Long time lurker - Hornsby Sydney

[dimithri86]

Hi all,

My name is Dimithri, and I have been a long time lurker on this site. I am about to get into serious astrophotography (much to the displeasure of my wife's purse).

I am a software engineer by trade and a licensed welder, and recently got a basic metal lathe. I look forward to meeting some of you at events, and maybe even helping on your projects.

I've got:
127mm APO Triplet on a G11 + dSLR.
10inch dob
25x100 and 7x40 binos

[ChrisV]

Dimithri

Hi. I'm a newbie in the same area. I've got a C8. Trying to figure what would be the best astro club in terms of closest meetings and viewing nights.

And does anyone know good local spots for viewing ? I've been doing the rounds of local parks trying to figure where would be the best place as my backyard is full of trees - I have a narrow field of view. Or maybe heading towards the central coast is best ?

Chris

[dimithri86]

Hi Chris,

I too am looking for a local club.

I normally observe from home. Even though my backyard is surrounded by 2 story houses, there is quite a bit of interesting stuff in my narrow field of view. Once I have more time I will consider going someone local with better view. If the flood lights aren’t on, Greenway park in Cherrybrook might be a good place. There is a football field that is quite elevated (the only problem might be teenage kids who like to hang around in the park).

Central coast is where I go for darker skies, it’s quite easy to get to from Hornsby. I haven’t got a particular place yet tho.

[Wavytone]

Chris, Dimitri, The NSAS is probably what you're looking for ... http://nsas.org.au

As for observing sites - the NSAS has used the carpark of the North Turramurra Golf Club which Ive tried (about as good as it gets in Sydney) and they also have another site.

There is an oval on Koola Ave Killara with I've used, find a spot where the trees shade you from the one or two streetlights that offend. The downside with this site is you have to carry your gear onto the field as you cannot drive onto it for obvious reasons.

The alternative is to head north to Mt White or thereabouts, and find a road into the bush somewhere away from traffic, or make friends with a local who has a suitable block (a case of beer might help).

If you're going as far as Peats Ridge or CentralMangrove (both possible if you know a landowner) you may as well go to the Pony Club (you'll see that mentioned elsewhere on this site).

[glend]

I'd suggest you PM Allan_l here on IIS as he is a regular at the Pony Club and a key holder for the gate. Allan can advise of the next outing there - perhaps in November.

[ChrisV]

Thanks. I will try NSAS or the North West Sydney club.

I've found that Golden Jubilee in Nth Turramurra is good. Its a nice wide open space on the end of a ridge so the view is great. Plus its a short walk along a good path from the car park. A few lights in the background from the RFS station, but otherwise OK.

[netwolf]

There was a group that met up at Dural Pony Club, Ken aka solissydney started this of. I have always been meaning to join but never had the time. I think they gather on Friday nights if it's clear. Drop a line to Ken to see if they are still meeting up there.

Edit found this they are called SNAG http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/showthread.php?t=62193