Queensland Astrofest 2015

[MichaelSW]

G'day.

Nothing on the QLD Astrofest website as yet, but after seeing information elsewhere, a 2014 organising committee member (Wendy) told me the last thing they did was confirm booking of the 2015 dates with the Camp Dudkadang managers.

Friday 07 August - Sunday 16 August 2015.

[multiweb]

What's the process for registering? Interested in making the trip up, shoot some northern objects and meet some of the QLD mob. :thumbsup:

[RickS]

Registration is via the web site once it is set up for 2015: http://www.qldastrofest.org.au/

Hope to see you there, Marc!

[h0ughy]

I hope to regain my bunkbed next year ;)

[Camelopardalis]

Sweeeeeet! In the calendar :thumbsup:

[multiweb]

Cool - sounds good. I see they have bunks. What's the eating arrangement? Bring your own or on-site? I see it seems pretty isolated. What's the next place for provisions? Moore, Blackbutt/Yarrman or Kilcoy? :question: Kilcoy looks pretty good at 30min drive.

[mental4astro]

I don't know what web pages you are seeing, but all I see is still the pages for THIS YEAR'S Astrofest?!?!

I don't see anything about 2015.

[MortonH]

Hopefully not tempting fate, but I get long service leave next year, so might be able to make it. :prey:

[RickS]

The camp management provides meals (which you pay for) and/or you can bring your own food. Kilcoy is certainly a good option.



Don't think anybody claimed that the 2015 stuff is up yet. I'm sure it will be eventually...

[mental4astro]

Ta Rick. Your post made me re-read what had been written. My mistake. :thumbsup:

[RickS]

No probs! I know a couple of the organisers and I'm sure they are hard at work planning things for next year. The web registration process has been somewhat challenging in previous years and may be again :)

[Octane]

I should have come up this year -- I won't be up here that time next year. D'oh!

H

[acropolite]

you should make the effort no matter where you are, distance isn't a valid excuse nor is spousal disapproval....:P

I hope to make the pilgrimage again this year...:)

[RobF]

I'd be very careful about stopping in Kilcoy though Marc! Some of the locals there can be pretty rough! :whistle::scared3:

[Camelopardalis]

If there's anyone into cakes there's a good cake shop in Blackbutt, about 40 minutes away. And if anyone is into nuts (the edible variety!) then the peanut van in Kingaroy is another (relatively) local experience :D

[multiweb]

Thanks Rick.


:lol: Got a feeling I know who the ring leader is :)



Now you're talking! :) :party:

[MichaelSW]

Over the road from Coff & Co Bread, Pies and Cakes is the Kilcoy Craft Market - 21 Hope Street Kilcoy on Google maps. If you have forgotten to pack your beanie, stop in and see the ladies there. Hand knitted wool beanies - great quality at a very fair price.

They have saved my scone twice.

[Jen]

:eyepop: oh goodie I might be going up there for an afl footy match around that time I might just have to add this to my itinerary while I'm up there for the week hehehe :D ooohhhh don't you just love it when you plan a holiday that can coincide with astronomy :P I will talk the hubby into the footy match then break the astrofest to him gently at a later date once I have my tickets ;) " inserts evil grin here "

[Octane]

I'll posit that to Melanie.

Maybe it could be a road trip back north next year? :)

H

[multiweb]

Any ETA on rego time? Pretty keen :)

[h0ughy]

well I have booked my annual leave ready for the event

[multiweb]

Do you go up via Coffs or Tamworth?

[h0ughy]

I go up the coast including coffs harbour then on through Ipswich esk, moore etc

[multiweb]

Cool - thanks. I asked coz I was wondering if the inland freeway was faster. I haven't driven to coffs in 15yrs or more. The road must be better now. I remember had to go through the hills before port mcquarie and also around byron bay I think. Bit of a trip up and down at the time.

[h0ughy]

It's still a fair trip time wise, around 12 hours or more

[Camelopardalis]

When I went up last year a bunch of folk (at this end and that) recommended using the inland route as the road is reportedly of better quality. The only thing that put me off was that the towns are farther apart and I was driving alone, needing the rest stops :sadeyes:

Might try the New England route this year though.

[mental4astro]

I drove up last year via the Pacific Highway. Very fast as the upgrades to the highway are nearly all complete. Two lane dual carriageway most the way north now, by-passing a lot of smaller towns and villages. No secondary roads. At Gold Coast just take the exit to Ipswich (continuation of freeway too). Two roads pretty much for 98% of the voyage. The remaining 2% is accessing Duckadang, very easy too.

Inland route may be more 'scenic', not like the Pacific Highway is a tunnel though. More urban, yes, but still beautiful. Pacific Highway also has less animals crossing it, which is better when driving at night.

[multiweb]

Sounds like the Pacific Hwy had a serious upgrade since I've last used it. Also Coffs is about midway which makes it a good overnight stop. I'd rather take it easy and do 2 x 8h than one 13h leg and be buggered in a tree somewhere on the small road to Duckadang. Also my record hitting roos is really bad. I'm a bloody magnet for these. They must be attracted to frogs. Long distant green relatives maybe.

[Camelopardalis]

Complete?!? I must have made a wrong turn then :P once past Port Macquarie it's pretty much single carriageway all the way to Ballina, a few of the more recent bypasses excepted, the one around Coffs Harbour was almost complete last winter.

Totally hear you about the wildlife though...almost as wild were the bloomin trucks riding the rear bumper :shrug: this year I will be planning on driving only during the daytime as the night driving just made it feel longer...

[mental4astro]

Duncan, Duncan, Duncan. Read what I wrote... :lol: :P

[Camelopardalis]

Erm...yeah...I just read it again...it's a major thoroughfare between two of Australia's largest cities and much of it - I'd estimate 40% or so - is not dual carriageway...what am I missing? :confused2:

Or does "nearly" and "most" imply that it might be very fast one day :P

[mental4astro]

Ok, ok!!! I should have written 'MUCH of the way'! Sheesh! :rolleyes: :lol:

[Camelopardalis]

:lol: :P :lol:

[multiweb]

New development. I had a chat with one of my mates who did the drive couple of weeks ago and he told me that he never tried the inland hwy but the pacific hwy had so many portions with work being done on it that the delays with traffic were horrendous up to coffs. So that got me thinking of going inland instead.

[h0ughy]

true but all the new bits make up for them - :thumbsup: i have travelled this route since 2005, they keep knocking time off the trip:question:

[Camelopardalis]

Would this have been affected by summer holiday traffic? I wasn't all that bad when I went up last year, it's just that it wasn't all that quick, much was single carriageway and much of that in poor to rough condition, with an endless steam of articulated tailgaters :help:

I think my total driving time was about 12 hours from the bottom of the M1.

[batema]

Dare I say this but my school has agreed for Adam and I to go for the entire time as a professional development. Big grin...... :)

Mark and Adam. (the ultimate scammers)

[h0ughy]

two barstools on the field - well i never....:P:thumbsup:

[acropolite]

Is it possible to get confirmation of the dates from someone on the organising committee, if we're making the trip up I need to book a passage across the pond...

[thunderchildobs]

Between Friday, 7th August and Sunday, 16th August 2015.
The registrations for this year's event will open on 7th May 2015.

From the website.

Brendan

[LyraMoonstarer]

Hello Everyone!

Our Webmaster has advised that due to significant improvements being implemented in the booking facility, the opening of online Registration will now be Sunday, 17th May.

Sorry for the delay,
Diane

[LyraMoonstarer]

Arrangements for Astrofest 2015 are progressing well.

The Committee would like to put a call out to any IIS members who might like to give talks or workshops during Astrofest. Last year we had Dr Liam Carroll, Dr Glen Cozens, Alexander Massey and Michael Tubby.

We are delighted to announce that Dr Jonathan (Jonti) Horner, Vice-Chancellor's Senior Research Fellow, from the University of Southern Queensland, has agreed to be our Guest Speaker. Unusually, when compared to most of our guest speakers, Jonti, is an astronomy enthusiast just like the rest of us, having joined a club in the UK when he was only eight years old.

Diane

[LyraMoonstarer]

Good morning Everyone!

Our Web Guru is still putting the final touches on the Astrofest registration page so apologies to anyone who has tried to get in to do it but been unable to do so.

I am hoping to hear from him reasonably soon.

Thanks,
Diane

[LyraMoonstarer]

A further update from our Web Guru.

He is confident that the website should go live at 7pm tonight.

[LyraMoonstarer]

Registration is now Live :)

[dylan_odonnell]

Thanks, all worked fine. Thanks web guru.

[absolut]

This is the error message from the www.qldastrofest.org.au page while trying to create my account:

"SMTP Error! The following recipients failed: #####@#########
SMTP server error: (www.qldastrofest.org.au) [109.73.228.211]:34128 is currently not permitted 550-to relay through this server. Perhaps you have not logged into the pop/imap 550-server in the last 30 minutes or do not have SMTP Authentication turned on 550 in your email client.

SMTP Error! The following recipients failed: eric@regolith.net
SMTP server error: (www.qldastrofest.org.au) [109.73.228.211]:34201 is currently not permitted 550-to relay through this server. Perhaps you have not logged into the pop/imap 550-server in the last 30 minutes or do not have SMTP Authentication turned on 550 in your email client.

An error was encountered while sending activation notification email"

I hashed out my email address for that attempt. I've tried with my ISP email and a gmail account and both gave the same error.

Rob

[h0ughy]

well I have registered

[multiweb]

Registered too. Woohoo! :party:

[geoffw89]

Happily registered as well. Looking forward to this so much.

[LyraMoonstarer]

Registration for Astrofest is now open.

Please note that this year you do not need to log in first, thus avoiding all those problems of lost passwords and prematurely causing our webmaster to go grey :rofl:

Diane

[LyraMoonstarer]

Qld Astrofest is just a couple of months away now!

The Registrar is very pleased to see registrations continuing to roll in :thanx:

Just a reminder that the final day for the Earlybird discount rates is Wednesday, 17 June, which, according to my calendar, is only a couple of days away. So if you wish to take advantage of the cheaper rates then please get your registration completed as soon as you can.

Many thanks to our Speakers, Alex Massey and Michael Tubby, who have both put up their hands and are doing a couple of presentations each.

[mental4astro]

Yep, I'll be heading north of the border again! :D

I'll be there from Thursday 13th through to Sunday.

I'll be doing an astro sketching workshop with solar sketching added to the mix. If the weather is playing nice I'm hoping to use my Daystar Quark to do a live demo of solar sketching.

I'll also be doing a talk titled "Get in, sit down, shut up, hold on - this is gonna be LOUD!". The moon is often the very first target we look at through a scope. But from then on most observing is only fleeting. But if we take a little time the Moon has a wealth of detail to offer, and is an open story book of its history.

I'm also happy to help out with the Sky Tours. Just waiting on confirmation from the organizing committee if they need my help.

I'll also be flying the flag for Gondwana Telescopes. I'll have all three models to showcase, including the new 8" f/4 Kulali.

[Camelopardalis]

For those driving up from the south, be extra careful on the Pacific Highway from Taree to Coffs Harbour as there's loads of roadworks (upgrades).

[geoffw89]

Can you make it through in a Jeep though Dunc????

[Camelopardalis]

It did, but it was raining so heavily the other day I thought I was going to need a bigger boat ;)

[geoffw89]

:rofl:

[gary]

Hi Marc,

One other tip. Pack cold weather gear as if you were going to Ilford.
It can get surprisingly cold up there at night in August.

Best Regards

Gary

[multiweb]

Thanks mate, will do. Are you going?

[gary]

Hi Marc,

Unfortunately I will be unable to attend this year.

The amenity of Duckadang is hard to beat and the Queensland Astrofest
is really special.

Have a great trip!

Best Regards

Gary

[Meru]

Will register today, can't wait! Never been to an astrofest or similar before :D

[troypiggo]

Looks like there'll be heaps attending this year, and plenty from down south!

[multiweb]

More beer for you. :lol: :drink:

[troypiggo]

Haha. ;)

[MortonH]

I am booked from 10th to 16th. Woohoo!

[killswitch]

Yeap me too. Looking forward to this!

[Camelopardalis]

Awesome guys :thumbsup: it'll be good to see you :D

[h0ughy]

ok have paid and am booked in but I have a small issue - I have just put my mothers house on the market since she has moved into a nursing home. with the sale it puts me at a 50/50 of attending astrofest now. Last year it was me selling and moving. I wished life was normal? I don't want to go without for a 3rd year.

[RickS]

I'll be away this year :sadeyes: My camera is still away being fixed anyway.

[h0ughy]

OK I have officially pulled out of astrofest for this year.:sadeyes::sadeyes: i really want to be there but I have too much to do here.:help:

I WILL BE THERE NEXT YEAR:thumbsup:

[alan meehan]

I Will not be attending astrofest myself this year unfortunately my wife has cancer and is having radiation treatment and is very unwell this is my 3rd year of not attending I really miss being there ,maybe next year
ALAN

[Jen]

Sorry to hear that Al :( I hope she gets better and kicks this horrible disease xo

[MortonH]

Good thing Astrofest isn't this weekend - the roads are closed with snow!

[jwheel69]

I am looking forward it. This will be my first time down under!

Joe Wheelock

[RobF]

I'm in. Counting down the days, err nights..... :)

[Spookyer]

I have got time off work so will be there weather permitting.

Brett

[OneCosmos]

Sorry to hear you won't be there. Astrofest is synonymous with Australia for me and such a shame not to see people who have become part of the furniture!

[OneCosmos]

Is there no end to the madness of this world? :shrug:

[OneCosmos]

Obviously the weather is looking very unpromising right now, but hopefully it will change. The following is the forecast for the exact coordinates of Duckadang (26.8392 S 152.27475 E)

http://202.127.24.18/index.php?product=civil&lang=en&lon=152.27463979999993&lat=-26.8392578 (http://202.127.24.18/index.php?product=civil&lang=en&lon=152.27463979999993&lat=-26.8392578)

[Camelopardalis]

Two week forecast is saying 6, 7, 8 August clear and sunny...:shrug:

Although the weather can't really be trusted this far ahead :lol:

[h0ughy]

the weather will be perfect. the reason is Because I will be in sunny NSW. I have had to pull out again for this year's Astrofest. With the imminent sale of mums house, cleaning up and the demise of the foresters head gasket last week my available time and funds have gone south. So I will once again be the sacrificial bunny!! the weather will be perrrrfffeect

the sale was going through early which meant I could go - then the car said no

[geoffw89]

Neither of you are filling me with any joy at this stage. :(

[geoffw89]

h0ughy - rental....... :)

[h0ughy]

hope no one was holding their breath on getting my bunk - it looks like i might be able to get there…. i hope

[geoffw89]

There goes the good weather then. :rofl:

[MortonH]

I figured MY attendance for the first time would annoy the weather gods, but if Houghy goes too...

[multiweb]

So what's the deal with the weather? What's the forecast from the seasoned locals? Any good? :question: Do we need to sacrifice a few goats? Bring more beer? Bit of dancing involved also?

[h0ughy]

mmmm goats and beer :thumbsup:- and i have seen dancing on the field:rofl:

[troypiggo]

"What could possibly go wrong" - JJJNettie

Was discussing with Peter the other day - following last year's spur-of-the-moment cocktail party by JJJNettie with vodka and kahlua (I think it was), maybe we should each bring a bottle of something different and have a QAF cocktail party on nights of too many klewds.

Save some for when I arrive on the Tues night at least, please :) I can only make it Tues/Wed/Thurs nights.

[h0ughy]

did you manage to partake in any of the bounty i provided in my absence last year:question:

[h0ughy]

weather prediction :thumbsup:

[multiweb]

Awesome. :thumbsup:

[multiweb]

Will bring some Vodka and nice Port I bought on my last wine tour in the hunter. I found that it did improve my polar alignment dramatically.

[Garbz]

Yes. Oh god yes. Oh thanks by the way.

Is there more coming this year? :D

[troypiggo]

Boo! for the Wednesday night (middle of my time there)

[troypiggo]

I remember at uni, doing a road design assignment one night. Couldn't for the life of me get this roundabout to fit in the intersection. 6 pack of beer and a pepperoni pizza later, the roundabout fit and got top marks :)

[multiweb]

:lol: That reminded me of a Belgian joke. It's like a French "Irish joke". On how the path of some roads in the Belgian country side came to be.

[Camelopardalis]

I can live with that forecast :thumbsup:

Anybody got a REALLY big fan they can bring to blow the fog away, it's looking a bit warm at night during the week :help:

[geoffw89]

Get a taller tripod so the scope sits above the fog Dunc.:lol:

[Camelopardalis]

Anyone got a periscope?

[geoffw89]

I can probably sell you a submarine cheap. Somewhat used.

[Camelopardalis]

Naaah, ain't got room on the driveway :P

[Garbz]

I take it you work for Brisbane City Council? :lol:

[thunderchildobs]

Could people please read the camp rules. All most everyone does do the right thing but there a couple who think that they do not apply to them.
For me pay attention to
1) Noise in around the bunk houses
2) Red Lights
3) Children
4) Smoking

[troypiggo]

So no shining red lights on children smoking around the bunk houses? :)

[Garbz]

I thought the only rules were that mob justice reigns supreme :)

[h0ughy]

i have been away for so long i have forgotten the rules. I have a new cree 600 lumen headlight torch that i can see what i am doing now, and i have some extras this year……. and now I have an ALAN.

Thats right i am bringing an ALAN to astrofest!!!!

[multiweb]

Not long now. Forecast looks solid. Fingers crossed.

[h0ughy]

yes not long now - i have just updated my navig[8]r to the latest maps. i cant wait to find out how much i have forgotten as it has been two years since i have done anything seriously astro. relearning to drift align, will have to learn how to use PHD2.

Leaving it this late to pack - i have two brand new ccd cameras and scopes that i haven't used. I just found out this morning that my guiding laptop has a failed battery:bashcomp:, the old HP dv9000. Its too late to get a replacement now. Will have to rely on a UPS to keep this going. true to form only taking one mount this year ;)

The forester gets the heads retentioned tomorrow after its open heart last week. I hope the old girl still has it in her for another trip :driving:

[h0ughy]

OK that's not the only device/software i was looking to update, looking at the software i need and must have i was shocked as to how much i was behind and out of touch.:help::question:

over 52 updates
:help:

now entering the have no idea phase - there will be some very steep learning the first few days:(:question:

[OneCosmos]

- first few days. You're a quick learner I'm expecting to be polar aligned by Wednesday, focused by Friday and imaging on the last Saturday :)

[multiweb]

Hear hear, provided we keep alcohol consumption under the limit. Is there a clear line of sight to the SCP or do we need to rely on drift aligning/computers?

[OneCosmos]

You will find all methods used. I used to use alignmaster, now I use the very similar algorithms that ship with the EQ8 hand controller. Some will use PemPro and others will use regular trusted drift align mechanisms.

But, yes, clear view to the SCP

[OneCosmos]

Oh, but all techniques only work really well if the alcohol limit is exceeded. Bear in mind though, the bar has been set very high :drink:

[RB]

So, does that mean only tall people can drink?

:P

[geoffw89]

I'm sure most of that time will be setting up your observatory Chris :rofl:

[multiweb]

Cool - keeping it simple then. Polar scope for me then off to the bar.

[Garbz]

Wait does that mean you are coming now? And I was just getting ready to leave a UPS at home. Better pack it now just in case :P

[h0ughy]

we dine under the stars - there is a restaurant at the end of the universe - or imaging field:rofl:

[multiweb]

Ok... what's this UPS business? Voltage spikes? Burn outs?

[h0ughy]

and i am bringing 4:P

[h0ughy]

i have bought and loaded sequence generator but have not used it at all yet. i am hoping Geoff can give me some guidance with using it with the G2 which is brand new in box

[h0ughy]

i have been known to have had a few small issues over the years a few power supplies and stuff burn, melt and fukashima'd

[multiweb]

That's a bit of a bummer. Has the power situation been resolved or is it still an issue? Last thing I want is to fry anything expensive.

[h0ughy]

run it by battery or stick it on a UPS. have blown USB hubs, power supplies melted wiring, fried a laptop though i think it was on the way out - the brown outs fixed it for good but i think the biggie is the amount of electrics on the field and dew:thumbsup:

[multiweb]

Got a UPS. Enough power for everybody off the main? Do we need extension leads, etc?

[h0ughy]

always have an extension lead - you will get power from a distribution hub in the field to where you end up setting up

[ozstronomer]

No worries Dave, SGP and Moravian cameras work well together. We'll get it working :)

[RobF]

While you've got plenty of internet, perhaps check you've got the latest PHD2 and ansvr onboard too David? (guiding and blind platesolving)

http://adgsoftware.com/ansvr/

I'm trying to minimise how many dashes back to Linville cemetery are required for emergency downloads this year :)
Or alternatively, there is always the "yelling out for help at midnight" group help tactic that works so well at AF.....!

[RobF]

I don't know if I'll bother packing now. Chance of fog late Sun and Mon. Doesn't seem worth it when the weather is so iffy.....? :P

[OneCosmos]

That's the best forecast in advance of astrofest I have seen in 6 years of attending!

[troypiggo]

Ssssshh. You'll jinx it! ;)

[multiweb]

That's because I'm coming. Clear skies follow me. :)

[multiweb]

Cool - got all that. UPS: check. 25m lead check.

[AlexN]

I am really disappointed in myself that I failed to pull my finger out enough to come for even 2 nights now. Oh well there is always next year.

[Camelopardalis]

It hasn't started yet :P

[h0ughy]

might be too far advanced for me to use right now, I am a babe in all of this
:rofl::rofl::help:

[Garbz]

We'll be fine as long as Fukishima Dave makes it through the week with at least one UPS intact. If he feeds off the mains we're all doomed :P

[h0ughy]

packed

[Camelopardalis]

Are you sure you didn't leave something behind? :P :lol:

[pmrid]

As a matter of interest, I was wondering how much battery power people take to Astrofest. Over the years, the power grid has had its ups and downs. So I was planning on being independent of the grid and planned on taking a 150AH deep cycle battery and trying to run everything off it (via an inverter where necessary - laptop mainly). I have a spare 100AH as well and I suppose I could run them in parallel if need be.

Peter

[RobF]

My home UPS blew up towards the end of AF last year Peter - I'm pretty sure due to moisture that hadn't dried out from the previous night in the box I was using. This year seriously thinking of leaving it and bringing a big battery and charger then putting them behind basic surge protected powerboard. Power was pretty good last year, but some breaker pops in the dewy early morning hours some nights.

[MichaelSW]

Only one more sleep till the hutchie goes up. :) :D :thumbsup:

[geoffw89]

I'm arriving late on Sat afternoon now due to a funeral. Rob and Anthony should have a nice camp spot selected for me though.

I occasionally put up the hutchie Michael. Still my original issue in Grunts in 86. Come say hello mate, I'll be in the Blue Falcon ute.

[multiweb]

Are you for real?:eyepop: Do you have any time imaging up there? Or you're still unpacking Sunday arvo? :lol:

[multiweb]

Ha... so he's the culprit. I'll bring a pair of secateurs.

[multiweb]

Hey Rob, I'm planning on taking a 500W UPS with me. Mainly for protection from Fukushima events. I keep all electrical off the dews in my igloo like tent (https://onedrive.live.com/?id=6930D3AD12D5044C%211117&cid=6930D3AD12D5044C&group=0&parId=6930D3AD12D5044C%211065&o=OneUp). I only open half of the roof for the scope and mount. The other half is for the table/chair, laptop, power board, power supplies, etc... I also put fabric on top of the tent to soak the dew held with pegs and rotate a few dry ones overnight (old kitchen curtains). They're great at soaking all the water. I dry them during the day. Been using that routine for years. It keeps me relatively dry all night with no drama. When I'm done I close the tent and go to bed.

[killswitch]

Is it brown outs or surges that's an issue?

I think ill keep the mount on battery. The netbook and heaters can go on AC.

[RobF]

I'll have to be on the lookout for a tent packed with goodies then! Sounds like a good plan Marc. Most imagers bring those shower tents to inhabit at AF nowadays. I'm still a traditional "spread out on the table" sort of guy, but should put this stuff in the protected zipped up spaces underneath rather than a non-breathable plastic box my engineering mate told me last year. Not many sleeps now!

[multiweb]

Tested everything in situ with UPS last night. Ready to pack today. I don't think I'll need a trailer. :)

[AstroJunk]

A bad year a few seasons back reminded everyone how important it was to protect sensitive equipment. Wet conditions and some pretty dodgy items plugged into the system (hairdriers etc) were causing circuits to trip all over the place and some folk paid the price for others bad behaviour.

Otherwise, Duckadang has an excellent power supply and enough for all.

[multiweb]

Hairdrier noise in the dark = cold bucket of water on the head. Problem solved. :)

[firstlight]

Wagons HO!

[firstlight]

Astrofest sign up at Linville turn-off at Moore.

[RickS]

Good luck with the weather and power, guys! Mostly cloudy over here in the UK :)

I just heard from Andor that my camera is fixed so I hope to be imaging again in September.

Cheers,
Rick.

[Camelopardalis]

Rick, it's always cloudy in the UK :lol:

Been a beautiful first day, literally freezing last night, had to let the climbing sun melt the ice off my scope :D

[multiweb]

Stop over in Armidale tonight, last leg tomorrow, should be there Sunday arvo. Looooong drive. :driving:

[RB]

Have a great time everyone.
Hope you all enjoy the event and clear skies for the duration.
Safe travels and looking forward to the reports and images.

RB

[MortonH]

Just realised that the Perseids reach their peak this week, and it looks as though the radiant will clear the horizon at Duckadang. Some bright meteors would be a nice bonus!

[Jon_hm]

To all the visual observers at astrofest who patiently answered my endless questions and let me look through their fabulous equipment. Especially Michael with his atlas-like knowledge of the skies, Bob with the fabulous solar filter (those finger marks came off right :sadeyes:) and Dennis with the monster dob. This was my first astrofest and I really enjoyed it even though I was just down for the night.

Best wishes

Jon (the guy with the ancient 4" refractor)

Ps Dennis - if you read this and want to give that bit of gear we were talking about a go, drop me a PM. If I was thinking straight I would have got your contact details at the time.

[multiweb]

Best star party I've been to so far. Incredible skies. Got 6 clear nights in a row with an intermission Wednesday arvo so now I have added a big tarp to my bag of goodies (thanks to the Houghy shop) because the rain falls horizontally in QLD.

:windy:

Some sun shower....

The venue is really well organised. Top notch facilities, accommodation and food. Great people too. Was good to put a face on all those IIS handles. Wine/Port/Beer, cheese and crackers went down smoothly.

Had an absolute ball. Will be back next year for more. Big thanks to all. :thumbsup:

[Garbz]

There were skies? All I remember was beer, wine, port, and cheese, like some kind of frenchman :-)

[Camelopardalis]

Big big big thank you to the organisers, camp management and friendly folk sharing their time, tales and scopes for making it such a great event! Had 9 clear nights, so need to sleep pretty badly now :lol:

Roll on 2016 :D

[MortonH]

It was freaking awesome. Loved every minute of it.

[RobF]

Nice to be driving back into dark clouds on the way home. Weather behaved down to the day.

I'm going to miss watching the sun come up in my freezer suit with a Crownie though.....:cold::drink::drink:

Many thanks again to all the AF organizers for a job very well done.

[firstlight]

Huge thanks to the committee who arranged fantastic weather, fabulous wind and light show with the storm on Wednesday (to clear the atmosphere after 10:00 pm and the rest of the week), and refused bookings from the mist during the dark hours.

The weather was the best I have ever seen and I have never been able to pull so many all-nighters... so little sleep with the kids penned in the room with us!!! Last night it felt criminal to shut down the scope at 2:00 am without fog or clouds but I was exhausted as we couldn't get to bed before 5-6:00 am for 5 days. Actually I'm not sure how many day... it is all a blur.

Great to see Dave and Alan back after their absence last year, and the rest of the faces that have become regulars (too many to list here and now). Also good to see some of the old familiar faces, Don Whiteman from Bintel (good to have met John... hope to see him many more times), Dave Larkin, Peter Robins, Brendan and Colin as always, and of course most of the committee are long time attendees.

I have no idea when I will be able to even LOOK at my data, let alone process it.

I want to thank all the people who came, because it is the people who make the Astrofest so great.

Time for bed

[boardriderz]

What a great week, 6 nights for me and everyone of them clear through to the very cold and frosty sunrises. Thanks to everyone for their advice, weather sought after or not :) A great group of people to talk to, draw knowledge from. It was great to sit back and enjoy a drink with the cheese, crackers hummus and one really spicy guacamole whilst waiting for the dreaded ding of PHD2 dropping a star. If I'm in the country next year I might have to stretch it out to stay the whole 9 nights.

Now to process all that data!

[DavidTrap]

That is absolute gold! Don't think anyone other than an astronomer would understand.

Glad the weather gods obliged. I've been up at Leyburn for the last three nights - Thursday and Friday were great, last night had terrible seeing.

DT

[mental4astro]

Thank you to all those wonderful folk who made Astrofest possible, and for EVERYONES hospitality towards me, my mate Oleg, and to Gondwana Telescopes, :sunny:

This is my second time up at Astrofest, and it's impact on me was as strong as the first. We often chase the thrill of the first time again, and often it is only just good rather than as awesome as the first. This time a series of events had me meet more wonderful people who then shared their equipment with me, and pointed out celestial targets that were not just totally new to me, but also really, REALLY blew my socks off! :eyepop: :D

Oh, and to those imaging buggers who gave me such a tough time for setting up my visual gear on their precious imaging field, :rolleyes:, I'm still sticking with camera version 1.0! :P :) :lol: I'll be shortly posting a couple of photos of the TWO sketches I did of the Veil Nebula! Ooooohhh, what a lovely, lovely sight!!!!! :)

I am one very satisfied photon junkie.

Alex.

[h0ughy]

the light pollution this visual junkie pumped out was tremendous to the extent we thought he was imaging:rofl:

[multiweb]

... and stealthy chairs in the dark in the walk way. :P

[multiweb]

Yeah it's all a blur hey? :lol:

[h0ughy]

1958km travelled there and back and what do i have to show for it - nearly nothing. I was lucky to get my eq8 working after a software glitch day 2 and packed nearly everything away. Thankfully the knowledge on the field came to my rescue and was able to resurrect the mount which i have now called Lazarus. after a quick tutorial on pHD2 from Peter i was on my way to drift alignment and seventh heaven photon capturing - well after i used my hand 1.0 version software to focus the moonlight focuser ;) . Also apple computers suck big time - tried using one for image capture control of the 600D with nebulosity 3 - hopeless (this of course is no admission of thickness on my part of how it works )

I have seen many sunrises, witnessed the Crown affair, been moon burnt and have suffered heat exhaustion on the field from the effects of lunar heating.

glad i went but paying the price for 10 days from home -------------> it's an astrofest free zone at home now

I had a great time - too much so. next time i will travel lighter and with more purpose.

unfortunately for Alan his eq6 died on switch on - he was mountless for most of astrofest.

its hard to sit back and look up at this for the whole of astrofest........

[troypiggo]

Thank you for showing this imaging guy some visual objects through your scopes. Truly appreciated that.

[Garbz]

Even if they were in black and white :P

[h0ughy]

but the sun was in colour:P

[jjjnettie]

:) Thanks to all the organisers. You people are the best.
:) You can see why Sky At Night magazine listed QLD Astrofest as one of the top ten star parties on the planet.
Lovely to catch up with old friends and finally meet in person old online friends. :)

[Garbz]

It looked photoshopped :lol:

[Sirius1066]

It is really good to see so many positive comments. On behalf of the Astrofest committee I'd like to thank everyone who attended and had such a great time, it's the people out on the field who make this event so much fun.

I also want to thank Astrofest 2015 sponsors, especially:
Steve & Sandra at My Astroshop
Don and the boys at Bintel
Cheryl and Ashley at Sirius Optics
Will and the team at Skywatcher
And of course our minor sponsors.

Us committee folk get a few weeks off now (after one more wrap-up meeting) then we begin planning for next year. I hope to see you all in 2016.

Stay well & clear skies.

Earl and the Astrofest Committee

[MortonH]

Even though I'm now back at work I'm still totally stoked after such a great week! :D

[OneCosmos]

Easily the best skies I have seen in 6 consecutive years at the fest and I always enjoy the company of regulars and newbies alike. I would also like to thank the many who gave me invaluable assistance over the week +

I haven't processed any images yet, but here's one bit of candyfloss

[killswitch]

Thank you to the Astrofest committee and everyone who made it enjoyable.

This was my first time to Astrofest and i will definitely be back for some more next year. Well worth the trek from Sydney.

I hope everyone got home safely.

[firstlight]

Brendan with his new solar imaging system

[mental4astro]

Tony, I am still experiencing a series of electronic flash-backs and unexpected file corruptions... :rolleyes:


Ok, here they are - the Veil Nebula sketched twice using different scopes.

The first is with my brand new 8" f/4 Kulali dob using an ES 30mm 82° and an NPB filter. This EP-scope combination gives me a 3° True Field of View, and the ENTIRE Veil just squeezes in! :) The second was with my 17.5" push-pull dob using a Celestron 23mm Axiom LX and an NPB filter - just the eastern section of the Veil here.

You will find a more extensive write-up on these sketches in my blog (link in my signature below).

I can only ever hope to try to do justice to this incredible object. I was not expecting to view it, ever! And yet Morton pointed it out to me, and well, WOW! Thank you Morton and Astrofest! :) :)

Mental.

[h0ughy]

here re a few shots from around the grounds

[h0ughy]

and some more random ones

[h0ughy]

and more

[h0ughy]

you have to remember 10 days is a long time without wearing a watch, no news, days just meld into one another:D

[MortonH]

Hey Alex,

Love those sketches.

The 8" Kulali is showing more detail than my 8" f/5 Newt. Clearly it's a very nice combination with the ES 30mm :).

[h0ughy]

and then your brain turns to astromush

[h0ughy]

and its the last day

[h0ughy]

then you are sad - no more photons

[killswitch]

Heres a timelapse of Alex assembling his Kulali dob

...had to add in the music :lol:

https://youtu.be/AxbKtv2SlBI

I was out in town when the 30" SDM arrived. That would have been fantastic to watch.

[RB]

Awesome sketches Alex.
Great photos Houghy.
I keep saying it every year, one year I'll make the trip and attend Astrofest. :sadeyes:

Glad you all had a great time.

RB

[multiweb]

Love those sketches. I did 10h on it and I can see the resemblance :)

[MortonH]

Great video. I just played the music full blast on the bus to work! :lol:

[multiweb]

:lol: Very cool.

[Camelopardalis]

That's excellent Edison :thumbsup:

[multiweb]

Some temperatures from the 5 nights I've imaged:

Sunday Night
Temperature = 19.94 * Position = 9689 * Probe Sensor * 9/08/2015 5:06:13 PM
Temperature = 4.44 * Position = 9794 * Probe Sensor * 10/08/2015 3:43:30 AM
Monday Night
Temperature = 17.19 * Position = 10407 * Probe Sensor * 10/08/2015 5:54:11 PM
Temperature = 3.25 * Position = 9617 * Probe Sensor * 11/08/2015 4:23:22 AM
Tuesday Night
Temperature = 19.62 * Position = 9617 * Probe Sensor * 11/08/2015 6:01:57 PM
Temperature = 8.56 * Position = 9882 * Probe Sensor * 12/08/2015 3:27:33 AM
Thursday Night
Temperature = 17.06 * Position = 9882 * Probe Sensor * 13/08/2015 5:27:47 PM
Temperature = -0.19 * Position = 9729 * Probe Sensor * 14/08/2015 5:21:41 AM

Friday Night
Temperature = 17.00 * Position = 10533 * Probe Sensor * 14/08/2015 5:28:50 PM
Temperature = 1.69 * Position = 9846 * Probe Sensor * 15/08/2015 3:37:50 AM

[MortonH]

A few pics of Wednesday's storm before it hit. Taken with my mobile so excuse the quality.

[multiweb]

Yeah that was nasty.

[Camelopardalis]

And cold...at least the rain was when it was being blown hard by the wind :lol:

[multiweb]

It was a shocker. My tent got wet from underneath the floor. I had to let it dry Wednesday night. Not game to turn the power on with wet feet in the dark.

[Camelopardalis]

Eeek yeah :eyepop:

Maybe rubber soled boots for next year :lol:

[MortonH]

So that's why Wednesday is missing from your temperature records. Better safe than sorry, that's for sure.

[geoffw89]

There was a storm? I recall it being a bit blowy while I took a nap in my tent. :D

[acropolite]

Thanks for the happy snaps Dave, sounds like a good time was had by all. We would have liked to make the trip again.

HRH is retiring, so next year is almost a certainty, we might even kidnap RB on the way up......:P

[Garbz]

Marc is just soft. Back in my day telescopes zapped us and we LIKED it. ;)

[h0ughy]

way to go:lol::thumbsup:

[h0ughy]

yeah i have had my fair share of zapping there:rofl::sadeyes:

[h0ughy]

that could be the re-badged food from the night before - mmmm spaghetti pie, vegi surprise - even fish balls....?:P

[multiweb]

Yeah, sounds about right. Let's not talk about the crownies. :whistle:

[multiweb]

Talking about zapping, between you and Peter you carried enough static to blue screen the entire field. :lol:

[MichaelSW]

Son of Optimus Prime?

"I come in peace. Take me to your leader, Earthman".

[MichaelSW]

From thermometer at tent site down in the Lower Paddock. Then Written on my table in observing field.

[MortonH]

That's my scope in the first pic. Forgot to take a photo of it myself!

[AlexN]

S.n.a.f.o? Situation normal all frozen over?

[Garbz]

At least I didn't spill my beer. :eyepop:

[h0ughy]

yep there were a few chilly mornings:D

[MichaelSW]

You got it in one, Alex.

[AlexN]

Very good. :)

[multiweb]

:lol: I forgot about that one.

It was an experiment on the conductivity of beer bottles neck and label coatings.

:einstein:

[MortonH]

I thought it was

Sheesh. Need another flippin' overcoat.

[geoffw89]

And following the usual laws from that ******* Murphy, my new CentralDS 600 Pro II arrives the week after AF. When it's cloudy and raining.

Damn you Murphy!!!!!

[MichaelSW]

No, I had the overcoat situation all sorted from the first night, Morton!

[thunderchildobs]

I posted an animation of the astrofest here.

http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/showthread.php?t=137924

Brendan

[h0ughy]

found a few other shots including the Spaghettification of Chris's tent

[multiweb]

Ha! I recognised that Wednesday sun shower... :windy:

[strongmanmike]

+1
+1
+1 (and we should make sure it is the same year! RB :D)

+1

Mike

[AstroJason]

Really wanted to make Astrofest this year but just couldn't get out of some work commitments. Great that you guys had such good weather. Thanks all for sharing your experiences and photos, really enjoyed looking at them. Hope to be there next year!

[firstlight]

:sadeyes: You guys always say you are coming but never do :sadeyes:

[OneCosmos]

No more, Ta da

[RB]

For sure Mike !



I know, I know.
But one day Tony, I'm dying to me you guys.......

:D

[MichaelSW]

Now you can start planning for 2016. Received e-mail from Astrofest committee member, Wendy as follows:-

The date for the New Moon for Astrofest next year is 3rd August, 06:45 hours – Queensland time (UTC 20:45 hours on 2nd August).

The camp dates are 29th July to 7th August 2016. So you can start booking your time off work now!

Regards,
Wendy

[MortonH]

I'm in!

[firstlight]

Not sure if we are able to make Astrofest next year... Looking to visit Ularu in the middle of the year, don't think we can afford both.