Blue Mountains - Katoomba Airfield 8th June?

[AstroJason]

Hey all,

Just wondering if Katoomba Airfield meet is on this Saturday 8th June? Weather permitting of course.

Can anyone confirm?

Thanks,

Jase

[killswitch]

I am keen for this as well.

[pluto]

I'm keen, fingers are crossed for the weather.

[AG Hybrid]

Well have to see if Alex or Peter can get permission from the Airfields owner first.

[MortonH]

Is Sunday a possibility instead or does it have to be a Saturday?

[AG Hybrid]

Well we often stay out to 2 AM. Which is fine on a Saturday night. Doesn't work when there is work the next day.

[killswitch]

Saturday the 9th is ideal for me but sunday is a maybe. Its a new moon on Saturday too. If we cant get access to the airfield, anyone wanna head to Hargraves lookout?



Its the long weekend this weekend.. you working on Queens bday?

[mental4astro]

Neither Peter or I can make it this Saturday, which is why no thread was started for June. Next Airfield session that's in the pipeline is for July.

There's two places that are used as an alternative site when the Airfield isn't available. Both are accessed via Blackheath, just down the HWY from Medlow Bath. In order of preference:

1: Mt Blackheath Lookout. More sheltered than the second pref below, but eastern sky more obscured by trees. Has a VERY welcome fireplace. Set up is done next to your car.

2: Hargraves Lookout. Very dark, great expanse of sky, has a fireplace too behind the shelter, but very exposed to wind as it sits on a spur overlooking the valley below making it a bloody freezing proposition if ANY wind blowing from the west. Also, the observing site is located some 25m away from the parking area meaning you need to cart all your gear over soft gravel.

Just note that big Roos are common around this area, & care needs to be taken getting to & from either site - I nearly collected a big bruiser last time I was at Mt Blackheath Lookout. Scared the heeby geebies out of me.

Sorry to those of you who would have liked to go to the Airfield this month.

[Wavytone]

Sigh... can't make it on Saturday due to other commitments.
Also the weather forecast looks doubtful at this stage.

I have Sunday night free if anyone is inclined to try and the weather obliges, either Hargraves, Mt Blackheath or possibly table rock at Kings Tableland (just before Wentworth Falls). My preference is Mt Blackheath as there's a fireplace and plenty of fuel lying around.

And yes as Alex indicated, go easy driving on Shipley Plateau, there are plenty of big roos, wombats as well as kids on horses, as well as 4WD's towing horse floats on the narrow road.

[AG Hybrid]

Ah forgot about the public holiday. Sunday night at Hargraves would be alright since Saturdays weather forecast looks average.

[Camelopardalis]

I'm up for this - I've dragged the scope all the way from London so far this week so I'm determined it should get some use :D

Not wanting to go too far OT but could anyone give me some DOs and DONTs... for driving, dealing with nature as much as observing group etiquette? Fresh off the plane, I've got me a Mini and a satnav... and a fear of pretty much anything that has 8 legs or no legs :help:

[Wavytone]

Hi Doug, see map attached.

Go/nogo decision best around midday and certainly no later than 3pm as most of us would leave then to arrive soon after sunset. There is a webcam at Katoomba, on this site http://www.scenicworld.com.au/?option=com_wrapper&view=wrapper&Itemid=44 so you can get a look at the sky first hand if there is any doubt.
Coordinates of the yellow pins:

Mt Blackheath: -33° 38' 39", 150° 14' 43"
Hargraves Lookout: -33° 40' 37", 150° 14' 43"
Katoomba Airstrip: -33° 40' 07", 150° 19' 09"

To Katoomba Airstrip, follow the Great Western Highway west to Medlow Bath. As the highway goes over the railway line turn right to the station and follow this road along the train line, at the end there is a left turn signposted "airstrip". It turns to dirt for the last couple of km and there are potholes, so take it easy.

To Mt Blackheath and Hargraves lookout, continue on the highway to Blackheath. At the traffic lights, turn left (over the train line) then left again (Station St). Follow signs saying "Shipley Plateau". For the first time to Hargraves or Mt Blackheath its perhaps easier to meet at the carpark behind the Ivanhoe hotel in Blackheath (this is a pub at the traffic lights) and go from there. As Alex indicated there are some big kangaroos and wombats, and at night these are a real hazard so drive slowly once on the plateau.

Winter nighttime temps are often down to -6 degrees so at this time of year you will need thermals, beanie, gloves and a balaclava, or ski gear is good, or a freezer suit. A thermos of coffee and a snack is a good idea before driving home. In the interests of safe driving, my usual habit is to either pack up and be on the road home by midnight, or else be prepared to stay and have a few hours sleep before driving home at sunrise. Mt Blackheath has bush fireplaces and plenty of fuel at arms length so its feasible to have a fire in winter to warm up and make a brew, if someone has matches and something to start it. There is a fireplace at Hargraves but no firewood (has to be dragged quite some distance).

Its also not a bad idea to stop for dinner en-route. The main places of interest are:
- Katoomba, several cafes if you are happy to sit down;
- Wentworth Falls, the 'Grand Olive' pizza shop,
- Blackheath, the Ivanhoe serves a great counter meal around $15 opening at 6pm sharp.

Note also that in Sydney, a holiday weekend also means the police will be out in full force looking for anyone they can fine, and the penalties here are really really savage, so obey speed limits even if it is 3am.

[Camelopardalis]

Great! Thanks for all the info. I've got clearance :D so can be ready to go by midday.

Fortunately I managed to pack my layers used this past winter in the UK into the case, so hopefully that should keep me warm enough. Only one way to find out for sure!

[Wavytone]

PS here's the sunset view from Hargraves (this pano spans east, south and west)...
http://www.dpreview.com/galleries/7398429248/photos/2468525/blue-mountains-pano

[Camelopardalis]

Wow! If that's the designated viewing site (weather permitting!) then it looks like I might want to get there a little before sunset to take some pics :cool2:

[killswitch]

Thanks for the info Wavytone

Now we need to decide which day, and which location?

[Wavytone]

Can't go Saturday, other commitments.

The BOM satellite photo does not look promising either at this stage - lots of cloud. Sunday night might be OK but I wouldn't make any decisions till after lunch.

[AstroJason]

I don't mind either site or day. But I am leaning more to Sunday as that might be the best considering the weather, plus it looks like more people are free on Sunday night anyway. Probably also prefer Hargraves, but not too bothered. Just want some time under a dark sky.

[killswitch]

Im good for Sunday now. I dont mind either Hargraves or Blackheath lookout, they are only 6km apart.

[MortonH]

Not going to make it this time, no matter which night it is... :sadeyes:

[AG Hybrid]

Sunday night @ hargraves me-thinks will do. Ill be sure to bring a bottle of metho to make sure we can get the fire going.

[Camelopardalis]

Looking forward to the go/no-go :D

Where's best to checkout the weather forecast, btw?

[Wavytone]

Doug,

http://www.bom.gov.au
http://www.bom.gov.au/nsw/forecasts/sydney.shtml
Satellite image http://www.bom.gov.au/australia/satellite/
Sydney rain radar http://www.bom.gov.au/products/IDR713.loop.shtml#skip

Nearest weather station to Blackheath is Mt Boyce if you want live wind and temps - it is about the same altitude and the wind is what you will experience at Mt Blackheath or Hargraves (I fly a paraglider there sometimes) http://www.bom.gov.au/products/IDN60901/IDN60901.94743.shtml

Katoomba forecast http://www.bom.gov.au/nsw/forecasts/centraltablelands.shtml

Katoomba webcam gives a look at the sky (seems to be offline today) http://www.scenicworld.com.au/explore-our-world/take-a-look/web-cam/

Satellite pic tells the story cloud-wise and you might want to look at the synoptic chart too. It's not looking good BTW, I'll be very surprised if the cloud clears up on Sunday.

[Steffen]

Also: http://7timer.y234.cn/V3/exe/apanel.php?lon=150.25&lat=-33.68&en

Adjust the coordinates in the URL for other locations, this is Hargraves Lookout.

Cheers
Steffen.

[AstroJason]

At this stage im going and aiming to leave at 2pm. Would like to get there before sunset to get some sunset shots as well as get there in daylight seeing as its my first time out to hargraves

[Camelopardalis]

OK cool, my first time too. Arming myself with satnav :D running pre-flight checks on equipment!

[Camelopardalis]

Thanks for all the weather links Wavytone, Steffen :)

[killswitch]

I normally just check this one, easy to read.

http://weather.news.com.au/nsw/central-tablelands/katoomba

It doesnt look too promising but i dont mind going just to take some landscape photos.

Ill probably leave at 2pm as well, i wanna get there an hour before last light.

[Wavytone]

Not sure where the rest of you are located, but here its no good - total overcast. The webcam is still off line, dagnabbit.

[AstroJason]

Totally clouded over here at homebush but... according to accuweather all day its been saying katoomba will be clear from 7pm onwards. Not sure what peoples thoughts are on accuweathers accuracy but.

[killswitch]

Im at eastern creek, it isnt as bad here.

Heres a photo facing west:

https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/10371015/_FFX1840.jpg

As the crow flies, 50km from mine to hargraves.

[rogerco]

I'm at Woodford, while its getting brighter its about 75% dense cloud. If you are coming up allow for delays between Linden and Lawson due to road works closing the roads to one lane, the same from Bullaburra to the top of Boddington hill Wentworth Falls.

Best of luck
Roger

[Camelopardalis]

It's pretty ugly down here in the CBD - after a sunny morning it's now overcast - but I appreciate it's 120km from here to Hargraves...

[AstroJason]

Thanks for the updates all. Im just going to bite the bullet and go. Figure it will be a good drive anyway. Worse case we'll end up with just some cool sunset shots. And if you're coming remember double demerits.

[Wavytone]

Hotpot with friends is looking distinctly more attractive.

Fingers crossed for next month.

[killswitch]

I already canned my fishing trip, so i might as well go. Ill post an update when i get there around 4.



Likewise see you there

[AG Hybrid]

Im going. hanging out for the clouds to clear later tonight. Leaving about 3. if you look at the satellite map. There a gap in the cloud system a few hundred KM wide. Should at least buy a few hours of good sky tonight.

[Camelopardalis]

Sounds like a plan... I should be leaving shortly after 3! What's double demerits??

[AstroJason]

Im here guys looking like a very clear break coming from the west

[Wavytone]

There's a system of points for a driving licence. Speeding for example you can lose 2, 3 or more points depending how fast you were going. On holiday weekends the points are doubled - ie instead of losing 2 or 3 points you lose 4 or 6 points. Lose 13 points = disqualified from driving. Not to mention the fines, the hip pocket nerve will feel the pain.
So, for example driving to the Blue Mountains, you could easily lose 12 points in one day if you are a leadfoot. One more offence and you're disqualified on the spot.

And by the way we have speed cameras, fixed ones, mobile ones and in police cars, marked and unmarked.



Aaargh well it's cleared here too (7:30pm).

[MortonH]

How was last night guys?

[AG Hybrid]

It was absolutely brilliant! It was crystal clear from about 6:30PM till when we left at about 12:30 AM. No signs of clouds when we were leaving either. Cold as hell but.
It's an incredibly dark site. Darkest I've had the pleasure to date to set up a telescope at. Good view of the north too. Saw some targets I haven't seen before. M13, M57, Lyra double-double for example. I can't recall the last time I saw the Milky Way as brilliant as it was last night.

Even did some eyepiece comparisons with Duncan's 13mm ethos and my ES 14mm in both our scopes.

Definetly going back to that lookout. Might bring an extra jumper though.

[Camelopardalis]

I must have said it over a hundred times last night, so I'm not going to shy away from it again :D W O W !!!

Absolutely brilliant night out, great to meet the guys, thanks for being so welcoming! There's just so many things imprinted on my memory at the moment it's hard to sift through all the mental images!

The weather was good, mostly still with a light breeze early and late in the evening, but it left us alone most of the night. Next time I'll be bringing my heated vest for sure :D oh and an extra pair of socks. The site is interesting - next time I must get there before sun down - with the only real blight being a little direct light pollution (streetlamps?) to the east. A couple of random trees didn't really detract much from what would otherwise be a good all around view.

After I'd sorted out the (mis)alignment between my finder and the scope itself (I need to get another Rigel baseplate), and figured out how to convince it that it was in the southern hemisphere, I then discovered that my diagonal was fouling the mount base and confusing the computer. Once I worked that out, it behaved itself all night and then ... under the instruction of my tour guides ... boy did I see some amazing sights last night :) the little C8 did not disappoint!

The Milky Way itself... I was constantly in awe of it, I reckon I must have spent as much time looking up at it naked eye as I did looking at objects through the eyepiece. Words cannot describe... but it must have been pretty dark there to see what we could see, either that or I'm just not used to seeing the real thing :2thumbs:

[Wavytone]

Hehe congratulations Dunk, it's dark, can be bortle 2 to the west, south and overhead... I know you don't really get that in the UK now, too much light pollution...

[AstroJason]

What a great night, it really was amazing considering how the weather was in Sydney when I decided to go. Thanks again Adrian for lending me those two ES eyepieces. Nice meeting you Duncan, was special to see someone from the northern hemisphere experience our southern skies for the first time at such a dark location! Had a good time light painting and experimenting with exposure settings with Ed as well.

Like Duncan said, I too spent a lot of time just looking at the Milky Way itself. But the views through the scopes there were just "out of this world". Pun intended! You could just move the scope around anywhere and literally see countless galaxies popping into the field of view it was that dark.

Like Adrian said, I too enjoyed the views of some northern hemisphere objects that I would not normally have tried if not for Duncan. The Ring Nebula and Dumbbell are imprinted in my mind.

[Camelopardalis]

Where I used to live...probably bortle 8, but an hour or so of driving southwest would get me to a 4, maybe 3 site (hard to tell from the descriptions on wikipedia). There are also a limited number of dark sky reserves, in more remote locations (relatively!)... in a country only a little over half the area of the state of Victoria, there are almost 55 million people crammed in, so remote has a different meaning :D Of course, the bigger problem is the weather... can't see anything through the clouds ;)

Anyway, how great is it to have such darkness on our doorstep here, using the term relatively again :D

[killswitch]

I must say, we lucked out. The skies was absolutely clear by 7pm. The location was fantastic, minus the cold and a bit of eastern glow.

Saw a lot of amazing globs and nebulas i havent seen before, some of it really sticks to you. Been using google image this morning to add the colours in my head.

Also glad to have Duncan join us from the north and tell us how different it is up there.

Heres some photos i took (Check my flickr for full quality, so much quality loss here)

1) Hargraves lookout
2) Facing south westernly (Jason on the foreground)
3) Facing south
4) Random high flyer that decided to say hello
5) Milky way
6) Milky way with nasty sky glow
7) Adrians dob
8) Warp speed to milky way

[Larryp]

Great series of photos!

[Camelopardalis]

Great photos, guys! Seems so long ago :D

[AG Hybrid]

Damn nice pictures. Can I use that picture of my dob for something like fb?

[killswitch]

Thanks guys

Yeah of course Adrian, the higher res pics are in flickr

[Allan_L]

Looks like you guys had a great night!
I think we gave up on the weather too soon up Central Coast way.

Looks tempting !!!
What are the facilities like there?
Do you have room for a few more scopes?
Oh, and what were the conditions like?
We got buckets of dew up here!

Cheers

[mental4astro]

Dew is rare. Hargraves, Mt Blackheath & Katoomba Airfield are all above the surrounding valleys. No rich, moist farmland & pastures. Just dry rocky ridge tops. Driving home from the Airfield I've often come across dew & fog from Katoomba onwards, but the Airfield was crystal clear.

All of these three site have ample room. However, the Airfield is private land, with loos, an office with a combustion heater to meet & sleep in, & the safety private property offers. Hargraves is darker, but soooo much colder (as the boys found out), & you need to lug your gear from the car park to the observing site some 25m away.

[AstroJason]

Amazing shots Ed, great work mate!

[killswitch]

Thanks mate, likewise to yours. How did your time lapse go?

Ive managed to attach my camera to my EQ mount. I might try some longer exposures next time, if i can get it aligned well enough

[AstroJason]

Actually forgot about the time lapse I did. Just processed it then and added some music. Wish it was longer. https://vimeo.com/68259150

If I had the time I would go through each frame and process them individually.

Yeah longer exposures on a mount would be nice to have, I wouldn't mind sticking my 50mm on and getting some nice wide field shots through that. Just a lot of effort to bring my EQ6 out! Guess that's where the Polarie wins.

[mental4astro]

Hmmm, bit rude of me in being a bit slow, but great photos Ed and Jason!