Add another nooby to the pile :)

[Omaroo]

G'Day all :)

I'm new to astronomy. I'm a product of the early 60's, so I have a built-in interest in all things space - and especially the Mercury/Gemini/Apollo/Vostok/N1 programs.

It's only recently that my noggin has been yearning to see a bit more than the books provide, so I've decided to spend a bit of cash and buy myself a decent scope. Once I have one I'll be doing (hopefully) some imaging as I'm reasonably handy with Photoshop being in the pre-press game. I'm also very keen to get to know the moon first-hand.

Great forum guys - see you around!

Chris

[mickoking]

G,day Chris and welcome :)

[RB]

Welcome Chris !

Warning: observational astronomy/astro imaging is very addictive.
You've come to the right place to get hooked.

Enjoy your stay.
:hi:

[RAJAH235]

Hi, :hi:.Chris. Hope you enjoy your 'new' hobby. :D L.

[acropolite]

Hi Chris, welcome to IIS:)

[Omaroo]

Thanks all for the welcome :)

I didn't mention before that we have a property in Cooma, NSW called Omaroo (hence the moniker) which is reasonably dark - and high-ish. The top of our hill is at 920 metres and commands a 360 degree view without obstruction - unless you count the 20 metre-higher hill on the other side if the Murrumbidgee across from us:rolleyes:

We can't wait to see what it's like for a bit of deep-sky viewing. The only ambient light comes from Cooma town centre - about 14km away and below the hilly ridge line. You can hardly make it out normally.

The website we have for it is http://www.omaroo.net if you're interested.

1) View from the top of our hill down to next door gives you a bit of an idea of the elevation:

2) They are very little cows.....

3) From the river - back up "the hill". 114 metres to the top.



Cheers
Chris

[RB]

Oh Chris you are very lucky indeed to have access to skies and views like this.

[Omaroo]

Thanks Andrew. Although we live in Sydney during the week, if anyone wants to come down for a camping/viewing weekend we're always available...:thumbsup:

BYO scope until we get our own. Hopefully we'll know today if we can have the one we want and I'll start to make plans for a suitable platform on top of the hill. Only problem is that it's 4WD territory to get up there. Lock those mirrors!:D

Cheers
Chris

[Ric]

Hi Chris and welcome to the group.
The members here are a great bunch of people.
Your property looks fantastic, you should get some fantastic views from the top of the hill.
I have a property as well about 25 kilometres from Canberra, we are currently owner building our house and then the observatory, I lost that "discussion" with my wife LOL.
I'll be interested to know what sort of scope you are intending to buy.

Cheers :astron:

[Omaroo]

G'Day Ric :)

As of 1:47pm today, I've committed to purchasing Zane's (astroboy) 12"LX200GPS. I had a good run with it last weekend at his place (Magellan Observatory) and love it. It will do me for ages to come. Can't wait to pick it up this weekend.

Doubly-good - he'll now be closer to his 24" SDM too.

Cheers
Chris

[ving]

oh to have skies like yours!!!!! :)

welcome aboard and enjoy your stay :D

[Omaroo]

Thanks Ving! I must say - you are a very friendly-looking cow. :)

[ving]

and thats no bull! :rofl:

[h0ughy]

well done and welcome. I have a wedge to suit the 12" meade, and wont be using it. So when you get up to imaging afterthe visual feasting give me a call!

[Omaroo]

Cheers Houghy :) Will do! Can't waaaait........ :D