Upcoming camps, events in NSW

[BelnBen]

Hi there, I'm new to the site. Just deciding on a camp site convenient to Sydney to take my astronomy mad 9 year ( and his brand new Saxon 6" Dobsonion) to this weekend and have found the threads on dark sites very helpful. Thanks!
Noticed the IIS camp from last year and was wondering if there was likely to be one this year? Also, we are yet to join a society. We live in Sydney's North. Does anyone know of any upcoming events? Also, which society would people recommend we join?
Many thanks
Belinda

[Allan_L]

Hi Belinda,
Welcome to IceInSpace :welcome:
Congratulations on getting a great scope for your 9 year old.
That should keep him satisfied for quite a while.
The question of dark sites for observing is more challenging.
You (and he) will definitely benefit from trying to get away from that huge light bulb that is Sydney.
But how far do you want to travel?

Mike (Iceman - this website creator) has said that he has no plans for an IISAC (astro camp) this year. Sorry about that.
But there are plenty of other opportunities, if you keep watching the "Star Parties ..." forum, you should see them coming throughout the year.

There are also regular observing nights at various locations, and these are advertised in that same forum. Blue Mountains and Mangrove Mountain may be of interest to you.

The big factor effecting these lately has been the poor weather.
And this looks like putting the damper on these again this weekend.

Have you downloaded Stellarium yet?
It is a Free Planetarium software for PC, and is very good for planning what to look for and when.