Pony Club Tonight?

[glend]

This is no April fool joke. The sky seems to be completely clear, at least up here, and there is only a small sliver of Moon setting at 10pm. For those desperate to get out under the stars tonight might be your chance.

[Allan_L]

Are you planning on going up Glen?

[glend]

No Allan, my mount is on a pier and takes too much effort to dismantle, i will be imaging from home. Sorry if it was misleading, I only mention it because you guys were talking about the Pony Club at coffee last week. It just seemed like a good opportunity given the conditions if anyone wanted to go.

[Allan_L]

I was considering it, once you mentioned it.
But looks like no one else is interested/free to go.

[Inmykombi]

Just saw the post and its too late for me to go, as I have committed to going to ricks for a squiz thru a grab and go while its clear. sorry all.

[Allan_L]

Looks like tonight is going to be OK for a session.
Anyone else interested?

Planning on arriving around 5:30.
ALL Welcome.

Bring warm clothes, multi layers, ski gear, or Freezer suit.

Will check back again about 3 to make a final weather check and Go / No Go decision.

[sharptrack2]

Unfortunately, I've been railroaded into a last minute birthday party. If the skies are anything like last night I certainly won't be the life of the party... maybe they'll get mad and kick me out... :question:

Wishing the best for those who get out there tonight.

[Inmykombi]

Hi everyone, I am extending an invitation to those who want to visit the PC tonight to now try a new Venue.
I visited the Central Coast Soaring Club today, and spoke with a few people there and I was told we are welcome to try the Airstrip again the see if it suits.
In view of the fact that the PC now has extra light from a property next door, it may be worth once again trying the Airstrip for a darker Site.
I was told we are welcome to visit and try it out again and we can access the entire Airstrip to find a great location.
The Soaring Club has asccess from Bloodtree Rd Mangrove Mountain, about 1/2 way along the road between George Downs drive and Wisemans Ferry Rd.
Its also a little closer for some than a drive to the PC.
I plan on getting there around 4.30 when the Club members are packing up for the day.
It would be nice if those who wish to try this new place could also be there to meet a few members of the Soaring Club and suuport our Interest in Astronomy.
I know its late notice, but it would be great to try it out on what looks to be a good night under the stars.

Please note that the entry to the Soaring club carpark is small and easy to miss while driving along Bloodtree Rd. However there is a Sign Showing the entrance to the filed which has good access for all types of vehicles.

hope to see you there.
Geoffro.

[Allan_L]

Thanks Geoff,

I am packed and eager to give it a try.

Jakob has indicated he is coming as well.

Joe was keen for a night out, hope he sees the change of venue.

I will try to get there before 5.
Allan

[Allan_L]

Google map Link

https://www.google.com/maps/place/Bloodtree+Rd,+Mangrove+Mountain+NSW +2250,+Australia/@-33.284941,151.211673,14z/data=!4m5!3m4!1s0x6b0d3172bbc71dc1: 0xa3abacc1931f586a!8m2!3d-33.2849411!4d151.2116732?hl=en-AU

[jakob]

Was a great night, thanks to the organisers.
Very enjoyable, clear sky and good company.
Must do it again.
:thumbsup:

[glend]

That is great to hear Jakob, i was wondering how you got on.

[Allan_L]

Was great to get together again.
A good turnout for a new venue.
I think everyone enjoyed the evening (even though there was no apple charlotte).

Now lets look forward to May new moon at Bretti.
;)

[glend]

It's on my calendar. Fingers Crossed.

[Inmykombi]

Thx to everyone for coming to try the new site with very very short notice.
I hope no-one missed the post and ended up at the PC without a key.

John and I drove to the North End of the Runway when we packed up and the horizon is not quite as low as the South end of the Runway due to higher tree lines, but it is darker with now street lights visible and no lights from anywhere that we could see.

I may try the North End next time to see how it looks over a full night.
Although There will have to be a formal letter sent to the President, of the Soaring Club to express our intentions and then see what happens next.

Thx to everyone who made the effort to try it, I hope you enjoyed it.

Geoffro.

[GTB_an_Owl]

looks promising then Geoff?


geoff

[Deeno]

Interesting that the Airfield has come up again. Last time it was considered they wanted payment to use their field. Has there been any mention?

[Inmykombi]

Hi Deeno, Long time no see.
No mention of payment so far, however I would be happy to throw a few bucks their way each visit as a thank you gesture.

This happened really quickly on Saturday and it was not planned for a long time.
I was just working on the property next to the Airfield, and went to visit a guy I know who flies there, as I knew he was there.

We were talking about the site and I just waved the Flag for the Observing Group, as the PC has more light now days.

So changing the venue was a last minute decision to try it and get an opinion from everyone. I think its an OK site for local observing....

Hope the Family is well too buddy.

Maybe see you sometime again.

[Allan_L]

It wasn't as dark as the PC (in my opinion), wrong side of the hill I suspect.
But it did seem a lot friendlier.
And there was plenty of space to set up next to your car.
Trees weren't an issue (IMO).

North end might be even better.

[Shano592]

Hi Deeno, nice to hear from you!

I thought it was a nice location. The trees at the southern end were low enough to give a really good southerly view, and the northerly view was very low due to only a slightly up-running runway. I agree with Allan, that it probably wasn't as dark as the PC, but not by a lot. One thing missing was high-beam traffic. I think there was a big flood of spotlights on one occasion, on the western side behind the trees, but only for a minute or so. Where we settled was very well sheltered from the light of cars.

I think it got down to about 8 degrees on Geoff's LX-o-meter, 10 degrees on my app. Little wind, but a moderate amount of dew. The grass was silvered as I was leaving, from the dew in my headlights.

What was a big plus... was a phone signal all night! Another thing missing from the PC.

I certainly don't mind a honorarium for the Soaring Club, as it is their lease we are looking to piggyback onto. As long as it is a per-person fee then I'm fine, and not a set amount per viewing night. That could get expensive, if only 2 or 3 show up...

[Shano592]

Reported spam

[nobby2]

Just touching base. I have returned home after 2 1/2 months in the US. National Parks road trip and stay with family in NY.

Glad to hear you may have found an alternate observation site.

I expect to return to my mirror grinding project soon.
I purchased a slightly damaged 8" mirror and have been re-grinding it.
Started with #220 grit (Silicon Carbide) to remove the existing alloy coating and reduce it to Focal Ratio 4.5 from a 6.7.
Progressed to #320 grit to make my target of 2.83 mm sagitta.

Had to leave the project at this stage for the US.
I suspect I may have to re-asses the quality of my plaster/tiles grinding tool to achieve full contact and an even sphere from centre to edge of the mirror.

All the best
Neil

[Shano592]

Hi Neil,

Good to see you back. Hope you had a nice time in the US.

Speaking of this New Moon weekend... what is the score?

Any takers for Saturday night?

And where will we set up?

[Allan_L]

Looks like I am going up to Pony Club on Monday night.
http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/showthread.php?t=158177
Anyone care to join us.
Karena is keen to photograph the milky way - but I don't know much about that side of things.
Anyone with photography skills welcome to come along or post here to assist.

I believe her equipment entails a Canon DSLR and a basic photo tripod and a wide-angle lens.

If you have any advice, perhaps you can post to her thread?
F stops; film speed; exposure time, aperture? What else?

[Inmykombi]

Cant go saturday night. I hope the weather is good for those who do get up there.

[Shano592]

Hi Allan,

I have just sent you a PM.

Monday won't work for me, unfortunately. Tomorrow it is.

[Shano592]

I aim to be at the PC around 4:30pm.

All are welcome to come on up.

AstroPanel suggests that temps will get as low as 3 degrees after midnight. Dress appropriately.

[Inmykombi]

Hi all, please comment on this letter I drafted to the Glider Club ( Mangrove Mountain Soaring Club ).
I struggle with writing this sort of letter, but please comment and if OK I can send it away ASAP.

Rgds Geoffro.

Dear President / Secretary,
On behalf of a Group of Individuals who share the same passion for the Night Sky, I wish to express our desire to be able use your Club’s Airfiled for the purpose of Stargazing .

I am actually part of an informal group of Amateur Astronomers and like-minded individuals, who gather together once or twice a month to observe the night sky with our Telescopes and associated equipment.
Sometimes we may gather together outside the normal “ New Moon” Monthly get-togethers, for a special Astronomical event such as a Lunar Eclipse or Meteor Shower etc. However, we usually get together just a couple of times a Month.
At present, we are using another venue, which has an increasing amount of light pollution that affects our ability to both observe and enjoy the dark skies available at Mangrove Mountain.

At this point, I personally would also like to convey our Thanks to your Club, for allowing us to visit your Airfield a month or two ago, and try the site at night for our common purpose.
We found the Airfield to be a most suitable area for our Stargazing activities, with a minimal amount of Stray light that would detract from our enjoyment.

We as a group, also note that you may have certain Rules for using the Airfiled, and we are most happy to abide by your rules or restrictions, to ensure your Airfield remains safe for your activities, as well as our intended activities at night.
We would also be most happy to show your members the Night Sky Treasures that are within the reach of our Telescopes and equipment.

I will await your reply, and convey this reply to the other people in our Group.

Thank you in advance for your consideration in this matter.

[GTB_an_Owl]

sounds good to me Geoff

geoff

[Inmykombi]

Thx Geoff.

[Inmykombi]

Edited Version from Fizics.
I like Johns version of my one that he edited betetr than mine....any comments ?


Dear President / Secretary,
On behalf of a group of individuals who share the passion for the Night Sky, I wish to express our desire to use your Club’s airfield for the purpose of Stargazing .

I am part of an informal group of Amateur Astronomers who gather together once or twice a month during the new moon to observe the night sky with our portable telescopes and associated equipment.

At present, we are using another venue, which has an increasing amount of light pollution that affects our ability to both observe and enjoy the dark skies available at Mangrove Mountain.

At this point I personally would also like to convey our thanks to your Club for allowing us to visit the airfield one evening a month or two ago. We found the Airfield to be a most suitable area for stargazing with minimal amount of stray light that would detract from our enjoyment.

We would abide by any rules or restrictions for using the airfield and ensure the Airfield remains safe and available for your activities, as well as our intended activities at night.

We would also be most happy to show your members the Night Sky Treasures that are within the reach of our Telescopes and equipment.

I await your reply and the group thanks you in advance for your consideration in this matter.

[Allan_L]

As an informal and friendly conversation starter, I'd be happy to go with that.
But I would try to avoid a commitment.

[Inmykombi]

Hi again, The letter has been forwarded to the Clubs President.
I will advise when I get a reply.

Cheers for now Geoffro.

[Shano592]

Great stuff, Geoff! It really is a great location at the southern end of the air strip. Those that went to the northern end for a look, what was it like in comparison? I would think it would be closer to Bloodtree Road, and vehicle lights.

Is anyone interested in heading up to the pony club tomorrow (Friday)? Saturday is out for me, and I would like to get up there if I can.

[astropolak]

I am keen on Saturday night.., hope there are some takers...

RGDS

[RB]

Maybe I can make it.
Can I bring my drones and lasers?
They won't ruin your dark adaptation... promise. :D

:lol:

[Shano592]

Are you hooking up the lasers to the drones? I'll come just for that!

[RB]

That would be awesome.

:lol:

[Shano592]

Still looking at tonight.

Aiming to get to the gate around 4:30pm.

Looks like it will get as low as about 3 degrees, so an extra pair of socks may be in order...

[RB]

Yeah, guys rug up, it's been freezing up here lately at night.

:thumbsup:

[Allan_L]

like last time? ...

https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/s/ehsvmxdcr52y9wk/laser.gif?dl=0

[RB]

Yes Allan, strictly 1mW only. :D

[Inmykombi]

Sorry people, but i cant make either night.
Ill have to put a stop to other social activities to make room for more Astronomy........:(

[Shano592]

Well, it was a cold, but pretty still night.

The LX200 suggested that it was 2 degrees when I left. It certainly felt it.

I managed to stack together 41x 5-second frames at iso1600. Unmodded Canon 50D, straight through the LX200 with F/6.3 reducer.

Needs some processing, but it is coming along..

[RB]

Nice detail there Shane!
Especially for short exposures.
Are you going to come up tonight?
I'm not 100% sure I can make it yet.

Roll call for tonight, who's planning on attending?

RB

[GTB_an_Owl]

i have a bung foot - can't walk .........sorry

geoff

[Inmykombi]

Cant go........

[RB]

Yeah, I can't make it either... :sadeyes:

[Allan_L]

unable to attend

[Shano592]

If anyone is feeling bored, I am going up this evening (Wednesday). I'm hoping to get there around, or just after 5, for a few hours of simple imaging.

[Inmykombi]

Sorry Shano, Cant do weekdays due to work etc.

[Shano592]

Same here normally.

I got the chance to go, so I jumped at it.

I had a go at 5 targets, we'll see how they process.

It was breezy early , but it tailed off quickly enough. Temperature got down to about 8, by 9:30pm. I packed it in then, and gates were locked by 9:45.

[Shano592]

OK, New Moon is on Tuesday.

Any takers for a Tuesday evening Pony Club run, weather permitting? I think I will go. I'm enjoying getting some imaging done at the moment.

The last couple of times, I have been there from 5 to about 9:30, and the seeing was pretty good.

[astropolak]

Is anyone keen to go tonight?
I need a astronomy fix....:)

[RB]

I might pop up for a chat & looky.

:)

[Inmykombi]

I have been chopping a large Tree up at a mates place today, after it came down last night in the strong wind.
I am too tired to get off my butt and do anything....Sorry.

[Shano592]

I have been fighting an aggressive flu for the last couple of weeks. Aside from not wanting to infect anyone with this thing, it would have been just too cold, knowing what I'm fighting. I'm mostly over it, but I want to be completely done with it before exposing my system to cold nights.

I'm going to setup in the back yard and play with an Off-axis guider this weekend. Weather depending, I may possibly head up next Friday or Saturday 8/9 September.