Blue Mountains - Katoomba Airfield, 2nd November: session for fire fighters!

[mental4astro]

Hi all,

Rod has given the OK for us to make use of the Airfield on Saturday 2nd of November. I've started this thread as soon as I could to allow folks more time/chance to fit it in.

Last month was a disappointment. Logic told us all it was to be a bummer. The 'Nose' said, "nope, it'll be a ripper". The Nose won and we missed out, :sadeyes: . Except for Oleg and rocketboy - lucky sods...

While the weather is warming up, it still gets quite chilly up there at 1000m above sea level.

Weather permitting, I hope to get there before sunset. No set time to get there from - the Airfield is open all day and Rod's happy to have early arrivals. Just make yourself known to Rod. There's also no finishing time. That's upto you when you've had enough. But we are welcome to stay all night and even use the office building for some shut eye.

If you haven't been to the Airfield before, access is via Medlow Bath, the next village past Katoomba heading west. The map and pic below show the route there from Katoomba. Just note that the last 3km of Rutland St leading to the Airfield is unsealed and can have corrugations and erosion gullies cut into it, so take it easy. The surface was graded earlier this year, and it is still in good nick, but take it easy.

If this is your first time to the Airfield, once you enter through the gates, turn left at the fork in the road - there's no access to the set up area by going straight ahead. Head past the "No Entry" sign and turn right up the hill and past the various buildings up to the main runway where we set up on the left side concrete slab. This is seen in the second pic below.

If you have any questions, please ask. New to astronomy? You're most welcome to join us. Don't have a scope or feel your scope is too modest? Come along, and bring what you do have - You'll learn a heck of a lot on how to get the most out of the gear you do have and what different scope designs and sizes are capable of doing from what people do bring.

Hope to see you there,

Mental.

In light of the recent fires in the 'Mountains, I've spoken with Rod & we will be starting the session with a "Fire Fighters astro show'n'tell" as a way to say thanks for their efforts & as a bit of a distraction from their efforts. If you can come along with a scope it would be greatly appreciated as this is just a community "thank you". More details in post No. 23.

[MortonH]

Desperate for this one after missing last time!

[AstroJason]

Yep, count me in guys.

[AG Hybrid]

see you there.

[killswitch]

Will be there

[GeoffW1]

Hi,

Sounds good. I aim to be there, with a large fried rice and some prawn cutlets. Hope I remember the telescope.

Cheers

[malau]

I probably fly to the airfield in the afternoon :P

j/k
p.s. I do have student pilot licence

[Wavytone]

Be prepared for the mozzies and the march flies from now to autumn, they're equipped with hypodermic syringes up there. Nasty buggers.

[MortonH]

But as Alex said the other week, the bugs attract the bats, so it's all good :P

[Oleg]

I'm in! Last time something were flying around us, bats I think. There were no flies no mozzies at all.

[Camelopardalis]

Should be there, with or without armour plating :D

[csastro25]

Hey Alex and all

I will be there so this is a chance for me to meet everyone and say hi... Hope to see you and everyone there

Claude

PS: what time are we able to get there?.

[mental4astro]

Hi Claude,

Sunset is around 7:30pm. I HOPE to get there around 7, :rolleyes:. The Airfield itself is open all day. You can get there whenever you can really. Some folks get there early, have their dinner there (they bring their dinner with them as there's only gum leaves to eat at the Airfield) and set up at their leisure. Other's come well into the evening. It's all upto when you can make it.

Mental.

[mental4astro]

I think it would be prudent to mention the current terrible fire conditions up in the Blue Mountains.

Two weeks out from the astro session at the Airfield, the Airfield isn't in direct threat at the moment. Things are busy there during the day to say the least aircraft wise. But so far the situation obviously remains fluid as to what may transpire over the coming fortnight.

Please check this thread regularly for any updates in regards to the Airfield's use in two weeks time.

Our prayers are with those folks who have lost everything to these dreadful fires. I cannot comprehend the sense of loss and terror that must be felt at this time. And to the brave fire fighters risking their own lives at this time, stay safe, and thank you.

[malau]

FYI (if you dont know about this site)

http://livetraffic.rta.nsw.gov.au/desktop.html

[killswitch]

State of Emergency has been declared for the next 30 days.

[mental4astro]

We're back on! :)

Just spoke with Rod. Things are winding down at the Airfield & Rod reckons it will be just fine for us to have a session at the Airfield.

Tonight there were only 6 aircraft staying overnight - one sky crane & 5 smaller choppers. Quite a difference from last week when they averaged 12 aircraft overnight, including 2 sky cranes. They had upto 13 aircraft a couple of times.

Those sky cranes chew through fuel at a prodigious rate, 5,000l per hour.

Thankfully things are finally slowing down. Rod sounded completely exhausted. But he's happy to have us back this Saturday.

Anyone like to see if we should offer our scopes for a session to the fire fighters to say thanks & as a bit of a distraction from their labours? I'm happy to make the suggestion to Rod.

[AG Hybrid]

Sure why not. If they are interested?

[Oleg]

Alex, I like the idea, I can lend my scope and show them some objects.

[Camelopardalis]

Nice idea, hope they wouldn't be underwhelmed though as we're lacking heavy hitters at this time of year IMO :( can't beat a nice big gas giant for wow factor :D

[GeoffW1]

A family evening for them? Sounds a good idea.

Cheers

[Steffen]

Sounds fine, always happy to show people the gems above, esp people who haven't seen them before :)

Cheers
Steffen.

[mental4astro]

Hi all,

I've spoken with Rod about starting Saturday night's session with a bit of a show for the fire fighters to say THANK YOU for their efforts. Rod's happy for this to happen, & will start spreading the word amongst the various brigades, pilots, & others involved in the fire fighting.

If you can come along with a scope it would be greatly appreciated. If you don't have a scope but would still like to come, it is a small way for the astro community to say thanks, not just for the Blue Mountains or the Airfield, but also last season's work at Coonabarabran & other astronomical installations.

Any questions, please ask here in this thread. It is all very short notice, but that's the way it is unfortunately.

If there is anyone who could spread the word to the media, please do. It's the community saying THANK YOU in one small way.

[killswitch]

Sounds good.. will be there :)

[AstroJason]

Definitely will be there to share the views with the firies.

[MortonH]

The fires are still burning aren't they? Won't there be lots of smoke around?

[mental4astro]

The fires are expected to burn for many weeks. At the moment they are safely contained and do not threaten the Airfield. The influence of the smoke depends on the wind. If it is blowing from the south we are in business.

It is also our only chance to have so many fire fighters all together.

[multiweb]

Is it ok to go through this side of Lithgow towards Mudgee? Is the road open after Katoomba/Blackheath all the way past Mt Victoria including Castlereagh hwy?

[MortonH]

My wife won't be happy but I intend to be there!

[rogerco]

The Great Western Highway through the Blue Mountains and on to Lithgow is open, the Darling Causeway going north from Mt Victoria is currently open but will close from time to time to allow access for fire trucks doing back burn operations. As I understand it Bells line of road is closed to everyone except residents.

Winds from the south round to north east should keep the airfield free of smoke.

[multiweb]

Thanks Roger. :thumbsup:

[malau]

Im happy to provide my first scope (just got it 2 wks ago) however although I am learning, if there are anyone can demonstrate to the fireman (and me) that would be good

[mental4astro]

Hey David, there's always someone who is happy to show the ropes. I'd be happy to take you through the collimation process too if you need help with it.

The firies session is being mentioned as going from 7pm to 10pm.

[Camelopardalis]

Weather permitting, I'll be bringing the White Photonic Dustbin, failing that just the White Photonic Paper Basket :D :D

[GeoffW1]

Weather forecast looking neither here nor there........typical :question:

[MortonH]

Forecast is for westerly winds - wouldn't that be ok with the State Mine and Springwood fires to the North and East?

[mental4astro]

Winds from the west, through to the south should be ok. Just give me a clear sky... :prey:

[Wavytone]

Prevailing wind should be WSW 5-10 knots during the day but the sea breeze will probably dominate at night, turning NE at 5 knots which will push the smoke back to the airfield.

[malau]

I will be there at around 6

[Camelopardalis]

Dunno about where you guys are, but round here in the north shore it's very smoky at the moment :help:

[AG Hybrid]

I'll be leaving home at about 5:30pm. Do we know if any fire fighters are turning up?

[Wavytone]

It's pretty bad in Killara... barely see the sun. Off to do some gardening for a while.

[AstroJason]

Hey Dunk, this was posted by the RFS on facebook earlier this morning which explains the smoke today, "Smoke from fires burning in the Hawkesbury is being blown on north westerly winds across northern Sydney and the central coast. It is being trapped under the cloud cover and settling in many suburbs. As the day warms up the cloud cover will break up allowing the smoke to disperse."

[Camelopardalis]

Sweeeeet...so long as it's smoke-free at the airfield :)

[mental4astro]

I've had some calls from RFS people who are coming. Dunno how many will show. I'll make a couple of signs too. I hope to leave around 4pm from home.

Anyone like me to bring my GSTAR camera?

[AG Hybrid]

The RFS might dig the camera thing.

[rogerco]

Couple of sites that might help with the weather

http://www.bmcc.nsw.gov.au/weather/Katoomba/

http://www.bom.gov.au/products/IDR71I.loop.shtml#skip

best of luck.

[MortonH]

The predicted cloud cover on Weatherzone seems to be getting worse.

What does Rod's nose say???

[Camelopardalis]

Good question. SkippySky is predicting it will start clearing before midnight.

I need to run some errands before I can leave - what time is GO/NOGO ?

[mental4astro]

The Nose says "Good to go!"

Conditions are more favorable than I thought they would be. Currently wind is from the northwest & no smoke.

I'm heading up.

Mental.

[MortonH]

Awesome. See you up there!

[Camelopardalis]

OK cool, I'll be planning for approx 5pm departure :D

[AG Hybrid]

Well better start packing then. Ill get leave a bit earlier then. 5pm I guess

[mental4astro]

Can anyone print out a bunch of IIS labels that can be given out as an info source to the people who show up, please? Just the IIS home address as an astro info site would be fine.

[Steffen]

Yes, pleeeeease!

Cheers
Steffen.

[GeoffW1]

Haha

They are ignoring you :rofl::rofl:

I'll do some now.

Cheers

[Camelopardalis]

Mental - still want to try the Axiom 23mm?

Going to gather my stuff together and start loading. Wish I'd got more sleep last night :sadeyes:

[mental4astro]

:thumbsup: please.

[MortonH]

Not feeling 100% so am probably out :(

[Camelopardalis]

Probably? Is that your final answer :D :D

[Smigatron]

I wouldn't mind tagging along tonight.

Is it worth dragging my 8" Dob up there? :)

[killswitch]

See you guys there

[csastro25]

hey was wondering i dont think its going to be clear tonite for some reason

can someone tell me if anyone thinks its going to be on tonite or not

claude

[rogerco]

I suspect those that said they were going are on the road. I'm at Woodford and it doesn't look any good does it. The guy up there said it would be good and he has been right before when it looked crook around this time, but I would hope for much before midnight.

Oh and by the way its a total fire ban day tomorrow

Kat T = 25 deg RH = 11% Wind = WSW 50 - 80kph Fire danger rating = Severe :(

[AstroJason]

The beast has landed, will post vid of the landing tomorrow!

[mental4astro]

Well, the clouds parted FINALLY at midnight. We were treated to very good conditions for galaxy hunting & early season Orion. A measure I have of good conditions is if the Tarantula Neb is easily visible to the naked eye - it was.

I manged two sketches, my first lot in many months. I'll post them later today in the Obs Forum's sketching sticky.

The Ericson Sky Crane certainly provided a heap of interest and photo opportunities.

We had a few firies attend. Sadly for them viewing was very limited. Obe couple had to leave early as they had a 4am start at the fire front.

All up some 11scopes & twenty people showed up. Despite the earlier cloud cover, the company was great, & it was grest to shoot the breeze and talk shop. Just a shame so few were able to enjoy the clear morning sky.

I'm buggered. Got home half hour ago. I'm now goin to lapse into a coma for a few hours.

Mental.

[GeoffW1]

Oh man, Gunga Din. I could not have lasted :thumbsup:

Cheers

[Camelopardalis]

Another great night once we'd danced the clouds away :D

Orion Nebula was as I'd never seen it before, simply superb! Thanks to everyone for all the great views, lots of memorable highlights :) not least including the Horsehead!

[AstroJason]

Was a fantastic night. Get there to see the Sky Crane do its thing. Even though we had to wait until midnight for clear skies it really didn't feel that long because of the great company as usual. Was a shame the skies didn't clear for the firies that attended. Object of the night has to go to seeing the Horsehead Nebula in Alex's 17.5" dob. A VERY close second goes to the Fornax galaxy cluster in Alex's scope again. Lost count of the galaxies in that field! To top off the night we also saw 2 ISS passes and then watched dawn creep its way across the sky. On the way home, I don't know how I had any more energy but I took a detour to the Three Sisters for some sunrise shots. Lots of image processing to get through, will post them soon. But my first priority is to catch up on much needed sleep after getting home at approx 8am! Fantastic night and can't wait to do it all over again.

[Camelopardalis]

Absolutely spot on, I also really didn't perceive the time passing as it did :)

[Steffen]

Yes, a fantastic night, pity is started a few hours delayed. We even managed to (just) glimpse comet ISON before dawn.

I can't believe I was up there for 12 hours... :eyepop:

Cheers
Steffen.

[Wavytone]

Congratulations to those with the patience to stay the night, I don't have the patience for that anymore ;)

[Camelopardalis]

Our patience was generously rewarded :D

Only suffered one vampire bite too!

[killswitch]

Cant believe you guys lasted that long. It was unfortunate it didnt clear up until midnight but a good night nonetheless.

Heres some pics of the Sky Crane

[MortonH]

That first shot is freakin' awesome!!!

[h0ughy]

:thumbsup: fully agree

[erick]

Great shots! The Sky Crane amongst the stars! :thumbsup:

[AstroJason]

Oh yes, how did I forget ISON. I put that to no sleep for over 24 hours! Took a while to see in the approaching dawn but Steffen's persistence paid off. Great shots Ed. That first one is perfect. Great lighting on it but we did spend some time getting it right! I still haven't had a chance to look at mine yet.

[Steffen]

It looks fairly clear in those first two shots ;)

Great shots, by the way :thumbsup:

Cheers
Steffen.

[killswitch]

Thanks guys, me and Jason did a lot of trial and error in the dark. Keen to see Jasons results. He also did a time lapse and got a video of the sky crane in action.

[AG Hybrid]

Here are some of my better pictures of the big fella in action.

[Camelopardalis]

Wow that water canon is pretty awesome :)

[AstroJason]

Here is the video I took... (http://vimeo.com/78499720) As you can tell I was a little excited by this... just couldn't believe I got there in time to see it. "look how sideways it's going..."

And here are some of my better attempts from the night.

Still to have a go at rendering the time lapse.

[AG Hybrid]

That wide field of Orion is great. A little bit of CA but you can see Bernards Loop!

[mr bruess]

if i turn up i would like to see a skycrane helicopter.
Impressive machines.

[AstroJason]

Cheers Adrian, I was surprised to see it there when I started stretching the data.

[Camelopardalis]

Some cracking pics guys, well done! Any chance of bigger versions for wall paper? What do I have to bribe you with next session :D

The air crane was pretty impressive, not your average copter :) shame I was too late to see it in action.

[mental4astro]

Sensational series of pictures, boys! :2thumbs:

Crazy to think that a helicopter would end up being the centre of photo efforts. Bloody sensational compositions with it too!

Jason, in your pic of Orion, the Horsehead prominence is easier to spot in your pic than directly through a scope, eh!

I've posted my sketches in the Obs Forum DSO sketching sticky. I didn't want to double up on posts, so a link to the sketch post is here. (http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/showthread.php?goto=newpost&t=73111)

[AstroJason]

Yeah I was surprised how easy it was to pull the horse head out in this image. Although this is 21 x 30 second exposures. Just wish I had the other half of Orion but I didn't let my time lapse go long enough to capture it. Oh well until next time.

Dunk not sure if they are large enough but I have some of my images on my flickr page. (http://www.flickr.com/photos/59004995@N04/) Pretty sure Ed has some hires shots on his too.

[Camelopardalis]

Awesome :)