Melbourne IIS people get togethers.

[Dave47tuc]

Hi all,:)
To those living in or near Melbourne, South and East of Melbourne.
Many on IIS have asked for somewhere IIS people can get together and observe.

I’m happy to announce that the Mornington Peninsula Astronomical Society (MPAS )
http://www.mpas.websyte.com.au/site.cfm?/mpas/
Have offered there observatory site located in the Briars historic site, Mount Martha.
About 15 mins South of Frankston.
It’s in the melway and ubd.
Very easy to get to on the Nepean highway Mount Martha.

We can get together anytime at the weekend when the sky is clear and full moon free.

Obviously the MPAS is looking for members and if you did join the observing field is open to you 24/7 that’s very good incentive.

The site has a viewing area with mains power. Toilet and tea and coffee facility.
A shed to set up computers. An 18” scope for people to use. A 12” and 8” Dob also.
Plenty of room for your own scope.

Any IIS member that would like to meet up there please pm me for my phone number so you can find out more.

Here is a photo of the bottom observing slab with us set up for viewing on the
26 November. The photo shows the 18” which is ready to use most nights.

So it’s up to you as IIS members to get together.

We can just meet any time around last quarter and new and first quarter Moons.
I’m normally there most weekends it’s clear.

I know it’s Christmas so most people are busy. But we can look at the 16th December as a first get together. This a normal viewing night for the MPAS anyway.

I look forward to meeting more local observers.

I put 3 more photo's from a Solar day then observing night we had. Can't find one of the main shed. Will get one asap.

Cheers.:)

[iceman]

Wow, looks like a great site!

[mojo]

I seriously have to make the effort and go to this. Also, your scope misses you Dave :sadeyes:

[iceman]

ahem don't forget you also seriously need to make the effort to come to Lostock :)

[spacezebra]

Yes, I agree looks like a very good site to observe.

Cheers Petra

[xstream]

Terry just needs to seriously make the effort to use his scope. ;)

[Dave47tuc]

Terry there will be plenty viewing nights to come. Just keep in touch.
I'll swap my scope for the 10" if you like:P if it missus me that much:whistle:
Hope to see you down this way soon.:thumbsup:

[janoskiss]

I'll be coming along at the earliest opportunity. I am sure many here will appreciate this open invitation. Thanks Dave!

That 18-incher sure looks like a hell of a scope! :)

[Rez]

I'd be up for as many of these nights as possible :)

Especially given that the site is relatively close to me.

PM Sent.

Rez

[Starkler]

Onya Dave :thumbsup:

[cristian abarca]

I would also like to come to this it's not that far away from me. It would have to be after Christmas though, and joining the society would not bother me either.

Regards Cristian

[Wombat_In_Space]

Dave I will be there one night in the next month or so I wont make it to the 16th Dec as it is my wedding anniversary. :doh:

[danielsun]

Well done Dave!! Looks like an excellent site !!:thumbsup:
I will definately try to get there for the 16th, cant confirm just yet but i will be in touch.

[mill]

16Th December sounds good to me.
Will be there.:)

[Tamtarn]

Such a great idea Dave. :thumbsup:

Looks like a very open site. We'll certainly make it one night soon, unfortunately not on the 16th we're previously booked.

Get back to you soon to arrange a date :)

[Rez]

On Friday night, the 1st, the MPAS has a public viewing night.

Might be worth popping along to have a look.

Rez

[gaa_ian]

It is a great site, I have had the pleasure of visiting myself over Easter.
Hope you all manage to get together !

[Dave47tuc]

Yes the MPAS has public viewing nights on the first Friday of each month.
Well worth going along.:)

For those who can't make the 16th Dec. No problem we will have many more in the new year.:thumbsup:

Here some more photo's of the site.;)

[bojan]

I would like to be there on 16th... May I just pop up there or should I make appointment? :-)
Bojan

[HAL2001]

I would love to come on the 16th, Dave

Have thought about the public nights too but Fridays don't suit us so this is great.
Hope I'll get a look through your Intes as well :-))

Happy viewing
Henri

[bookstar]

I am a member of the MPAS like Dave. I have been a member for about 8 years [gulp] and have been running our society's library for baout the last 3 years. We have a lot of books which are very helpful for observing: books on astrophotography, testing your telescope, making your own telescope etc. All members get to borrow stuff for a month or two months with renewal. This is a much longer period of time than in any public library. Indeed, the only people who would get borrowing rights that generous would be postgraduate university students doing their masters etc. That being said, 2006 wasn't the best of years for running the library ; I forgot to turn up 1 night [ shame on me], and another night I became so engrossed with talking to the speaker that I never picked the keys up, and many of the people who were frequent borrowers have left [ Carl went to Moe and Jakob went back to his homeland of the Czech Republic.]

The Briars is our main dark site for viewing. It is a big place where you can get lost ; I got lost the first time I went there. It might be a good idea for Dave to stick a map of the Briars somewhere with the viewing area marked out.

[iceman]

Hi bookstar! :welcome:

[bookstar]

I add that there are a variety of ways of being a member of MPAS including a newsletter-only membership for people who are unable to attend meetings etc.

[vespine]

I'd love to come along but I'm in NSW for that weekend :(.. will keep an eye out 1st thing next year tho, I've moved into an apartment so haven't had the scope out nearly as much as I'd like to.

[Dave47tuc]

Hi All,:)
Here is a Map of the Briars area, showing you where the observing field is located.
Thanks john for the map:thumbsup:

[danielsun]

Unfortunately cant make it on the 16th,:( it is our turn this year to host an annual BBQ on that night but will get definately get there sometime soon.;)

[janoskiss]

thanks Dave and MPAS for being such great hosts last Friday night. It was great to meet everyone but especially Greg and all his toys. (BIG toys!)

[Dave47tuc]

Good one Steve:thumbsup: Hope to see you and many others in the future.

No problem Daniel. Will see you in the new year.:)

[ThunderChild]

Thanks for the info Dave!

This sounds great. Have PMed you for more detail.
If the weather turns out horrid, would you say that the talk is still
worth coming to?

Cheers,
Chris

[Dave47tuc]

Hi Chris,
I have sent you a pm.

For anyone thinking of going to the Briars this Saturday the 16th.
All is good to meet up there at 7pm.
Ring me for those who have my number, if not follow the thread.
Weather at this stage is for fine conditions but that may change.
Will post friday with final details.
Hope to see some IIS people this weekend if not early next year.:thumbsup:

[Dave47tuc]

Hi,
For those who want to go to the Briars (see map above) all is go at this stage. Weather forcast is for a fine day for the 16th
So anyone have any ? Pm me or just turn up. Meet between 6 and 7 pm at the Observing field. I will do another post tomorrow.:)

[Starkler]

If the weather co-operates I'll be there :thumbsup:

[Dave47tuc]

Hi all,
the weather is fine down here today. So if anyone wants to go to the Briars Observatory site, just follow the map above and meet up there after 6pm.
If you want to arrive later that's fine. But It can be hard to find in the dark.

If your unable to come today I will post a new date in the new year or PM me at any time to arrange to visit the site.:)

Regards,

[Dave47tuc]

Hi,
We had a very nice night at the Briars. And thanks to the MPAS for letting IIS observers to use the site.
We will have another get together in the new year.

[janoskiss]

The next Briars meeting will be on Feb 17. Split to new thread: http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/showthread.php?t=16412

[Rez]

Images from the Melbourne IIS viewing night at MPAS on 17/02/2007 below:

http://rjk.melb.org/images/stories/mpas-17-02-2007/mpas-17-02-2007.html

Thanks to all who attended.

[mill]

Very nice photo's rez, just came back from the briars and will post photo's too.

[mill]

As promised here are some photo's.

[Dave47tuc]

Hi All,:)
Last night was a most successful night and morning. It’s hard to say how many people came along. But between IIS members and MPAS members I would say around 40 people where in attendance. The observing field was very full of scopes. Pictures below don’t show the full amount of scopes. As at least 6 more arrived after dark. All range of scopes where on show. From the MPAS’s 18” Newt and Greg’s 22” down to small 70mm Refractors. Six 10” Newts. A few 12” Newts. A couple of LX 200. A couple of home made scopes, which was great to see. Oh and Terry who decided to bring his scope but not set it up.:whistle:

It was funny to see Terry meet IIS people for the first time in the flesh. Oh your Geoff and geez your Steve!! Yeh I know you Dave! Other IIS people to catch up with Christian,
Andy, Martian, Daniel, Darren, Robert, and many more (yeh I forgot who!)
MPAS members on site President Peter, also Kevin, Greg, Bob, Alios, John, Marty,
Good to see Julian and Mark, so many more it was a great turn out.

Now I couldn’t begin to tell you how many objects we observed. But the big ones where a hit. Saturn, the comet, Jupiter. 47tuc, Omega Cen, 5128 and M104. The list goes on and on. I observed 20 members of the Virgo Cluster and had what I thought was my best Jupiter view for a long time. I was able to use my 4 mm Radian. Most thought the view with a light green filter was great. GRS and many cloud bands on Jupiter viewed.
All scopes showed objects well. The seeing was very good.:thumbsup:

There are many stories of the night, I hope others may say some. But one that stood out was I had Marty come over at around midnight. I gave him a run down on how to use the Argo Navis. After that I sat back and just called out NGC, Messier objects for him to observe. I think he observed 30 odd objects many for the first time. He just loved how the AN worked and it never missed an object all night. I think the thrill as always for me was showing people objects they had never seen before.
All scopes on site where fantastic as they where being used. As for the Skywatcher V GSO Dob battle the winner was!! A draw of course as everyone enjoyed the viewing.:D

Many people stayed on as I gave a who will be here to dawn!! Did not quite make it. But the night wrapped up by 5.30Am this morning. I have had 2 hours sleep, and I think many maybe in the same boat. It was worth it as it was a very successful night.

Thanks to the MPAS for the use of the site and thanks to all that came along.
Regards,
Dave.

[iceman]

Great writeup and pics!

[mojo]

Thanks Dave and MPAS. So that's what a viewing night is? :whistle:
It was nice meeting people in the flesh that I'm only familiar by login ID. Yes, there was a lot of, oh you're Mill (love your engineering work :thumbsup:). Steve, I could have probably picked. I would never have picked Geoff in a line-up with the promise of a million dollars for the correct guess :)

Nice night and I actually learnt something while standing next to Geoff's dob and saying, show me something interesting Geoff. After doing something with his ArgoNavis, he put two galaxies into the the eyepiece. Not bad I say, got anything better and he shows me Eta Carinae. Which at first didn't impress me because I've seen it a number of times before but he pointed out Eta Carinae, the star. I never noticed the gas that is being ejected from it. (Yes, I know you know but us newbs don't;))

Also the 18" was amazing! Thanks to Helmut (I think? Sorry if I got your name wrong) for giving people a tour with that impressive scope!

The moral to the story is, astronomy is fun but it's far more interesting when there are people there to explain what it is you're looking at :thumbsup:

[janoskiss]

Thanks Dave and MPAS for an excellent night! It was great to see so many other nerds. :P Had a ball with the society's 18". :) Next time I'll have to get Greg and Dave to teach me how to collimate it.

[danielsun]

Thanks Dave, Greg and the MPAS for the BBQ dinner and a top night!!:thumbsup:
I got to meet many more IISers in person as well as some MPAS members and the night sky was magnificent!:thumbsup:


Here's a few more pics.

[Dave47tuc]

Hi all,:)
Our next get together will be on March 10th. Now the Moon will be up early.
But the following week is Snake valley camp and I did not want to interfere with that.
The 10th of March is a special day for the MPAS. Once a year they have what’s called a scope day. Really it’s the “Ken Bryant Scope Day”. KBSD.
Named after a well known MPAS (ASF) and LVAS and ASV member.
This day starts at noon and runs into the night. We have speakers on various topics.
Meteor observing, Variable star observing, Deep Sky observing Etc.
Raffle prizes. Telescope display’s which the main event.
We have various people talking about there equipment etc. It’s a great day for anyone into telescopes and observing.

There is also a buy sell and swap table. I have seen some great bargins on this table.
So bring your eyepiece or book you may want to sell.

There is a BBQ dinner on offer which the MPAS caters for. You can byo if you like also.
BYO lunch and drinks. Tea and coffee on site.

Below are some photos of previous KBSD.

I hope to see some of you there. It’s a great day and make it a date on your calender.:thumbsup:

[mill]

Wow!! i will be there :)
Just send the registration form to become a member today.
Looking forward to this.

[Dave47tuc]

Hi,:)
Anyone thinking of coming down on the 10th of March, for the scope day (KBSD) and who may want to give a talk on there scope, or anything they maybe doing in the world of Astronomy. Please you are most welcome to do so.
We would love to here from any telescope makers, or imagers. Anything you may be doing like DSO observing logs. Meteor observing. Super Nova searching, variable star work etc.

Please pm me if you may want to do any of the above.
But please come along enjoy the day and show everyone your scope big or small.:thumbsup:

[Starkler]

Today is the 10th, so I guess its up to me to post a reminder :whistle:

Come on down!

[erick]

I wish I could - the weather looks great (at least no clouds in sight!) - but committed to dinner with friends and family. :sadeyes:

[Dave47tuc]

Hi,:)
A good night was had by all who attended. Not everything went to plan, including the start time. And lack of guest speakers!! Apologies for any inconvenience.:D

With winter approaching it will be hard to put any dates for get togethers.
So all I can say when its new Moon or there about. The MPAS site is open to IIS members as long as they contact me first. I will normally be observing at the site most Friday or Saturday dark sky nights. So anyone who has been there before please come along and newbie’s contact me first before coming up.

The MPAS has the first Friday of each month public nights. Well worth coming along.;)

Hope to see you at the MPAS observing site some time.:thumbsup:

[Starkler]

I can vouch for that :thumbsup:

The MPAS site at the Briars although maybe not quite the darkest site near Melbourne, isnt far off it either. The facilities are great with a bbq, toilet, clubhouse with fridge stocked with cold drinks and coffee making facilities.

On top of all this is the great social atmosphere. Many thanks to MPAS for the welcome given to us IIS members :thumbsup: Next time down I'll have a completed membership form in hand.

[mill]

It was a good day and you can pick brains and talk to a lot of good people.
Have to remember to bring straightjackets for the kids next time;)
Just joking, the kids that were there had a really good time and were pretty well behaved.:)
So all in all it was a very good day even though the organisation went wrong a little bit, and anyone who wants to come is very welcome.
So just come along next time there is an event, it is just good to have a talk and look trough some scopes , you won't get bored.

[Dave47tuc]

With lots of other events this weekend Snake Valley and ASV at Heathcote.

I will still be at the Briars this weekend as i can't get away. If weather is fine and clear and your not going to the above, come on down to the Briars for a few hours of viewing.:thumbsup:

[vespine]

Saturday? I'll have to get clearance for take off but I'd like to make it out again, was a little too brief last time. Saturn still deserves a better look, it's going to start becoming more distant from now.

[Dave47tuc]

If weather is clear this Saturday night (vespine;) ) I will post Saturday afternoon re the weather.
I will be at the MPAS site, around 7pm.
see map through out this thread.

[Dave47tuc]

The weather is fine and partly cloudy at noon today 17th March.
Should be clear tonight :whistle:

I'll leave it up to you if you come down.:D I will be there. :thumbsup:

[vespine]

I'll be coming down, so is it regular for the BBQ to make it out or is that only on special occasions? I don't mind either way, I can eat before I leave, but if there "is" going to be bbq, i'd rather bring some stuff for that:).

[Dave47tuc]

Sorry no BBQ this time. It's still a bit cloudy and a bit windy but i think the weather should be better through the night.:whistle:

[Dave47tuc]

Hi all,:)
Life’s been busy to post much! Or at all!!:rolleyes:

Just a note re IIS get-together’s at the Briars. Nothing is planed over the winter period due to hopefully lots of rain.
But the MPAS has viewing nights at the site on most Saturday nights near new moon.

Also worth the trip is the MPAS first Friday of each month public viewing nights.
If you have been to the site before you’re welcome to come along and help show the public the night sky. Normally around 100 people turn up!

For those who have never been to the site and want to go to a public night, here is some information for you. This is of the MPAS web site.
http://www.mpas.websyte.com.au/


“Bookings are essential as space is limited (excuse the pun). Simply leave your details on 0419253252 or email us at skywatch@iprimus.com.au . Cost for adults is $8.00, Kids $4.00 and families (2 adults and 2 kids) is $20.00.”

Hopefully I may see you up at the Briars some time.
PM me if you want more details.
A map of the site below.:thumbsup:

Can you please leave this as the last post on this thread for the time being. THANKS.

[Dave47tuc]

Hi All,
Viewing season is upon us.:P
I know it’s short notice but if there is anyone around Melbourne who would like to go the MPAS
Briars site the group is holding a public astrophotography night. This event was advertised in the Age newspaper today 18th August.
Weather could be a problem but it’s only partly cloudy today. So if anyone is free tonight go along and see what goes on.
Map to the site above post.:)

Unfortunately I’m unable to go. But more nights will come up in the future.:thumbsup:
Regards.

[Dave47tuc]

This Saturday night 1st September there is a father son viewing night at the Briars. Starting at 8pm
See map in above post.
Any IIS members who want to join in and show off the night sky to people in the local community your are very welcome to come along.

Regards.

[mill]

It looks like it is going to be an perfect night tonight.
Ill be coming with my son :)

[finger]

are there any IIS nights planned at MPAS in the near future?
we would be interested in knowing.

[Dave47tuc]

Hi, finger
and welcome to IIS:welcome:
Yes I’m in the process now of getting our next date for a get together organized.
On any dark moon Saturday night of Friday night normally a few IIS people and MPAS people get together and observe anyway.

Hope full the weather is kind this Saturday night the 8th September, as some of us will be there and who ever wants to turn up.

I will let everyone know of our next big get together with BBQ etc ASAP.

Regards.

[xstream]

Is anything happening this Saturday 6th Oct. in Melb?

Anna and I will be down tomorrow night and wouldn't mind doing some observing but we won't have a scope with us. So if anyone is doing some observing in the Eastern suburbs and would like some company for a few hours let us know and we'll bring a selection of naglers with us.

[Dave47tuc]

Hi John,
Sorry for late reply. It's a normal MPAS observing night tonight, 6th October.
But the weather does not look very good, it's been raining down here on and off for the last 24 hours.:windy::cloudy:
So I would doubt very much if any observing goes on.:)

[Dave47tuc]

Hi all,
Just a reminder that the MPAS has public viewing nights on the first Friday night of each month. Also the club has viewing nights around the new Moon time, on a Saturday night. If you want more details you can PM me.
Or more information here. http://www.mpas.asn.au/

[vespine]

This is strange, i can no longer see this thread title in the Star Parties, Clubs & Observing Sessions (http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=16) section, i had to do a search for the thread in my old posts section to find it..

Just trying to confirm if it is still ok to turn up and use the site.

[vespine]

strange, there was only 18 threads in the section until i posted the above, now it's back and there are 19 threads... I'm guessing they've been set to drop off the list if they aren't posted to for a while..

So the question remains, any Melbournites coming out to the briars on saturday?

[iceman]

It was in the sticky section, but was un-stickied as per Dave's request. So it dropped off the page.

[OneOfOne]

The weather at the moment is looking good, but then again it is only 5:15...

If is still looks clear in an hour or so, I will be going to The Briars for the public viewing night. If it starts to cloud over though, we will probably change plans...no point driving all the way from Bentleigh when I could stay at home and see the clouds from here!

[Dave47tuc]

A little lack of communication between me and the MPAS has had this thread unstuck. Thanks Mike.

As I have said the Briars is a open site but I would contact the MPAS
http://www.mpas.asn.au/
to check for any viewing nights. They have public nights the first Friday night of each month. As was last night. Also members and visitors viewing nights around new moon. Tonight is the MPAS xmas BBQ so you can turn up introduce yourself and go from there.

All the best.:)

[Dave47tuc]

This Friday the 1st February is a MPAS public night at the Briars. Your welcome to go along and show your scope of to the public. Starts at 8pm.

Also I’m sure MPAS members will be up there Saturday night if clear. They have 2 big scopes you can use. One 18” Fork mounted Newtonian and a 22” Newt. On a Dob mount.

Map in the above posts.:)

[Dave47tuc]

Hi all,
May the 2nd is the next public night at the Briars. Check there web site for details or contact( 0419 253252).

Please be aware for those who have been up there before there some buliding works in progress so be careful.

New people that may go up there but contact the number above or pm me.

Remember the MPAS has viewing nights most near new Moon Friday or Saturday nights. Contact details in there web site or through me via pm.:)