Looking for general advice on stargazing

[ms]

Hi all,

my name is Michael. I've been in sydney for 2 years and I'm picking up stargazing as a hobby recently. Light pollution, however, turns out to be a big problem for me as I live in st george area. I'm planning to drive further away from urban in the coming weekends or two. any suggestions as to the destination? I've heard that blue mnt area is great for a short drive. i can accept up to two hours drive

I'm also considering buying a pair of binoculars after my uni finishes at the end of this june. my budget is around $150 to $200 coz i don't have a permanent job atm :( i'd like to hear from you guys about reviews and recommendations. a pair suitable for starters would be appreciated

cheers

[Larryp]

Hi Michael, Sutherland Astronomical Society is close to you-Green Point Reserve at Oyster Bay. They have an observing site at Waterfall on the edge of National Park. I think its in use 2 Saturdays per month, and is quite dark. Its worth joining the society for the help and advice you will get, as well as access to the observing site.
As for binoculars, Bintel sell 10x50 Gerber Deluxe for $199.00 and they are excellent quality-check their web site.

[ms]

Thanks Larry, I'll check out their website later.

[madwayne]

Hi Michael

Laurie is right, SASI do have a site at Waterfall on the edge of the Royal National Park. The observatory is also open on Saturday nights of new moon and third quarter. I'm not 100% sure of what the visitor policy is so it may pay to check on both fronts.

We also have three annual star parties, one at Mudgee Observatory which starts the weekend after Easter. There is a new one at Grattai, 15 minutes from Mudgee, in June and another one is held at Wooton, on the mid North Coast near Bulladelah/Taree, around the time of the September/October school holidays. All three are run by members opening their properties up to other members and run for 8 or 9 nights.

Until recently there was also a dark site at Bargo (Southern Highlands) but I believe there are access issues at that site at present.

It is a very friendly society, as they all are, and well worth the visit.

Wayne

[ms]

Hi Wayne,

Thanks for that, i think the club in sutherland seems an excellent option for me due to proximity. according to their website, they have several open nights annually. however, the closest upcoming one does not take place until the end of Aug :( . since I'll have to cope with several exams in late june, i'm considering to give it a burl after that. BTW do you know any other clubs with public open nights in July, preferably?

Regards

[Larryp]

Michael, they are at the observatory every Thursday night from about 7.30pm.
The open nights are for the general public and are held on an annual basis to raise public awareness of astronomy and to raise money. Not a good time to go there for your first time, as everybody would be too busy. Better to go down there one Thursday night and you can chat to members, have a look around and get some advice :)

[ms]

Hi Laurie thanks for your advice. I'll contact them to confirm that in July.