Blue Mountains - Katoomba Airfield, September 20 AND 27!

[mental4astro]

Two Saturdays are available to us this month!

Hi folks,

This month's New Moon sits smack bang mid-week. This gives us two shots at dates for a trek up the 'Mountains. Rod's happy for us to have the two Saturdays, the 20 and 27. Can't say it's through no lack of trying...

Some of us may be able to do both Saturdays, some one or the other. With how lousy things have been this year for us, other than living up in the Blue Mountains this is as good a chance as we can get, <sigh>...

If you haven't been to the Airfield before you are most welcome to come. Doesn't matter if you have a scope or not you are welcome. We are a friendly bunch, and don't bite too hard...

Access to the Airfield is via Medlow Bath, the next village after Katoomba heading west. At Medlow Bath's only set of traffic lights turn into Station Pde, and then turn left into Rutland. Rutland is also known as Grand Canyon Drive. The Airfield is 4km from this intersection with the last 3km being unsealed. NOTE: recent rain up there has eroded the road surface, so take it easy.

The Airfield is totally BYO power, food, drinks, etc. Loos are available for kids and ladies and those feeling less adventurous (ok Duncan, we promise to not be too harsh on you in future {said with fingers crossed behing his back... :evil:}) ). There is no knock-off time as we are welcome to stay overnight. When you've had enough you make your call. There are sofas in the office building we can get some kip in too. The office building also has a combustion heater that becomes the centre of the universe during winter, and it will still get very cold up there so come prepared, :cold: :campfire:

This is an informal gathering. We all share the cost of a gift to Rod of his preferred brew. The hat gets passed around for this.

These get togethers are a great chance to ask questions if you are new to astronomy. Folks who come up bring a wide variety of instruments and gear, and their interests vary just as widely from visual through to imaging (and even sketching... ). The Airfield's elevation at 1000m also makes it not only one of the highest observing sites close to Sydney, but also its elevation makes a big impact in reducing the influence of Sydney's light pollution.

Heading to the Airfield

Note that some natsav systems call this site "Katoomba Airport", and won't show Katoomba Airfield.

On entering the Airfield's gates, keep to the left hand track - there is no access to the observing field using the other two tracks. Drive past the "no entry" sign and turn right up the hill past the various buildings. The setup slab is on the left once you reach the main runway.

The first pic below shows the route to the Airfield coming from Katoomba. The second pic shows the way to the observing slab on the main runway.

If you have a telescope, bring it along! If all you have are binoculars, brilliant! Bring them! Binos are a fantastic astronomy tool. I always bring my pair. If you don't have a scope, no problem either, we like to share the views through ours.

Mental.

[AstroJason]

I'm keen for both nights.

[Steffen]

Same here. Well done, Alex.

Cheers
Steffen.

[killswitch]

Sweet.. Im in for both nights.

Definitely staying late till Orion and such comes up.

[Camelopardalis]

I'm in for the first night, weather permitting...

And remind me to p!ss in that mirror box of yours :P

[MortonH]

I'll aim for both and if I make one it will be a miracle!

[mental4astro]

You're gonna have a tough time carrying it to the loo for that... :lol:

[Camelopardalis]

Good exercise for my back :eyepop:

[AG Hybrid]

Something something something something see you all there.

[Wavytone]

Nope, grounded. I'm on the brink of becoming a new dad !:eyepop:

[MortonH]

Wow! Congrats!

[Camelopardalis]

Play with fire, you're gonna get burned :P

[seeker372011]

I have been trying to come for months if not years. Something always seems to conspire.
Fingers crossed for September.
Bloody weather.

[nectarine]

I posted a thread a couple of weeks ago about the possibility of getting to do some observing during my upcoming trip to Sydney so am delighted to see this. I would love to come to the airfield on 20th - I can get the train from Sydney to Katoomba but I am hoping that someone would be kind enough to meet me in Katoomba for a lift out to the airfield as I don't know the area at all and won't have any transport. I'm prepared to stay overnight and try to get a lift back to town the next morning (if it's not too far I'd be happy to walk).
I really hope this is okay as I don't want to put anyone out. I won't have a telescope (my 10" dob won't fit in my suitcase!) but I do plan on bringing my binoculars. I am so looking forward to the opportunity of seeing some southern hemisphere objects so hope this works out. I understand I'd have to bring my own food etc but would I need a sleeping bag or is it warm enough to just sleep in your clothes?
Looking forward to my trip and also meeting some fellow enthusiasts,
Clear Skies,
Bernie

[Wavytone]

Hi Bernie,

I'm sure you will get a lift from someone going up, either at Katoomba or Medlow Bath. On the Wednesday or Thursday prior we should have a fair idea whether the weather is going to be ok or not. If it's doubtful the go/no-go decision will be made by midday Saturday.

In the morning I suggest better to get a lift back to Sydney or to Katoomba and get a couple of hours sleep on the way, easier than trying to sleep out up there - it gets down to 4 degrees overnight if it's clear.

Train timetable:
http://www.sydneytrains.info/index.htm;jsessionid=44EDCC39B5916E 518676185B441C5276.node01#landingPo int

[nectarine]

Thanks for that. I will check back here then before that weekend to see what's happening - fingers crossed for clear skies (very used to saying that phrase in Ireland :rolleyes:.....)

[Camelopardalis]

We'll get you there somehow Bernie :lol:

If you've not been to Katoomba before, it's the site of the World Heritage Three Sisters which is worth a look during daytime.

If you're not visiting during the day, maybe mention roughly (i.e. suburb - no more in a public forum) whereabouts you'll be staying so that we can see if there is any of the usual suspects nearby that could pick you up.

mental4astro usually calls GO/NOGO after having spoke to Rod (airfield owner) after lunch, so keep an eye on this thread as we head for 3pm.

[Wavytone]

There's also a webcam at http://www.scenicworld.com.au/explore-our-world/take-look/web-cam/

... Useful to check the sky before setting off if it is doubtful.

[mental4astro]

5 days out from the first Saturday & so far I think a bit better than 50/50. Forecast has improved from 3 days ago too. I'm trying not to look too often at the forecast - just praying...

[Wavytone]

And a very special birthday - wavy jr was delivered this afternoon, mum and bub doing well. It will be some months before we come up to Katoomba again, maybe in the autumn. Little fella will have his own scope and know his planets and constellations by then (they're mapped on the ceiling already, with a solar system mobile...:lol:).

[nectarine]

Congratulations on the birth of your little boy - that's lovely.... Maybe you can do a bit of observing when you're up in the early hours for the next few months lol. :welcome:Wavy Jnr

[mental4astro]

WOOHOO!

Congratulations Wavy! Daddy of a baby boy! :cool: :party: :jump: :clap:

[nectarine]

Weather forecast looking bit more positive for Sat. What time do people head to the airfield as it gets dark early here? And who should I pm with my number as a contact?
Thanks guys....

[mental4astro]

Sunset for Saturday is just before 6pm. People start arriving anywhere from an hour before hand and during the night as they can get there.

I'm hoping to be there before 5pm as I have a few things I want to do before the night gets going. I'll be taking my 12" Marana ultralight, with Losmandy digital setting circles, which will be available to anyone who would like to try it out - so Bernie, you have access to at least a 12" to yourself for some time, :) . I'm hoping to also bring along my 17.5".

In so far as the final word goes, I guess I'll be needing to make it by 2pm as I'm aiming to leave home around then.

Bernie, I've sent you a PM as well. I won't be able to go to the station myself, but I'm sure we'll be able to rustle up someone if the station is the pick up point. Otherwise, where will you be setting off from here in Sydney - someone may be able to give you a lift along the way.

[nectarine]

That sounds great Alex (I just pm'd you btw).
I will definitely get the train to Katoomba as I'd like to do a bit of sightseeing in the afternoon as doubt I'll get out there again.
A lift back to the city would be fab tho (I'm staying in Waverley near Bondi Junction) but happy to take the train if no lifts available.
I visited the Observatory yesterday which was quite interesting and keeping my fingers crossed now for clear skies Saturday.
Thanks heaps,
Bernie

[killswitch]

Weather is looking good for tomorrow!

[Camelopardalis]

Weatherzone is saying "mostly clear" but we all know about the cloud dispersion field generator ;)

[AG Hybrid]

how are things looking?

[GraemeT]

Skippy Sky shows clear at 5pm onward.

[killswitch]

Its looking good.. packing up the car now...

[mental4astro]

We have a green light for GO! :D

Leaving home now.

[MortonH]

I'm actually going this time. Woohoo!

[AstroJason]

Great guys, see you all there

[Camelopardalis]

Rollin' rollin' rollin' :D

[Wavytone]

Congrats all, looks like choosing the weekend BEFORE new moon caught the weather gods napping. I'll bet its overcast, if not raining on 27th.

(Alex, wink wink, nudge nudge... that's a hint :lol:)

[AG Hybrid]

Nah an easterly wind change ruined the night.

[MortonH]

At least we got to see Mercury & Spica close together :)

[GraemeT]

Better luck next week! I'll definitely come better prepared for the cold! Standing around talking is OK as long as your teeth aren't chattering.
However 'twas a pleasure to put faces to names.

[mental4astro]

Anyone for tonight?

Short notice, I know, but these are troubled times...

I'll give it until 4:30 for replies.

[nectarine]

Twas really great to meet you all last night - just a shame about the weather! Good luck for your next session....

[GraemeT]

Sorry about the weather Bernie. It's a pity you can't take memories of the southern skies back to Ireland, but enjoy the rest of your stay in Oz.

[mental4astro]

Yep, a change in wind direction right on sunset killed our aspirations for the night :( All the same, it was a pleasure to meet you, Bernie :)

Forecast for this Saturday is very promising. Fingers crossed this Saturday works out in our favour, finally, :prey: :juggle:

I've added a couple of pics I took when I arrived. Like I said, the sky looked SO promising...

If nothing else, we all got some much needed practice in setting up our scopes. All up something like a dozen scopes were set up, and taken down four hours later... :rolleyes:

[GraemeT]

I'm up for another try!

[AG Hybrid]

7timer suggest this Saturday will be touch and go. Sunday suggests great conditions however. I,d be up for that as I'm not working again.

[Camelopardalis]

The satellite map is looking pretty promising this morning, so hope you all get to catch some photons :thumbsup:

[mental4astro]

I'm hoping to get up there round 5:30.

See you next time Dunk.

[MortonH]

SkippySky looks dubious tonight. I'd be up for Sunday instead.

[GraemeT]

I'm going to risk it. I'll be leaving around 2.30. 7timer looks like a bit of cloud, clearing around 8pm, Skippy Sky is showing clear at 8. Looking forward to trying Marana!

[AG Hybrid]

I'll be missing this one. Still recovering from my flu. It's lingering around longer then I would have hoped

[Steffen]

To me, Skippy Sky reads clear for Toongabbie, high probability of cloud in the Mountains. 7Timer agrees. I'm setting up at home, looks like I can keep the scope set up in the backyard until at least Tuesday.

Cheers
Steffen.

[MortonH]

I'm staying home too. But will consider tomorrow night.

[mental4astro]

Up here now. East is totally clear & little cloud overhead is dissipating. Looking very good. In half hour I've been here cloud is nearly all gone now.

[Manav]

So its looking good....This is tempting, I'll check with the missus

[mental4astro]

FREAKING AWESOME!!!! What a night :D !!

[Manav]

Good to see you guys are having fun! I see clouds all out west!

[mental4astro]

Just pausing for a little shut eye before heading back to the scopes. Magic night. No breeze so dewy, but so clear. Who would have guessed...

[Camelopardalis]

:thumbsup: glad you got a good one, overdue and well deserved IMO

[MortonH]

Damn. Made the wrong decision again!!!

Glad you guys had a good night.

[GraemeT]

A magnificent night, the best this year!! Even if I had a BLOODY good time.

[AstroJason]

Glad you guys had a real good night. Sounds like it was a similar night to what we had at Wiruna.

[GeoffW1]

Grrrrr,

Was going to be there 27th, with my new and vastly smick Ioptron mount, then we had a call for help from one of our sons. The children, that's why we are here on earth, eh, eh ?

Think so anyway

Cheers

[GraemeT]

Note to self: Big rocks are hard to see at dark sites! - Hence the emphasis.

[eddiedunlop]

This was my first outing with IIS. What a fantastic night and great venue!
Hope you mend quickly Graeme.
BTW, we pitched that bloody big rock safely into the bush after you left.

[mental4astro]

Who would have guessed the brilliant night we got with all forecasts were not in our favour!!!

I left bang on sunrise of Sunday morning. Stayed clear all night. No wind so a bit dewy challenging all secondary mirrors, except that of my Marana dob :D. Transparency improved during the night too.

Spotted a few first-time objects thanks to Martin - that's always nice. Great to meet you too, Martin.

Heard several owls late in the piece, and I was very surprised at the amount of bird-life by the time I left. A family of magpies scored my five remaining donuts I was looking forward to munching on my drive home when dropped while getting into the car to leave. BUGGER!!! :doh: