Victorian Iceinspace Star Party

[Smokey]

Hi All
After reading the discussion on the S.A. Mini star party, I thought I would start a thread to see if we gather enough interest in a Victorian star party.
I guess the 2 main things that need to be decided on first is
1) Where do we hold it?
2) When?

Any suggestions?

I'd definately be interested in attending providing I,m not working.

[iceman]

Great idea! You guys need to get together! :P

There may not be enough notice to get everyone together for the May 7 new moon weekend, but you never know.. The next one after that would be the early June new moon weekend.

Maybe you can invade the mornington peninsula and Dave47Tuc can be your host :P

[Starkler]

I have been in touch with Dave about this. Certainly open to suggestions for a suitable site.

[xstream]

I suppose N.E. Vic. is to far away for you guys to contemplate?

I can arrange excellent D.S.S here.:D

[Dave47tuc]

Hi :)

As Geoff has said we have spoken on this. Some problems.

Where to have it. Finding a safe site so everybody is happy will be hard. I'm trying to find one not far out of Melbourne.

We can have one down here on the Mornington Peninsula, but very few live close. So i think we have to go North or East of Melbourne.

We are open to suggestions. Must be easy to get to and safe at night.

Next problem is the weather. It will only get worse in Victoria over the comeing months.

I suggest we find a site that everyone will be happy with and plan a big VicIce star party for early Spring:)

More thoughts?

:cheers:

[robin]

What about somewhere near BallaratDragons.Just west of Ballarat. Its an hour & a half or so from Melb. & around the same for me. Mind you, that night time frigid great divide winter air is starting to kick in....

[mick pinner]

Certainly interested,
A friend of mine has a property here in the Dandenong ranges l think we could use and l could supply some accomodation for those from further afield.

[Dave47tuc]

Sounds good Mick.
What about this place people,

http://www.stumphill.com.au/

Could be a good place to observe from and stay over.:confuse3:

Thoughts?

[Starkler]

Should be nice and dark there Dave :)
The question is how many people would be willing to invest more than just an evening to travel for a starparty.

Another aspect to consider in choosing a site for this time of year is freedom from fog.

[xstream]

Certainly would be a good half way point Dave, I can vouch for the skies being dark in Mansfield. But as Geoff pointed out fog this time of year is a concern and that area is notorius for them,
otherwise it sounds like a pretty good deal.

I also thought of another place that both Vic & NSW IceInSpacers could consider later in the year for a get together.

http://home.goulburn.net.au/~magellan/

[iceman]

I like that idea John.. Seeker has been there I think, sounds like a great place to go, stay overnight etc.

Would victorians really go there though?

[xstream]

Can't see why not Mike.
Anna and I certainly would, all that gear to use would be like being in a toy shop.:D

[robin]

We Victorians who are already 6 hrs from Albury/Wodonga would have big reservations about going there. Round trip by road to Goulburn is about 20 hours for me & with the cost of unleaded petrol currently $1.12 cents per litre, it'd be a major project......anyone got a matter transporter?:confuse3: :confuse3:

[Starkler]

Hard to say. Three hours from Sydney makes it seven hours from Melbourne.

A three hour drive is ok for an overnighter, but seven hours both ways makes for a major trip.

[mick pinner]

Offer still stands check out Monbulk 3793 in the Melways and see what you think.

[xstream]

What map reference in Monbulk Mick?

[Dave47tuc]

I would find it hard to travel a long way.

Family and petrol costs would be a concern.:)

Central Vic is about it for me at the moment. But in the future i want to go to the SPSP in NSW one day:D

Maybe the stumphill option would be good later in the year?

In the mean time what about Micks offer in Monbulk?

I use to have family there and its dark enough but where would we go Mick?
I would need to stay somewhere as its a fair distance for me after a nights observing to get back home
:confuse3:

What about a get togeather May 7 as our NSW buddys are.

In Monbulk? Mick?

:cheers:

[mick pinner]

If your using Melways map 122 G10

[xstream]

I work may 7th but would make the effort if weather looked like being ok. I have family in Ringwood and Box Hill so it wouldn't be that far to travel. Just the 3 hour drive to Melb.:face:

[xstream]

Area looks ok.........Scout park looks excellent?

[Smokey]

I,ve checked my roster and I,m off that weekend :D
I dont mind where it is so long as I can get a coffee in the morning. I can just sleep in my car, if I find somewhere to house the scope.

[mick pinner]

Scopes can be secured at my place for anyone that needs to, l have some room for guys to stay over if a sleeping bag will suffice, the fold out couch may be spoken for. Will supply coffee in the morning.

[mick pinner]

would anyone interested in a star party and bbq on sat May 7 at Monbulk let me know by sat 23rd april and l will arrange the site and directions, if not any alternatives?

[iceman]

haha cool, it will be a combined NSW + Victoria iceinspace starparty if you have it on the 7th!

[Starkler]

Sounds like a plan Mick , Im in :)

[Smokey]

Count me in.

[xstream]

I'm in.

[MiG]

Monbulk is pretty close to Melbourne (I think it's still a part of Melbourne). I don't know if it's that much better in terms of light pollution.

[mick pinner]

Monbulk is on the other side of the Dandenong Ranges so light pollution from the city is almost non existant, the idea is to get together and have a reasonable night of viewing, l haven't found the perfect viewing site yet.

[Starkler]

Yep I figure it to be more a meet and greet than a true darksky observing experience.

[xstream]

It's probably not much better MiG, but for Vic's first IceInSpace Star Party and getting to meet one another it's gotta be ok at short notice. I'm sure Mick can fill us in more.

You beat me to it Geoff:lol:

[Dave47tuc]

I'll be there:D

Weather permitting.:whistle:

Looking foward to meeting you all.:cheers:

[mick pinner]

l'll post directions and all the relevant blah blah tomorrow anyone who has a particular question can pm me anytime for info.

[ballaratdragons]

Excellent idea,

I'm unable to go away on weekends now the Rugby League season has started. Monbulk would be a full weekender for me. Nearer the end of the year after the footy season, and the weather is better, you are all welcome to come up here and bring your tents and sleeping bags and make a weekend of it. BBQ, site-seeing etc.

Sorry I can't attend a long distance one for a while, but I hope you guys have a good one.

[Dave47tuc]

We will miss you there Ken.

When the guy's meet we will disscuss a Star Party for later in the year for central Vic. Hope to see you at that one.

Thanks for the invite up your way as well:D

Good luck with the Rugby.

[robin]

Hi Ken, I actually proposed having one up your way.Check the 6th post on page 1 of this thread. Reckon you'd have nice dark skies out there near Snake Valley

[MiG]

I don't know whether I'll bother bringing my scope (I'm a bit scared of taking it in the car, especially on the twisty roads where I find it hard to slow down) and staying up the whole night, but a meet and greet sounds good. Count me in.

[mick pinner]

The site for the Ice In Space Vic party has been organised for the 7th May, Melway ref 122 G10 Monbulk, BBQ and toilet facilities are available and it is on private property so security is not a concern.
l live a 5 min drive from the site so if everybody would like to meet at my place for a coffee after your drive on sat afternoon PM me for my address or phone numbers.
The BBQ and drinks will be BYO.
The site is completely free from any street lighting including light pollution from the city itself, most of the site is tree lined although there is uninterupted views to the east and southern horizons.
l will post weather reports on the day at 12:00 and again at 3:00.
We can meet up at my place at any time througout the day and set up at the site whenever we want. hope to see you there.

[Dave47tuc]

Well done Mick:clap:

See you there.

:cheers:

[ballaratdragons]

Hoping you all have a great time.

Planning a Central Vic one for later in the year sounds good Dave.

Robin. I did see your post about up near here. Thanks.
Most of this part of Central Victoria is dark. Check the light pollution map in another thread.

[Smokey]

It sounds great Mick.... Can't wait.
Being a newbie to this hobby/obsession, I,m looking forward to an educational night.

Ken...... I,m waiting on you organising the trip to Mt. Arapiles that you have spoke of a few times..

[Dave47tuc]

If weather is clear, I hope to be up that way just after lunch:)

Should be good.:D

[ballaratdragons]

Craig,

According to my mate Stu (a 4WD fanatic) the Mt. Arapiles area has been over-run by Roo shooters lately!

There are several great spots and Stu said forget about all of them. When he took his family camping, they where kept awake all night by hoons and shooters. He has been camping up there for over 20 years but he won't be going back.

I will search out another good spot. Maybe 'Little Desert' or 'Big Desert'.

[Smokey]

Thats a shame Ken.
When you come up with another spot, let me know....depending on work commitments, I'll be there.

Has anyone been to the ASV dark site in Heathcote?
Maybe this could be an option for a night sometime in the future.
The facilities sound ideal.
This is taken from the ASV website.

[ballaratdragons]

Can anyone use it for Astronomy or ASV members only? and how much to use it? and where is Heathcote?

I am checking around for good sites in the west.

[Smokey]

Apparently its available at any time for members. I would imagine that for a fee, they would allow its use for non-members. I'm not exactly sure, but I think they charge about $10 for non-members to attend thier organised star-parties, so maybe something like that?
Heathcote would be about 1/2 hour past Bendigo for you.

[ballaratdragons]

That sounds pretty good actually. I will still look around the west too. Thanks Craig.

[Dave47tuc]

So who's going to be there on Saturday?:whistle:

Weather permitting.:prey:

Also for those who can't be there Saturday. If we talk about one for later in the year, be nice to know who mite be at that one?

:astron:

[xstream]

We're not going to be able to make this one, forgot it was Mothers Day this weekend and the daughters have already mapped the day out; but you can definately count us in for the next one. :thumbsup:

[mick pinner]

could anyone interested in the star party on Sat please let me know by PM by tomorrow night and what time arrivals may be.
melway ref in earlier post

[Smokey]

I,ll be there mid afternoon. (PM sent).
So far I think we have:

Dave (Dave47tuc)
Michael (MiG)
Mick (mick pinner)
Craig (Smokey)

Anyone else?

[Starkler]

Me too !

[Dave47tuc]

Great that 5 of us will be there:D

Come on people how about a few more.:)

If its clear and forcast is good. Turn up for a good night.


Juipter will have Red spot showing. Also some Jupiter moon events.:astron:

Also have you seen 3C 273?

If you have not i will show you how to get there:D

:astron:

[robin]

Yes, I've been keenly following the progress of the evening & would love to attend. I'll be in Melbourne friday nite on business but sunday,being mothers day, I have to be back in Warrnambool so a late saturday nite this weekend is out for me. Next time definetely......

[ballaratdragons]

<b>I don’t know why I didn’t think of this before . . . duh! (just stupid I guess).</b>

I have been searching out a good accessible place for a star party all over the western region and all the while I forgot about my own place!!!

Around the end of October or during November all Victorian members (and other states too!) are invited to come up here to Snake Valley and stay at my place!

Very Dark, Very Peaceful.

* For those that want to make a full weekend of it, during the day we can go see the ruins of the Gold processing and mining site (circa 1850) 15 minutes away, Gold fossicking for those with Metal Detectors 5 minutes away, see Australia’s oldest GIGANTIC surviving wooden trestle rail bridge and anything else local.

* BBQ in the evenings

* Visit Historic Ballarat Observatory, meet my fellow society members and see the amazing Baker 26” EQ reflector hand-built in 1886 and the famous new ‘Federation Telescope’. http://observatory.ballarat.net/index.html

* Viewing all night on my property each night

* Bring your tent or campervan and sleep over and wake up to the peace of the country. (if you have the time, stay longer and view for a 2nd or 3rd night)

I am happy to have members stay from Friday through to Monday.

If there are enough of you wanting to stay over I will work out an itinerary to keep us all busy or just relaxing.

Every Ice In Space member will be welcome.

If there is a successful turn-up I will make it an annual event with one of those corny names like ’Great Southern IceInSpace Starwatchers Extravaganza’.

Remember, the more that come, the bigger we can make it!

<b>Please let me know your thoughts, needs, possible numbers, how many nights you could stay, suitable weekend etc etc.</b>

p.s. <i>No doubt I can count on Craig and Robin to start with!</i>

[MiG]

So what is a good time to arrive for the BBQ? I'm pretty flexible.

[Starkler]

Sounds great Ken :thumbsup:

[ballaratdragons]

MiG, BBQ each night probably between 6 and 7 p.m. It is really up to you people to tell me what suits and I can set things around everyones preferences if possible.

Thought you would be interested Geoff.

[iceman]

Ken I think Mig is referring to this weekend..

but your gathering sounds like a good one! :thumbsup:

[ballaratdragons]

OOPS! Thanks Mike.

[Dave47tuc]

Count me in Ken :D

I maybe be able to coax a few friends along. I could try and twist Julian's arm to get the 18" in the Ute:whistle:

Looks as if the weather will be ok Saturday. Channel 10 weather said fine day:sunny: 16c.

Will be cold at night:cold:

[astrodave]

Hey I missed this thread (son had blown April download limit so Net usage was somewhat curtailed :mad2: )

Is it too late to join ? I'm scopeless at the moment (mirrors off for recoating) but it would be good to meet up.

[xstream]

With enough prior warning, you can count the wife and I in to Ken.:D

Wish we could of made it this weekend.:sad:

[ballaratdragons]

Excellent guys. The more the merrier. Keep the 'Yes's coming!

[Smokey]

I,m a definite maybe Ken.
I checked my roster and I,ll be coming up to weekends about then, so will have see if I can organise some changes.

[ballaratdragons]

OK Craig.

I will give plenty of notice of dates etc.

Wish I could be at tomorrow nights! We want lots of reports and photos guys.

[MiG]

Yes I was. So, what time are things happening tomorrow? Is the BBQ still on?

[Dave47tuc]

Hi Michael,

As per Micks map if the weather is clear we should be at the observing site around 4pm.:)

So we can set up meet each other and take some photos for Ken!

BBQ is still on BYO all food and drink.

Someone needs to bring a digital camera.

PM Mick to get some more details. Re phone Etc.

Weather is very 50/50. A lot of low cloud around and the High is not moveing much.

Mick will post some messages around midday and 3pm. Re weather.

Hope its clear and will see you there.

:cheers:

[Dave47tuc]

As you can see low cloud in Victoria.

But the cloud over SA could drift this way.:confused:

Keep an eye on it.:astron:

[iceman]

Don't forget to tell astrodave if he can come!

[Dave47tuc]

Done

[mick pinner]

PMed ASTRODAVE with all the gossip.

[astrodave]

Thanks guys got the info.

At this point (eather permitting) I'm planning on going direct to the site. I want to minimise family impact..

[toetoe]

A yes from me Ken, I will have to organize some time off work when a final date is known.

[Dave47tuc]

How is the weather up there Mick??

[Dave47tuc]

Latest 10 am Vic Pic.

What do you think??

[mick pinner]

as of 11.00am patchy cloud with a bit of wind, much the same as yesterday and was clear by 6.00pm l will post again at 1.00 50/50 at the moment.

[mick pinner]

1.00 pm cloud has cleared a bit since last post at 11.00 looking a bit on the brighter side for tonight.

[robin]

As of 1.30, its cool(16oC) & partly cloudy down here.So there's no improvement on the way.....ya never know though....

[xstream]

Hope it turns out ok for you guys tonight.
I'll try and send the weather down from this way, day is perfect and getting better.
Enjoy yourselves tonight!:cheers:

[ballaratdragons]

Well guys,

How did it go?

[astrodave]

A good night.

Smokey (Craig) - Dob
Starkler (Geoff) - Dob
Dave47Tuc (Dave) - Dob
Mick Pinner (Mick) - LX200
Mig (Michael) - Dob
Astrodave (Dave) - scopeless

And our host's daughter had a 4.5" wobbletronic reflector

BBQ and a totally clear sky all evening for us. Little dew. Not a dark site - but very good so close to Melbourne.

Looked at the obvious things Jupiter, W cent, Eta Carinea, M104 etc. Dave led us in the hunt for 3C 273 ..

And a great time was had by all.

[astrodave]

Some of the folks BBQ under a rising Jupiter ..

[iceman]

Lucky buggers getting a clear night :(

Glad you had a great time!

[Starkler]

Whats up with the server lately Mike? I just typed out a long blurb for this thread, hit submit and I got a server error and all the key pounding went to waste :(

[mick pinner]

As Astrodave said l think a good night was had by all, many thanks to Dave 47 tuc who shared his obvious knowledge of astronomy with us all and led most of us to objects we had not seen through a telescope before. The chance to view through some of the higher end ep's that Dave and Geoff brought along was a real treat and gives us something to consider for our own collections. l personally had a great time with a great bunch of guys, thank you all very much.

[mick pinner]

Mick with SCT

[mick pinner]

SETTING UP

[mick pinner]

SMOKEY (Craig's Dob)

[Rodstar]

Looks like you guys had a fantastic night. I hope some of that clear weather comes our way soon!

Are you going to make it a regular event? eg every new moon? As the cold of winter steadily approaches, a measure of comradery can come in handy! :cold: Especially given how cold it gets south of the border:whistle:

[Dave47tuc]

Good night people:D

Nice to meet you guy's face to face.:2thumbs:

Weather was kind:stargaze:

Thanks Mick for arranging the site.:clap:

So the next one up at Kens:whistle: Later in the year.:D

Got enough sleep, so off with the 18" tonight.:astron:

The 3c273 hunt was fun

:cheers:

[toetoe]

Good to hear the night went well for you all and thanks for showing the pics for us who couldn`t make it.

[xstream]

Looks as though you guys had an enjoyable night and I'm glad to hear the sky cleared for you.
Thanks for the pics.

[ballaratdragons]

Thanks for the pics and news.

Looks like you all had a terrific get-together. Lot's of Dobbies!

Was horribly foggy up here.

As far as the end of year <b>'IceInSpace Victorian Star Camp'</b> I have news for Inter-Staters as well. Very Cheap Accomodation and a fantastic dark viewing site!!

I just got the info about the Snake Valley camp. If we can get 10 or more people the camp is all ours (it accomodates up to 60). The camp is only 3 k from my place but is even DARKER! Private Bunkhouses, showers, Rec Room, Kitchen, BBQ's etc. and a large flat viewing area (about 1 acre) right next to a small tranquil lake. Swimming, canoing, whatever.


10-30 people $14.30 per person for 1 night.
10-30 people $26.40 per person for 2 nights.

31-60 people $13.20 per person for 1 night.
31-60 people $24.20 per person for 2 nights.

Come on IceInSpacers in other states. Make a November trip out of it!

If any of you decide to stay 2 nights we will still need a minimum of 10 on the second night. Maybe some can't make the 1st night but can make the 2nd, that would get the numbers up.

It would be good to get around 20 or more to make this a great event! Bring the whole family. We can keep the kids busy all day so they will sleep well at night!!

Let me know!

[ballaratdragons]

I just went for a drive up the road and took these pics to show you the camp.

It is a very nice place. These pics show the front and the private lake.

[ballaratdragons]

and these ones show the private bunkhouses and the amenities

[ballaratdragons]

And here is the huge viewing area. DARK,DARK,DARK!

[xstream]

You can count Anna and I in for 2-3 nights Ken.
New moon is on Wed 2/11, so which weekend do you think you'll plan for weekend of 29/10 or weekend of 5/11?:D

[toetoe]

That`s a nice looking setup Ken. Not a bad price also, the more the cheaper. Like you said, great for interstaters. Love the bunk houses, a scope in each one then slide the roof back. :D

[ballaratdragons]

John,

Probably 5/11. The later the better for warm weather! But whichever weekend will suit most members, so more people can make it.

Peter, we can always put the rooves back on before we check out! LOL

[xstream]

Sounds good to me Ken!
Maybe a few of the Crow Eaters could make it over, not too far for them to travel. :face:

[ballaratdragons]

You are absolutely right John.

Come on South Aussies. It will be a great weekend!!

So far we have:
Me - 2 nights
Dave (Dave47Tuc) - ? nights
John & Anna (xstream) - 2 nights
Peter (toetoe) - ? nights
Craig (smokey) - ? nights

[Starkler]

Looks fantastic Ken but the 5th nov has the moon setting at about 10.40pm (11.40 EDST) and an hour later on the 6th.

Saturday 29th October has the moon rising just before dawn which is a much better option.

Theres more convenient dark viewing time before new moon than after.

[Smokey]

I wont know if I can attend till a bit closer to the time Ken.
If its the weekend of 29/10 I wont be able to attend. That is Melb Cup Weekend. The following weekend, I am on night shift Sat and Sun, so would depend if I can organise the time off.... cough..cough.....far to sick for work Doc :whistle:

Thanks to all involved on Sat night. It was great to put some faces to the names. Being a newbie to this hobby, it was a great learning experience. Getting the chance to look through some premium eyepieces was wonderful(I want!) . I loved the views of Eta with both the O111 and UHC filters.(I want!). I got the chance to check out Geoff's digital setting circles. (I want! )
Hmmmm...these Star Parties could get expensive.
Thanks to Dave for collimating my scope. It made a definite difference.
As said earlier....a good night was had by all.
I hope I get the chance to meet up again with you all soon.

[slice of heaven]

I'm a maybe,with lots of ifs. I PMed BD before the weekend so we'll see. I'd probably be scopeless though.

Any fish in that water BD ?

Slice

[ballaratdragons]

I can't move it to September. Weather still too cool up here in Sept with fog still lingering. Is the New Moon 2nd & 3rd December too late in the year for everyone?(new moon 1st Dec).

If that is no good our best bet will be the nights of 4 & 5th Nov. Even with Moon setting late it will not be much of a Moon. It will only be a 2-3 day old crescent and taking into account daylight savings it will be setting an hour earlier than moon charts say, or is it an hour later? :confused: (by our watches).

[ballaratdragons]

Supposed to be fish. Can't be sure as I don't fish myself.

If there are fish you will have to fight the Spoonbills and Ibis for them!

[iceman]

I'd suggest starting a new thread for your end of year do, Ken. This thread is more for the weekend just gone and it might be confusing for people interested who just arrive at the thread.

It's still 6 months away, but when it gets closer i'll make it sticky for you.

[ballaratdragons]

Good idea. Thanks Mike. Sorry to all for any confusion created. See you in another thread.