Mangrove Mountain - July - New Moon

[Allan_L]

Wondering if there is sufficient interest to organise an observing session for Saturday 14 July. ** That's Two weeks notice. !!

As per Glen's previous post, Mars will be nearing opposition (27/7) and closer than the last 15 years.
Saturn is at opposition now (27/6).
Jupiter is up all night as well.

So the planets have aligned. … Can we?

As always, weather dependent.

I am not committing myself yet.
Just gauging interest and availability.
But its been a while and seems like a good time to dust off the Winter Gear.

Please reply here if you are a possible starter.
...and watch this space.

[sharptrack2]

If the weather cooperates, I could be persuaded to make the drive out there.

[Rodstar]

I have pencilled it in my diary. Weather-permitting, count me in!

[jakob]

Good idea, just have to find my long jones!

[RobNevyn]

If you'll have me, I would like to come up and say hello, bring my new 10" dob.
Haven't used it yet due to weather so if the weather gods permit it may be my first light.

[Allan_L]

Of course Rob, Everyone is welcome, scope or none.

[Shano592]

Rob, it wouldn't be a party without you!

I'll be there, weather permitting.

[Rick Petrie]

Can’t make this one but hopefully next month. Hope the weather is good for all that go.🙂

[Allan_L]

Sorry to hear you won't be available Rick.
was hoping to catch up.

The early forecast looks promising for Saturday.
No clouds. But cold. And probably a bit of dew about later.
Hope that holds.

[RobNevyn]

Fingers crossed the forecast stays good.

What time does the esteemed keymaster usually arrive?

[Allan_L]

Hi Rob,
There are a number of regulars who have keys.
Some will get there from an hour before sunset.
I tend to arrive just after sunset.
This Saturday, Sunset is 17:05, and I will be aiming to arrive, probably just after 5.

Let me know if you (or anyone else) want to follow me, or require further directions.

Basically, it is south on M1 (from Tuggerah) then take Somersby exit onto Peats Ridge Road. Then about 8k later exit to Wisemans Ferry Road. Then follow for another 15k to the Pony Club grounds on the right
(aka: Tom McKenzie Park).
See also directions here (http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/showthread.php?t=26142)

[glend]

I will attend. Looking forward to catching up with folks again.

Glen

[Allan_L]

Thanks Glen,
Look forward to seeing you there.

[RobNevyn]

Thanks Allan, I should be ok finding my way there, I used to ride around that area a bit years ago.
Most likely arrive at around 5 ish as well.
Looking forward to meeting everyone. :thumbsup:

[Shano592]

I'll try to get there around 4.30-5, and open up.

I'm not a fan of setting up in the dark.

[sharptrack2]

I'll be waiting at the gate! Setting up should be routine by now, but never is... :shrug::lol::P

[glend]

As I am leaning towards bringing my imaging gear, I might need to bring my camper trailer for the battery capacity and extra transport room. I seem to take longer than anyone to setup, so don't worry Kevin.

[Allan_L]

Looking good for tonight.
No cloud forecast and low humidity (below 60%).
Cold, don't forget warm layers, ski gear, or freezer suit.
Beanie and gloves might also be warranted.

Just a note to newcomers:
Please limit use of white torches, please cover with red cellophane, or use Red LED lights.
There are no convenience facilities, so maybe stop at the Mangrove Community Hall toilets on the way (cnr Waratah and Wisemans ferry roads); there is also a takeaway there. It is 5.2 kilometres before the observing field (McKenzie Park aka Pony Club)


See you there.

[Rodstar]

Ill be there about 5.30. Looking forward to a good night under the Milky Way. Definitely freezer suit weather!!

[RB]

Of Course it's looking good tonight.
And I can't make it. :sadeyes:
Hosting a party and I can't leave.

Have a good one guys.
RB

[sharptrack2]

I'm here! Where's everyone?! ;):lol:

The grass hasn't been cut in a couple of weeks looks like, bring a tarp to setup on!

[Rodstar]

O no RB!!! Maybe late???!!! If not, there is always next time!:P

[Rodstar]

Thanks for the heads up about the grass Kevin. :thumbsup:

[RobNevyn]

I'm down the road a bit Kevin. Hopefully Allan shouldn't be too far away.

[Allan_L]

Thanks to everyone who turned up for a good session at the Pony Club last night. It was quite a good roll up.
The night was cool, but dew stayed away until about 11.
The seeing was steady.
It was good to catch up with so many after a long run of unsettled weather, or conflicting commitments, every new moon.
Nice to see a few newcomers there as well. Rob and Eva (was it) hope to see you again, looking forward to seeing your C11.
Robnevyn brought his new SW10 dob. Very nice views of Jupiter and Saturn - really nice.
We even had a couple of imagers (Glend and Sharptrak2)
Good to catch up with Shano (and Sam), inmykombi, fizics and astropolak (and family) again
(sorry if I forgot to mention anybody)
Of course the Star of the Show was Rodstar and his Glenfallus.
A beautiful piece of kit Rod.
Thanks for sharing some nice views of faint fuzzies.

I hope everyone enjoyed themselves and heres hoping for a successful return visit next new moon.

I locked the gate at ten minutes before midnight.
(funny how the sky always looks suddenly better just after you have packed up! :) )

[sharptrack2]

Repeating Allan's post, what a fantastic group to share some night sky with. I was a little pre-occupied with getting some images I've wanted for a while now but did get over to see everyone and say hi.

Lovely to make some new acquaintances, I hope to see them all again soon.

Will post a couple of images soon but to show how good the night was... here is just a sample... 1 capture, RAW file converted to JPG, cropped to square but no other processing...

[RobNevyn]

Echoing Allan & Kevin's post, it was great to meet eveyone, next time I'll remember to bring my boots, man my feet were cold!
Thanks to Kevin and Allan for letting me see different EP's in my scope, I left with new ideas and aperture envy (looking at you Rod :astron:).
Good sky and a good night, hope to make the next outing to the PC.