Help for a Blue Mountains Camera Club who want to try out astrophotography

[tim.anderson]

Hello Colleagues

I am a member of the Central West Astronomical Society and also a member of the Orange Camera Club. The OCC has received a request from a group of photographers based in the Blue Mountains for assistance in trying out astrophotography using their daytime equipment.

It is a bit far from where I live for me to be able to help them directly, so I am asking if there are people who live in the Blue Mountains who are familiar with the techniques of astrophotography and who might be prepared to help lead the group on an outing to a suitable dark site.

Any suggestions would be gratefully received and I will put you in touch with the group involved.

Regards

Tim Anderson

[Wavytone]

Hi Tim, two of the best dark sites are Mt Blackheath, and Hargraves Lookout, both on Shipley Plateau. The paraglider launch at Mt Blackheath (a patch of AstroTurf) faces west, while Hargraves faces south with views west, south and south east. See https://www.dpreview.com/galleries/7398429248/photos/3604657/hargraves-lookout-pano

Alternatively Hassan’s Walls, out of Lithgow, or Mt Canobolas at Orange. Hat Hill Rd and Anvil Rock at Blackheath, or Mt Banks (on Bells Line of Rd) all offer good views of the night sky.

All are publicly accessible 24x7 so no special arrangements are needed.

I’ll suggest they study some relevant articles here http://www.iceinspace.com.au/projects.html

[tim.anderson]

Thanks very much. If anyone from around the Blue Mountains would be prepared to lead the photography group on an astrophotography outing, please let me know and I will put you in touch with them.

[Wavytone]

What do they want a leader for ? Afraid of the dark ?