Blue Mountains - Mt Blackheath Lookout.

[AG Hybrid]

:stargaze:
Hey.

With no news about Katoomba and the weather looking pretty bloody average this long week end. Anyone interested on a meet up on the 1st of Feb at Hargraves?
The forecast for the 1st is looking much more favorable. Supposedly sunny nearly all of next week and next weekend.

I imagine the weather will be warm, so you'll probably only need some insect repellent.:thumbsup:

EDIT(23/1/14): Location change: Darling Causeway - Abandoned Coal Mine

EDIT(25/1/14): Location change: Yeah we got no idea where yet.:screwy:

EDIT(29/1/14): Location change: Mt Blackheath Lookout

[Steffen]

I'm definitely out, on account of a family function I need to attend that night.

I hope you get some nice views!

Cheers
Steffen.

[AstroJason]

Hey Adrian,

I'm good with that date and will have 2 others with me. I was speaking to Alex about this month and he mentioned the below to me as an alternative to Hargraves.

"There are two other sites I'm keen on, Mt Banks off the Bells Line of Road, close to the Mt Irvine turn off. The other is an abandoned coal mine site of the Darling Causeway between Bell & Mt Victoria, closer to Bell. Road access is better at the old mine, & though closer to the road, jack all cars use the Darling Causeway especially at night. Big open field too. Either site is also less impacted by Katooma's lights."

Unsure if you and others want to try a change of scenery for this one? The old mine sounds interesting, especially considering Alex says its a big open field.

Anyway, thought I would just put that out there if anyone is up for something different. Hopefully Alex will chime in and provide some more info on these sites.

That said, I'm happy anywhere, really need some dark sky time, looking forward to catching up with everyone after missing the last one.

Cheers,

Jase

[AG Hybrid]

You know what. Lat's check out the mine. Got the exact address, location / GPS coordinates? :lol:

[killswitch]

Ill be there. Im open to new places as well.

[Camelopardalis]

I'm not 100% certain I can make it yet but open to new sites. Looks slightly closer, at least for me up here :lol: there's a nice pie shop in Bilpin btw.

Any guesses as to the wildlife situation? One of the blessings with Hargraves is that it's exposed and doesn't seem to attract much of the 8 legged or slithery kind! ... not sure I've drawn the right conclusion there mind.

[AG Hybrid]

I had a look along the Darling Causeway on Google maps and found this huge clearing on the right hand side of the road about 2Kms up from Bells Line of Road. I assume this is the one your talking about Jason?

If it is. It looks really good. That's a nice protected clearing. It looks like a really dark location.

The road getting in is also all nice tarmac.

[AstroJason]

Yeah I think I know the spot you're seeing in Google maps Adrian. Attached is the location that I assume Alex mentioned to me.

Road looks sealed all the way as well. If not we wouldn't have to drive very far to get to the field.

I'll ask Alex to confirm that's the location, he sounded keen to meet up as well. We probably should arrive a little extra early for this one to be sure its a good spot just in case its not to give us ample time to head back to Hargraves. But it looks very promising.

[killswitch]

It spot looks great (on satellite anyway)

Im going Scenic world at Katoomba this weekend, i might be able to do some recon afterwards. Ill take pics and vids.

Is this the exact spot you guys were thinking of?
http://goo.gl/maps/uN8i2

[AG Hybrid]

Good idea if you can do it.

[AG Hybrid]

Probably the wise thing to do.

[Camelopardalis]

Looks interesting. Not needing to wrestle the beast (and setup near the car) would be a bonus :lol:

[AstroJason]

Yeah exactly Dunk, that's a bonus!

Yes Ed, I think that's the spot Alex means. Would be great if you are able to check it out and post up some pics/vids!

[Harb]

If you guys don't mind a ring in, I might see if I can get the time off and come along.......

[mental4astro]

Hi folks,

The Airfield isn't available to us this New Moon.

I've been looking for other sites for the times when the Airfield isn't available. I've been picking Wavy's brains for this too. Like Dunk, while Hargraves has a nice big sky, it is not very friendly to lugging around a lot of heavy gear.

One place I'm keen on exploring is the Old Coal Mine, noted in Ed's link. Thing is a good reckie needs to be done, for despite the large open fields, is the site accessible? One thing about the location on the Darling Causeway is you are rocketing along at 80km/h and on a long sweeping bend, and it easy to shoot past it as it isn't signposted. The only thing that distinguishes the location is the very good driveway entrance compared to the typical driveways around here. I drove past it a couple of weeks ago, but the missus wouldn't have a bar of turning back for a Captain Cook, :( . Wavy thinks the site could be chained off. Someone's gotta have a look.

Mount Banks that I mentioned to Jason isn't a good option, Wavy mentioned to me. The access driveway is on a dangerous bend to start with that is hard to spot even though it is sign posted because of the bend and the speed one's travelling at along here on the Bell's Line of Road. Made more dangerous if one's arrival is at night, and trebled when leaving late into the evening. Wavy's also mentioned that the two observing sites there are not very accommodating for large groups. Best give Mt Banks a miss.

One possible site is an abandoned quarry north west and a stone's throw from Mt Victoria on Mt York Rd. In google maps it looks like a big white scar just outside of Mt Victoria. Big site and isolated, but again we need to check for easy of access.

Old quarry at 83 Mt York Rd, Mt Victoria (https://maps.google.com.au/maps?q=83+mount+york+road+mount+vic toria&ie=UTF-8&ei=hgbhUsDUDoqZlQXOuIGQAw&ved=0CAcQ_AUoAQ)

I don't know when I could get out for a sticky beak soon. Anyone?

Harb, the more the merrier - you'd be most welcome, as anyone else who would like to come. These are informal gatherings.

Alex.

[Harb]

I might be in the general area tomorrow.....if so, I will pop in for a look and grab some Pic's etc........

I will report back here tomorrow night.

[AstroJason]

I had a look on google streetview at Old quarry on Mount York Rd (attached is the view of the site). There is a fence on the drive way that you could obviously walk around, lugging equipment will be another issue though.

Unfortunately the google street view guy didn't drive all the way into the Old Coal Mine (That might be due to it being fenced off somewhere, I hope not).

Jase

[Harb]

All will be revealed tonight......just about to go to Bathurst via there......

Stay Tuned !

[killswitch]

I cant see any gates or fences. The google car needs a lot of vertical clearance, maybe it saw the trees and said screw it.

I did notice the burnt out car near the spot. Also it looks like bushfires tore through that area recently. If thats the case then good news for Dunk, less wildlife.



Excellent. Fingers crossed

[AstroJason]

:lol: exactly, see Dunk, nothing to worry about mate!

Fantastic thanks Harb

[mithrandir]

The NSW LPI maps say there is a locked gate after crossing the railway line and the disused mine spur line. The maps are several years old and it might not still be there, but there is something showing at about the right place on Google Earth.

[MortonH]

Between our car being written off this week and my daughter starting school on 3 Feb, unfortunately I'm out.

[killswitch]

Let's hope RFS knocked it down during the bushfires. Does the LPI maps say who owns the land?

[Camelopardalis]

:lol: :lol: there's hope for me yet :D

[killswitch]

Have i told you about the elusive Blue Mountains Black Panther (http://www.news.com.au/national/mystery-of-elusive-blue-mountains-panther/story-e6frfkvr-1225902332607)? :lol:

[Camelopardalis]

Strangely...the thought of having my arm bitten off by one of those doesn't bother me :lol: death by trouser leg crawler is what freaks me :eyepop:

[jasonghaby]

Hey guys,

Just introducing myself. My name is Jason and I am good friends with the other Jason's cousin. I will be joining you guys on Saturday. Ive just recently bought a telescope, as in last week, after many years of wishing for one. This will be my first ever outing so i am very excited. Have been practising setting up and aligning etc so I can set up as quickly as possible on the night. Looking forward to meeting everyone and hopefully learning a thing or two.

Jason

[Harb]

This is what none of us wanted to see......... :(

But Fear Not !......... I have a plan :)

After a bit of driving around, I found what looks like a "Common" or "Reserve" in a very nice spot down the hill in Hartley Vale....... looks like the go......I am going to find out all about it and chase up any permissions etc.......I will get some more Pictures over the weekend, but here it is on Google Earth.

33°31'48.93" S 150°14'34.46" E

[Harb]

Turns out the site at Hartley vale is the old Shale Oil refinery......
I looks like its accessible, and looks a really good option.....a nice big open space on a road that would not get used much at all at night.....big grass area's that will be road car friendly, so you can work out of your boot.
On street view there isn't a fence........there is now, but the gate is open, and it doesn't look like it ever gets locked........but I will ask if we can get a key just in case it ever does.
I will put a bit more research in this week and get some firm details, but its not far from the coal mine site and I think its way better.....

http://infobluemountains.net.au/rail/images/map-har.gif

[Harb]

G'day Jason.......will be my first outing with these guys too :thumbsup:

[Harb]

Here is That Hartley Vale site.......


I also had a look at that quarry.......the gate has stone walls either side,so its a walk in....up hill and its on a fairly busy road with lots of houses and camping area's up towards the end of it.....the tree's are also big and there is a High tension path going over the top to one side right in the eastern viewing area, so I would rate it as a no go as well......

[mithrandir]

Has anyone considered Barden's Lookout on the Mount York Road?

[Harb]

Had a look at that too....ok if you only want to look out to the west mainly, and again, you will have to deal with a fair bit of traffic I would say

[AG Hybrid]

Nice work Harb.

A shame about the mine.

Andrew. I'm driving up that way for a day out. I think I'll check up on Barden's and Mt Yorks Lookout.

[Harb]

No worries......

If you are driving around, go down to Hartley vale.....you can get there by taking the turnoff on the other side of the road to the mine on the way back to Mt Vic....... or the other way to the right,just past the pizza place and lolly shop on the way to lithgow.....

Have a look and see what you think..........here is a bigger pic to show you where it is in relation to the old pub.

[mental4astro]

Nice work, Harb! :thanx:

Just be careful about valleys - they are dew traps, and if the surrounding land is pasture or agricultural, even worse. That's why all the places we use and look for is high up on ridges.

[Harb]

Yeah that may be the stumbling block......its worth a shot though....will let you know how it goes.

[Wavytone]

OK... here's a list of pretty much all the sites I've tried in the mountains. BTW the primary reason to avoid the valleys is fog at night settles in them, and heavy dark soils (farmland, urban areas) mean dew.

The old coal mine on the Darling Causeway is out of bounds, there's a locked gate and fence at the railway bridge.
Bardens lookout on Mt York Rd - I've been there - only has a low horizon southwest, and lots of trees in other directions.

Via GWH:

1. Kings tableland - too light-polluted these days and have to carry scopes.
2. Katoomba airstrip... 'nuff said.
3. Narrowneck Road, south of Katoomba - too light polluted.
4. Hat Hill Rd, a dirt road running north of Blackheath to Anvil lookout;
5. Mt Blackheath - as some of you know, great horizon west and south but trees block the view to the east.
6. Hargraves Lookout - good but have to carry gear
7. Mt York. Possible for a small group, but too many trees.

Via Bells Line of Rd:

1. Mt Banks - as indicated by Alex, I used to frequent this regularly in the 1980's and 1990's but access to my old haunt is now blocked off and old the top carpark is suitable. It's a small are big enough for maybe 2-3 scopes at best. Despite the light-pollution map on Google showing it in the dark blue, 20 years ago I started to feel the sky was light polluted and if you were after galaxies, not so good.

2. Pierce's Ravine carpark, just past Mt Banks; this will hold a group but there are some small trees around it. Maybe cleared by the bushfire - worth a look.

3. Mt Wilson Cathedral Camping Ground - will hold a very big group but there are danged big trees.

4. Disused airstrip off the south side of Bell's Line of Rd, past ZigZag railway (see screenshot) - excellent site, will hold a large group easily. On Google earth this is a big white scar. The airstrip is coarse white river sand, as big as the main strip at Katoomba, though it now has a few potholes and puddles. Observing there is fine.

5. Hassan's Walls, reached via Lithgow - several good sites for 2-3 scopes but not for big groups.


IMHO the best accessible observing site in the mountains capable of holding a group - bar none - is the disused airstrip. Finding it is tricky because it is not obvious from Bell's Line of Rd as the road is higher and the camber puts the airstrip out of sight of motorists - take a GPS with you and for the first time, slow down and drive onto it in daylight so you can see where you're going. The south end is out of sight of traffic and the only disturbances at night will be possums in the trees.

[Harb]

yeah I wasn't thinking about fog etc......wasn't thinking much past next week lol.....anyway, will wait and see what comes up then. :)

[AG Hybrid]

Thanks for all that info Wavy.

That air strip is an interesting one. However, its so far away from us we may as well goto the Pony Club. They lack the elevation we enjoy in the mountains. Although I don't think they are open Feb 1.

The open area on Hat Hill Road is an interesting one. North east of Blackheath. Sealed road all the way. It seems close to Blackheath, but Blackheath is like half size of Katoomba so light pollution might be low enough for us. The road its on also goes to no where really. I would be surprised its used at all at night.

See picture for location.

[AG Hybrid]

Also that disused airfield. Its pretty close to Lithgow don't you think? That's a fairly big town.

[Wavytone]

According to Google Maps the Pony club has significantly more light pollution - even the Katoomba Airstrip is better.

Hat-Hill Rd is problematic. The best spot is on the roadside - I tried it once and while possible its not enjoyable. Driving all the way to Anvil Rock isn't recommended as the road is badly corrugated dirt.

Yes I hear what you say about the light from Lithgow - it concerned me too - however you will be surprised by how dark the sky is at this location. Hassan's Walls lookout is also pretty darn good, but also popular with the local teens at night.

If you want another awesome site there is a huge open clearing in the forest on the road to Jenolan Caves. It's high on the ridge about 8 km before the caves, where the Jenolan Caves Cottages are located, however this one is for a 2-3 night stay with the family. Could be a nice thought for an astrocamp in style.

[Harb]

Yeah I thought about that old air strip.....its only a couple of km's further than the old coal mine, and it easy access.

Also across the road is that old military ruins where they used to release the balloon suspended cables is also open and drive straight in.....if you go up the back of the site the tree's aren't to bad either....... and the headlights of oncoming cars are directed more away as well.

[AG Hybrid]

Browntown Oval between Mt Victoria and Blackheath. What do you think? If we park in the north east corner the trees and shrubs should block out the any car lights from the highway. I'll check it out tomorrow.

[mental4astro]

Browntown oval is no good - totally exposed to the highway. I thought of it too, but you can see the whole oval even while rocketing past it at 80km/h.

[AG Hybrid]

Damn running out of options.

Wouldn't it be just a shame if someone with a pair of bolt cutters would just open the old Quarry aye?

[GTB_an_Owl]

i will stand corrected gentlemen - but according to the latest light overlay for google earth (2006)- i think the Pony Club wins by a nose!

geoff

[AG Hybrid]

Cool map. I think that map might put Hargraves Lookout in the blue?

[mithrandir]

Did you read the CCTV warning on the sign? Anyone had dealing with Crown Lands about getting access through locked gates?

The light pollution overlay shows the airstrip as "green". However the southern end is about 10m higher than the road, so eastbound headlights 850m away on the curve might be a pain.

[AG Hybrid]

Actually, I was looking at the old quarry north west of Mt Victoria. The one located on Mt York Road. Not the old coal mine. 2 different places. Of course I saw the CCTV warning signs.

Anyway...

We could quite literally, park our cars out the front and carry our equipment over the 2 foot tall mound and setup.

-33.615598,150.310376

[Harb]

Was there yesterday.......trees are pretty high, there is a big power transmission line on the eastern side, and the road is pretty busy with all the housing and camp grounds up the end of the road......

Pretty sure a phone call would get a key to the old coal mine if it was the best spot....

[AG Hybrid]

Well. There is still this place -33.615593,150.310381. According to those maps the LP wouldn't be any worst than the Airfield. its actually called the Blackheath Old Aerodrome. Its a rather big open area. No signage about it being inaccessible to the public?

[Harb]

You wouldn't think it would be so hard to find a place to stand in the dark hahaha

[Camelopardalis]

Not that we haven't had good times at Hargraves :lol: it's only the lights off to the east that spoil the darkness.

[Wavytone]

Andrew,

I've observed from the disused airstrip 3, maybe 4 times. It's good and no issues with lights from passing cars. Unfortunately it s just not a very attractive place and there's some junk trashed off the south end.

I scoured Mt Wilson too but I didn't find any really promising sites.

As for -33.615593,150.310381 ... I've been there. Many years ago it was accessible but a few years ago it was fenced off. Worth a visit to see if that's the case though.

The next stop is Hassan's Walls but that's getting a bit far to drive home safely.

Beyond that.. Rydal Showground - superb, or the paddock in the forest on the road to Jenolan caves, where the cottages are.

IMHO it's either Hargraves, or the airstrip on Bells line of rd.

There is on area I haven't tried. Opposite Zigzag there is Clarence and on the south side some dirt roads run into the National park, near the tunnel. There are some open spots visible on google earth.

But no idea if these are accessible.

[Camelopardalis]

Looks like we need a holiday weekend and sleep in the car...too late :lol:

[Harb]

Yeah its a bugger....

I am lucky enough to have 2 family farms out in the west in the darkest possible zones, but they are 6 hours away........a bit far for most.

[Camelopardalis]

And you didn't think to mention this before, Harb :lol: :lol: :lol:

[Harb]

I assumed it was way to far for most punters.....you can't beat dark skies though.......

[Camelopardalis]

:lol: I'm just kidding, 6 hours is a long way for a night out...

[Harb]

haha yeah I gathered that........good place for a few days though :)

[mithrandir]

From a photo shoot where I drove for a 4WD web site I'd say many of the dirt roads in the NP aren't 2WD friendly.

The clearing around -33.472649S 150.238396E maybe? LPI shows it as a public road, neither the railway nor Bell Rd point at it, the access is only about 170m and looks reasonable. It's about 50m wide with no trees on the western side. However there is an electricity transmission line running between the clearing and the road.

Mind you, until I finish radiotherapy and recover from the side effects, all this is hypothetical for me. I'm confined to setting up the G11 in the back yard.

[mithrandir]

The in-laws have a couple of properties *only* 5 hours drive north. Now all the mines are popping up around Quirindi it's ruining the skies.

[Wavytone]

Well... Made a decision - forget the scopes for yet another month - I've booked a 3 day weekend at Currarong, Jervis Bay.

[Camelopardalis]

Only 5 hours :lol: :lol:

Sorry to hear about your radiotherapy, btw, hope you make a swift and strong recovery :thumbsup:

[Camelopardalis]

Sounds like you just need a bigger car Wavytone ;) :lol:

[Wavytone]

Nah... Packing the paraglider and snorkelling gear.

Just had a lovely quick fly this evening.

[AG Hybrid]

Well. Hargraves never fails to throw up great views.
However, I did visit some look outs and had a look at Hartley Vale from Mount York Lookout. I didn't get to look at that site that was suggested.

I also checked out Browntown Oval. I also took a lot of pictures from the ground. I think that place would be alright. We set up in the middle and passing lights from the highway wont bother us. We are looking up after all.

I'll post them up tomorrow.

[Harb]

I am thinking I might bite the bullet and head out the farm for a few days.........The wife doesn't want to go, so might spend some quiet time testing my new camera and a few other bits....... be a shame to waste the dark skies if its clear.

Good luck with your night fella's.....hope you find a great spot

[killswitch]

Browntown oval looks good and super easy to access.

Is the light leak from the highway that bad?

[Harb]

There is some pretty heavy duty lighting up the road a bit at the RTA Truck checking station that may have some effect, but yes its easy access due to it being right on the side of highway.

[mental4astro]

well, looks like it's Hargreaves or Mt Blackheath lookouts. I've been to both. Hargreaves has a wider view of the sky, but Mt Blackheath leaves you next to your car to setup. What's the consensus on these two then.

[AG Hybrid]

Here are the pictures on the ground from Browntown Oval.

[AG Hybrid]

And a couple more. I think if we set up out in the field on the cricket pitch we would not be on an angle to be affected by the high head lights. The skies should be in the dark green according to that light pollution map posted earlier. Being in between Blackheath and Mt Victoria which are tiny compared to Katoomba.

I went to Blackheath lookout as well. You have a great view of the south and a decent portion of the east and west. Directly over head is good too. But anything in a northerly direction as far as I could tell was no chance. Also, there are people camping there!

[Wavytone]

If I wasn't otherwise committed, I'd take leg stump, or silly mid off.

[Wavytone]

Adrian, Mt Blackheath is also an excellent paragliding site, and also has fireplaces ! In warmer months pilots do camp overnight instead of spending 4-5 hours on the road to return Sunday morning... The Ivanhoe pub offers excellent sustenance readily at hand for those too lazy to cook. ;)

Offering a few minutes at the eyepiece of a half-decent scope will result in a convert.

The Ivanhoe is well worth considering for dinner in summer on the way or before driving home, as the counter is open from 6pm, and I'll plug the local venison snags from Shipley Plateau ;)

[Harb]

Here you go.....browntown oval

[mental4astro]

Like I said in post No. 45, Browntown Oval is flanked on its north side by the GWH. It is totally exposed to the GWH.

[Harb]

And the rail line on the southern side, RTA sodium lighting on its eastern side......I recon the compromise is to great.

[AG Hybrid]

Totally exposed to the great western highway? Because when I was there it didn't look that bad. Ideal? Could be better, sure. It was a bit noisy.

Has anyone check it out late at night?

Its not like the head lights are pointed right at us. Unlike sometimes at the airfield by someone coming up the drive way. I would imagine it would be less exposed to wind then either the airfield, Hargraves, or especially Mt Blackheath.

Just saying.

Otherwise, I'm happy to commit to Mt Blackheath on Feb 1st.
Fingers crossed it wont be windy.

[AstroJason]

I was going to suggest just heading back to Hargraves Lookout seeing as our other options have all fallen through and we all know this location well.

But looking on Google Earth it looks like there is a massive area at Mount Blackheath Lookout where Hang Gliders take off from. Is this suitable for us to set up from? It looks perfect.

[killswitch]

Sounds good, as long as its not a wind tunnel there.

Each site we visit, ill start taking long exposures of each direction and compare.

[AG Hybrid]

That area is on a fairly steep decline. Maybe as much as 15 degrees. A tripod mounted setup might be able to work but our dob's wont.

I think we should still check out Mt Blackheath. It looks like it will be really dark. We just wont be looking north really. You'll have to setup in the car park.

[AG Hybrid]

Well, bit cloudy here in Sydney at the moment. But, the Brisbane storm chasers site shows that Blackheath is now clear. Should be a good night.

[Camelopardalis]

As much as it pains me, I'm going to have to leave you guys in peace this month :P hope you have a great night and look forward to your reports :D

[AstroJason]

Yeah a bit annoying its cloudy now considering how good the weather was all week. But yes should be a good night up in the mountains. Planning on getting there earlier than usual... around 7ish to scope the location out.

What time you guys thinking of arriving?

[AG Hybrid]

I think I'm going to leave home at about 5:30. There's a nice fish and chip shop in Blackheath. I'll get some dinner and bring it to the look out.

[AG Hybrid]

FYI for those who didn't come. It was a really good night. I personally met some new people. Including Jason who brought his first scope. A C11 (What a first scope!). Great conditions and great company as usual.

Lying down on the hang glider launch pad site and just staring up at the Milky Way was a lot of fun.

[Harb]

good stuff.....

Lucky you didn't go to the Brown Town oval......I came past there last night and stopped in for a look in the dark.
The car lights going past would have been a PITA, but worse still were those awful vapour lighting issues coming from the RTA site.....it was really bad covering at least a 3rd of the sky to the naked eye, so it would have been worse if any astrophotography were to take place.....anyway , hope you guys had a great time

[Camelopardalis]

Nice one Adrian! How was the site...better than Hargrave's visually? How about the wildlife...friends or foes?

[AG Hybrid]

The road to get there is nicer. Those little bats are more active but they are a cute novelty. The view is limited of the north but south and west is good. Its a good site and we have all agreed to come back ---- with gym and yoga mats to lie on when we lie on the launch pads and watch the sky.

Would not want to be there in Winter though. We need that building at Hargraves.

[Camelopardalis]

Sounds cool :)

[killswitch]

It was a good clear night. I like this new site better. Id say its on par with Hargraves if you average out the pros on cons. Wildlife, bugs and bats is about the same as Hargraves, no big.

Definitely bringing mats and binos next time. Great view lying down.

Heres the timelapse i created:

http://youtu.be/CUz9OChldXA (watch in hd)
(290 x 30sec @ 15fps)

[Camelopardalis]

Beautiful! The coal sack looks really bold!

[Harb]

Thats awesome.....what did you use to shoot that ?

[killswitch]

Cheers, i used a Nikon d800 with a 14-24mm lens.

[Harb]

Really nice......I have a 14-24 also......very nice lens

[Wavytone]

Congratulations !

On the coast the sea breeze was howling at 15-20 knots all night and I was a tad curious how it was up there.

BTW... The big sloping area covered in AstroTurf is the paraglider launch. The hang gliders launch from a narrow steel runway further down at the end of the steps, right on the cliff edge - don't go near that in the dark as it's a sheer 100m drop below !!

[MortonH]

Been looking up Google Maps just so I'm sure for next time...

It's the "grass" area on the left just before you reach the lookout on Mount Blackheath Road?

[AG Hybrid]

Yep that's it Morton. Jason even set up his C11 just to the south of it. Most of us set up near those 2 paths leading to the left.

Wavy, there was no wind at all that night. Literally dead still. Light dew started to develop actually. Which was odd considering how warm it was. Polo shirt all night, even at 2:30 AM

[jasonghaby]

Just wanted to say thanks to Jason for the invite and a massive thanks to Jason, Adrian and Ed for all their tips and advice. I had a great time. My first time observing under a dark sky. Really looking forward to next time out. :D

[Camelopardalis]

Look forward to meeting you Jason and your C11 at a session in the future, I often bring my C11 too :D

Adrian - did you say there was no view north or it's just not a clear horizon? Any chance of Jupiter from there? It's transit is just over 30 degrees altitude.

[AstroJason]

Real nice work there Ed with your time lapse, great composition. And thanks again for the tripod mate, very generous!

No worries Jason, glad to have a new person who is keen to join us when we go out. Your scope was great to look at and through! You can have a C11 off with Dunk!

Had a real great night and like Adrian said, it was really cool just laying on that launch pad and watching the milkyway overhead. Real great spot! Would be a fantastic view in winter but would be far too cold!!

[Camelopardalis]

Sleeping bags? Not for the C11s, but to watch the MW :lol:

[JRC]

This sounds too much fun. When is the next Mt Blackheath planned ? 22nd Feb or 1 March? I think i'll have to bring my C11 along too but its a bit out of collimation= any assistance appreciated.

[MortonH]

Think it needs to be 1 March. On 22 Feb the moon rises around midnight.

[AG Hybrid]

Wow 3 C11's at the same time. That would be awesome. Our group is getting some seriously sophisticated equipment on the field.

Yeah next meeting will be around 1st of March. Unless Alex can bring us news of Katoomba airfield. Which, we will go there instead.

[Camelopardalis]

C11 fest :D :D : D

Shame as humans we don't have 3 eyes :lol: (sorry, it's all prescription I promise!)

[MortonH]

I'm gonna set up my ZS66 beside the C11s for a shootout.

[Camelopardalis]

Geez, I know who's going to win when it comes to star fields :lol: :P

[Steffen]

Naked eye? :D

Cheers
Steffen.

[Camelopardalis]

You win Steffen :lol:

Heated undies and a camping mat it is :thumbsup:

[killswitch]

Some more pics from last week i just processed

1) Launch pad
2) Lineup of scopes (minus a C11)
3) Carina and a satellite
4) Star trail shot created from timelapse
5) Milky way shot

[Camelopardalis]

Great shots, as always Ed! Thanks for sharing.

Love the satellite/shooting star in both of the MW shots :)

[Kunama]

Nice pics Ed, I will keep an eye on this and try to get there for the next meeting with the Mewlon and T-Rex.

[jasonghaby]

Just wondering if anyone has any updates regarding march 1st?

Just got my es 20mm 100deg eyepiece cant wait to use it

[AG Hybrid]

Ha good choice. If we don't hear from Alex regarding the Airfield. We will make new thread.

[mental4astro]

Rod has recently had knee replacement surgery late January, and is making steady recovery. I spoke with him today, and after 3 weeks he's not only walking, but able to drive an automatic - it was his left knee that was operated on, but thus is his recovery and confidence.

I've asked him to consider our access to the Airfield for the 1st of March. He's said he'll get back to me about this. It all depends on how his recovery progresses.

[AstroJason]

Great to hear Rod is recovering well Alex, pretty quick turn around to be walking and driving considering he had a knee replacement! Glad he is on the mend.