 18 july to 27 july 2014. The Astrofest committee has had a great time. Already planning 2014 Thanks for coming see you all next year. Little johnny.

[h0ughy]

I heard that - and yes it will be unpacked - then repacked for the next assalt

[RB]

Why bother, just run the de-humidifier till next year.

:P

[h0ughy]

proof that there is string theory and spegetification near the eq8 epicenter

[h0ughy]

the eq8 and c11 with hyperstar3 under the taj

[strongmanmike]

Another brilliant inland SE QLD mid winter clear weather run huh?...I hope to experience it one year...

Look forward to the photos now :thumbsup:

Mike

[h0ughy]

Mike it was simply devastating. I couldn't handle another week of it :rofl:

[strongmanmike]

Imagine living in the Andes :eyepop:

[h0ughy]

Mike it was stunning from dusk til dawn, then you couldn't get to sleep, and what little sleep you got was it as the days were absolutely beautiful. I struggled on 3 hours sleep a day then capitulated

[Garbz]

Hey don't dis my extension cord work.

Great timing with the pic though. I look like a retard. :screwy:

[h0ughy]

in awe - I am skilless:thumbsup:

[acropolite]

I didn't realise there as an out of body experience as well....:P

Back in Brissy ATM with some limited internet. As usual Dr Who had the Tardis cloaked somewhere on the site, stealing time away from us, the days were impossibly short, the nights clear but damn cold, even for one from the deep south.

To my surprise there was a concurrent Toilet & Ensuite Tent Club of Australia gathering, they even managed to fit all the nutters tents on the field....:P

Anthony's (bird) talk on Planatery imaging was excellent on the last Saturday.
8 days just weren't enough; next time I'm going 10 days, the whole hog, and better prepared. The Eq8's were mightily impressive, I even got to test the finger crush option on Dave's tripod....:P

Seeing H0ughy pack up was an experience, at first it was like he was rearranging the deck chairs on the Titanic, finally out of the chaos emerged a blue clad monolith the top of which was well out of my reach. Next year I have to do a timelapse!!!

It was great to catch up with everyone, apologies for my bad hearing if you said something in the dark and got the wrong response...

A few happy snaps, I didn't take many.

1. Warm days, even the dobs were wilting...
2. I ponder therefore I am...
3. h0ugh under the h0ugh Mahal (Including caretaker and gatekeepers cottage)
4. Travelling Light, h0ugh Style......:P
5. Travelling Light, Phil style....

[h0ughy]

LOL - chaos theory rules:P look the before and after shots:rofl:

[astroron]

Wow,that sure is a load of gear.:eyepop:
I was going to come down on Saturday,but I had what I thought a break problem:( Turns out it was grit/stones in between the rear wheel hubs and the disk pad,sorted it out,but too late to leave.:sadeyes:
Maybe next year.:prey:
Cheers:thumbsup:

[GTB_an_Owl]

Well Dave - if there was no nooks or crannies that you could have pushed the freezer suit into - must mean you have the packing down to a fine art.

geoff

[Nino]

I would like to thank the committee for putting on a great Astrofest, also the sponsors, The 10" Dob and the Sbig camera have come to a loving home where they will be used regularly, I'm looking forward to Astrofest 2014 already.

[LyraMoonstarer]

Thanks John, for your kind words. The Committee really appreciate them. I don't think anyone at the AstroFeast would doubt your obvious delight at winning the prizes. The groans from all over the hall confirmed how sought-after the camera prize really was! Are you sure I can't persuade you to take the planisphere instead?
We would like to say a BIG :thanx: to all our sponsors: Ron at Sirius Optics, Steve at MyAstroShop, Advanced Telescope Supplies, Simulation Curriculum Corp, WildCard Innovations, Starlight Instruments, Odysseus Publishing, Telegizmos, JMI Mobile, Cambridge University Press, AstroVisuals, Creative Embroidery, JJJnettie and Ross Colvin. Apologies if I have left anyone out. My brain is still a bit fried :confused2:

Anthony's talk was fantastic and the images were breathtaking. The advances over the years were amazing to say the least :thumbsup:

Last, but certainly not least, we would like to thank the attendees for their support as well.

See you next year :hi:

[jjjnettie]

:) Wowee!!
That was an epic 10 days. I ended up crashing and burning on the last night. LOL
Twas wonderful to catch up with every one again.
A huge thanks to the committee for all their hard work.
Looking forward to next year. :)

[strongmanmike]

:lol:....amazing ...I admire your tenacity when it comes to taking equipment to star parties :prey2:

I see you even left crop circles in the grass too...

[h0ughy]

yes the crop circles were a bonus - did think for a microsecond of marking the exact footprints of the tripod for next year:P

it comes down to a few things mike - you need a spare - as has been proven over the last 5 years. this year I travelled only with one of my mounts. a 1000km is a long way to go and forget something;)

And comfort was a big part of the experience - the gazebo is a must, as too the toilet tents

[h0ughy]

ok some happy snaps

Venus and the moon
Christmas evening star on the tree
after an all night run
milkrun

[h0ughy]

and to prove it was a dark night - if you look hard you will see 22.09 as set by the Sky quality meter

[Dennis]

An excellent and varied set David - you are the most prolific, multi-system, multiple configuration, complex set-up, variable focal length, assorted sensor, tenacious and talented astro-photographer that I know - and that is a compliment!:):D

Cheers

Dennis

[jjjnettie]

This year we got a bit of a write up in the local paper. :)

In the photo is myself, Houghy, Grady, Dawn Oliver and Brendan Downs.

[Dennis]

Thanks for the breaking news JJJ – much better that a YouTube clip!:)

Cheers

Dennis

[RB]

Love the Christmas tree and wonderful cloud patterns mate.
Well done in getting in the news guys
:)

[allan gould]

No credit for the photographer???????

[thunderchildobs]

The article says "800" Astronomers attended. I thought the imaging field was a bit crowded. It was probably meant to say either 100 Astronomers or 800 Bed nights.

Brendan

[batema]

I wonder if anyone found an EQ6 Pro eyepiece holder and leg spreader as I believe I have left it there. White in colour with different sized circles cut out of it to hold eyepieces as if that helps lol

Mark

[jjjnettie]

I didn't see anything on the ground Mark.

[firstlight]

Sorry Mark, didn't see anything like that.

One thing that did turn up though was a commemorative mug that was found destitute and abandoned on Sunday morning near Casa de Surma-Hawes. If anyone is missing a piece of their precious china let me know and I will arrange a reunion. I have deliberately not described it, so if it is yours, you can tell me what it is (trying to avoid the "I'm Brian of Nazareth and so is my wife" scenario :D)

[alan meehan]

well i missed a full stay at astrofest this year and i wanted to say that i missed the night sky and the great friendship that i have going up there
must be 10 yrs by now its always great fun and good skies and looks like the gods were kind and you all had great weather Unfortunatly i had to return home as my mother had a heart attack and has since past away.
so thanks to everyone who wished me well and helped me get back to the airport CHRIS and his wife .hope you saved more photons for next year
AL

[h0ughy]

Sorry for your loss Al:(. I really hope that next year will be just as good for you.

You were sorely missed on the field that's for sure:thumbsup:

[alan meehan]

Thanks Dave a 21st is always a good one
AL

[jjjnettie]

:( I'm so sorry to hear that Al. xoxox

[firstlight]

That is sad news Al. We all missed you but I truly understand how you must feel. Anne-Louise's and my thoughts are with you, and look forward to seeing you next year.

Tony

[RB]

My deepest condolences Al, sorry to hear of your loss mate.

RB

[Nortilus]

Sorry for your loss Al, I know it is a hard time for you but my thoughts are with you and your family.

[allan gould]

Really sorry for your loss Alan and we all missed you on the field. Thinking of you and your family.
Allan

[Larryp]

Sorry to hear that, Alan-my condolences

[acropolite]

Sad to hear of your loss Al, We were looking forward to catching up with you, hopefully next year.

[h0ughy]

A huge thank you to Grahame and Andrew for their help in gettng me organised and packed to go home.

here are some random pics:P

[h0ughy]

more random Astrofest - focus was a bit blurry to match eyesight ;)

[h0ughy]

and did you miss....

[h0ughy]

and still more...

[h0ughy]

i tried to cover the field:D

[Nortilus]

that sneaky bloody camera of yours...LOL

[gary]

Thanks Diane,

Great to hear Astrofest was a success.

Congratulations to Laurie B. for winning the Argo Navis discount voucher.
Laurie's unit shipped last week and he writes he has good plans for its use.

Best Regards

Gary Kopff
Managing Director
Wildcard Innovations Pty. Ltd.
20 Kilmory Place, Mount Kuring-Gai
NSW. 2080. Australia
Phone +61-2-9457-9049
Fax +61-2-9457-9593
sales@wildcard-innovations.com.au
http://www.wildcard-innovations.com.au

[h0ughy]

:lol::thanx::help::D

[acropolite]

Sweet revenge, h0ugh central (Travellin Light), rearranging the deckchairs on the titanic....

The observing field almost deserted Sunday.

I think I have some more in my 5D, I'll post when I get a chance to download. (Still on the road coming back from Astrofest)

[LyraMoonstarer]

Hi Mark

Unfortunately the only lost property we collected this year was a giant-sized thermometer and a single brown glove. All other items were re-united with their owners.

Diane

[firstlight]

Diane, has there been any enquiries for a commemorative mug that might have be allowed to roam off-leash on the last Saturday night/Sunday morning? I found it looking sad and forlorn near Casa de Surma-Hawes.

[LyraMoonstarer]

Not that we have heard about. Poor little mug :-( You will have to hang on to it until next year and see who says "I was wondering where it had got to!":rofl:

[astroshot]

Back home in Ireland now after my hols in Aus. Spent two nights at the star party with my wife. We had a great time! Thanks to all those involved in organising it. Great to finally see the southern skies - my first time south of the equator.
I wrote up a report of my trip, with photos, on an Irish astronomy site, for those who are interested
http://irishastronomy.org/index.php?option=com_kunena&func=view&catid=29&id=98518&Itemid=40

Michael

[Dennis]

Excellent write up Michael and a great series of photos documenting the astrofest your experiences!:thumbsup:

Cheers

Dennis

[Shark Bait]

I enjoyed reading your review Michael. I live in Brisbane and still have not been able to make it to the QLD Astrofest. Hopefully next year.

I was in Ireland for a month in 2005. We travelled around the country with some family who were living there at the time. Loved the country and the people were great. It was overcast for most of the trip, so astronomy wasn't really on the cards but we did get to see the Sun rise in Dundalk and set in Galway. On our visit to Inishmor we were lucky enough to have perfect weather while we cycled around the Island.

One of these days we will visit again. :thumbsup:

[astroshot]

Ha, that's funny. I haven't been to Inismor! :-)
I went to university in Galway but never got around to sailing across to the Aran Islands. Sometimes when it's on your doorstep, you don't always appreciate what you have.

[h0ughy]

it was great meeting you and your lovely wife. I couldn't believe that she was walking around on the field in only slip on dress shoes when it was near 0 .

saw the link - some great mementoes there:thumbsup:

[astroshot]

Good meeting you too David.
Thanks for pointing out the very young moon to us too on the Thursday night.
Any idea how many hours old it was?