Bretti astronomy

[radinsky41]

To members.

Is there anyone interested going to Bretti in NSW, to do some observing if weather permits between 14 to 16 May?

Rado

[Allan_L]

Sounds tempting.
Hopefully some more coasties will "express interest"
These days it seems hard to get people to commit.
Current events promote uncertainty in every aspect.

[GTB_an_Owl]

interested

[OneCosmos]

How deep into NSW? Covid permitting -interested.

Ah Bretti -north of Newcastle. Interested still but may depend on a few other things. If I can engineer a meeting in Armadale with a customer -then possibly. I also have a customer in Newcastle for that matter I could usefully visit.

[radinsky41]

Chris,

You have a lot of ground to cover.

Did you mean Armadale or Armidale. Armidale is not too far from Bretti.

Bretti reserve is fantastic place for astronomy, very good dark sky if weather permits.

If the weather forecast is rain and cloudy for all three or four days, I will not go, otherwise I will, just to get away from city life.

I'm sure more people will attend especially from Newcastle and Central Coast area. It is still more than month away.

[DeWynter]

If weather permits then most likely I'll be there as well.

[AdamJL]

with clear skies I could come up for a night, if I can sort remote power out in time. Does Bretti have mains power? (happy to pay)

[radinsky41]

Adam,

There is no main power nor there is phone reception.

Once you get there you are cut off from civilized life.

There are only few drop toilets, not running water, only river near by.

Nearest town Gloucester, is about 20 min. away drive.

It's really a nice place for camping and astronomy.

[AdamJL]

thanks Rado. We'll see how it goes then. I just don't have enough power at the moment to get through the night, but hoping to have something sorted in the next month or so.

[Allan_L]

We generally use deep cycle batteries for power during the night, and recharge during the day with either solar panel or generator.

I guess it depends how much power you use, goto mount or imaging obviously consume more than simple push to systems.

If I go, I will take a spare 120w solar panel blanket I have for sale (if not sold beforehand).

[jakob]

Very interested. Have a new Lightbridge to play with.

[Allan_L]

Excellent news Jakob. :thumbsup:

[glend]

Congratulation Jakob. :thumbsup:

[GTB_an_Owl]

nice to hear from you Jakob
how did you go with the floods?

geoff

[Karlz]

I'll be in if weather is good.. I may have use of a generator if people need power.

[CB]

Would like to come but I will be in Armidale that week.

Hope you have good weather

Chris

[CB]

Alan, how much for you panel.

[Allan_L]

I was thinking around $100.
It's never been used.
Cost me $199 a few years back

Edit:
Now that you have prompted me I have listed it in the IIS Classifieds (Non-astronomy thread)
http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/showthread.php?p=1515518#post151551 8

[erick]

Tempting now that I have a motorhome to travel and live in. Let's see what is possible when early May arrives.

[radinsky41]

It is a bit of an interest for Bretti astronomy weekend in May.

Hopefully the weather will cooperate and no more Covid scares.

[OneCosmos]

Thanks. I’m in Brisbane so it would be a fair old way, on the other hand I checked and Bretti has Bortle 1 skies.

[Rick Petrie]

Certainly interested if weather is favourable.

[Inmykombi]

Very interested if weather is kind. Its penciled into my diary....:D

[erick]

Diary is looking promising. I hope to be there. Cheers, Eric

[GTB_an_Owl]

who plans to go up early in the week?

geoff

[Allan_L]

Yes. I was thinking of heading up Wednesday 12 (which is actually the New Moon).

But if people are heading up earlier, I might have to change my plans so I don't miss out on the prime spots. :P

[glend]

Shhh, Don't mention them.;)
Still some of the ' old timers' need to get there early to mark the territory. Hopefully Grey Nomads have not taken your spot Al.

[Rick Petrie]

I think I am classified in the ‘grey nomad’ class so I might just take Al’s spot. I am pretty good at marking my territory. Learnt off Meggs🐩 😋

[GTB_an_Owl]

wonder whether we have to "register" before we go?

geoff

[Allan_L]

Do you think 2 Apple Charlottes will suffice?

I guess that depends on whether Geoff (Inmykombi) is coming :lol:

[GTB_an_Owl]

Al, i have new moon as monday to wednesday

geoff

[Rick Petrie]

I've already registered with the minister for home affairs.:P

[Inmykombi]

1 apple charlotte for me coz i aint sharing..:lol:
Planning to go up wednesday 12th. going home saturday or sunday.

[Camelopardalis]

Mmmmm Apple Charlotte :love:

[Allan_L]

According to the IIS Calendar, next New Moon is Wednesday 12 May.
(Maybe you were looking at April, New Moon was Monday 12 April) :question:

[GTB_an_Owl]

not according to my moon calender Al

https://weather.gtbonline.com.au/moon/

geoff

[glend]

My Astronomy calendar says the New Moon is at 5am on the 12th of May. Sky Safari agrees with this exact AEST time and date. Does it really matter? Looking at the rise and set times, you could go back to the previous Saturday without having any lunar illumination during nighttime prime hours. I think the small sliver might rise about 3am on Saturday the 8th, but based on my recollection of Bretti trips, most everyone has succumbed to the dew, the Apple Charlotte and Port, and the cold, not long after midnight. Whatever Moon there is will not interfere with meteorite counting, for the stayers.

[Allan_L]

As I suggested, the calendar you published is APRIL.

[GTB_an_Owl]

but you can change it to may (or any other month) at the top Al

geoff

[Rick Petrie]

Geoff's coming so I guess I better get some too?:P:P:P:P

[GTB_an_Owl]

if i get one or two as well we can have a taste competition........:D

geoff

[radinsky41]

I looked at long range weather forecast, it looks like we might be lucky with weather.

It also looks, that good number of people will come.

I will try to get there on Wednesday late afternoon, otherwise Thursday sometimes in the morning.

[glend]

There are many variations of Apple Charlotte, just Google the recipe, judging the competition could be difficult, requiring sampling of them all.

[Allan_L]

Are you offering your services?

[glend]

I wish, Al.

[Rick Petrie]

I'll offer mine Al.:P:P:P:P

[erick]

Weather forecast looks promising. I'll probably arrive Thursday and leave whenever - a couple of clear nights will be great and I'll hang on until I've had them.

I'm a newbie to Bretti - where do you all gather in the reserve?

Eric

[GTB_an_Owl]

hi Eric

as you drop down from the entry gate the road sweeps to the left
turn right into the road at the bottom
go past the rubbish facility and to the end of the track
we usually set up between the green tin toilets and the back fence (manning river end)
on your right

31°47'22.30" S 151°55'06.24" E (near exact)

geoff

[Allan_L]

View of Bretti Reserve.
From the front gate you can see our group along the far fence (on the banks of the Little Manning River.

Still planning to arrive Wednesday (12th) late arvo.

[Inmykombi]

I will put my hand up to be an Apple Charlotte judge as well.
Ill be thee Wed before Lunch I hope.

[GTB_an_Owl]

starting to pack van this arvo


geoff

[GTB_an_Owl]

95 % done

geoff

[erick]

Thank you gentlemen. See you Thursday.

[Fizics]

The bad news is I can’t make it this month ��. Good news for you is a bigger share of Apple Charlotte. Enjoy.

[Rick Petrie]

The Apple Charlotte will probably be gone by then Geoff. :lol:

[MichaelWB]

Hi all. I'm a newbie, I have never even posted on any forum before, so forgive me if I say something stupid, or waffle on. I've dabbled with astronomy since the 60's, always solo, but now I' semi-retired I have started to get more involved again. I bought a C6 last year and love it, but almost immediately got aperture fever. I have 99% completed a 14" f7.2 truss dob that has yet to see starlight. I picked up an old recoated mirror that seems good. I may have wasted my money, but early indications are that it is ok. I thought that this weekend at Bretti might be a good time to try it out. As you can guess, it is a bit of a monster and transporting it ( + a ladder ) might be a bit of a problem as I only have a Corolla. If I can make it, do you have any advice on what to bring as I have never been free camping before, just a powered site in a caravan park. I know, what a wuss. Any way, I'm happy to listen to any advice you can give, if I can make it, probably just for Friday night. Thanks for your patience.

[GTB_an_Owl]

hi Michael

what camping gear do you have?

geoff

[Allan_L]

Hi Michael,
I live near by at Tuggerawong.
I will send you a PM.

It gets cold at Bretti, many of us will have Freezer Suits to combat the cold.(Note the signature line of Geoff above)
Bring you best snow gear and a warm sleeping bag.

The nearest biggish town is Gloucester (32k away) so you should bring all your supplies, including drinking water. Or stop at Gloucester Woolies on the way.

There are drop toilets there, but little else, a few covered picnic tables. You can get water from the river not recommended for drinking unless boiled.

Bring normal camping gear, chair, gas cooker, tent/van, cover for scope (it can get dewy there), tarps are always handy for under scope etc.

Hope you can make it. I may be able to assist with a trailer if you need one.

Regards
Allan

[GTB_an_Owl]

roll call !

how many spots do we have to save ?

geoff

[Inmykombi]

one spot for me please.

[Inmykombi]

Also, could I ask if anyone wants to enjoy a fire , please bring some firewood along. I usually bring a bag or three, but I am hoping some else could buy a bag or two as well to share the load.
Thx in advance.

[Inmykombi]

We look forward to meeting you Michael. Bring warm clothing and food and water with you. only drop toilets there.

[GTB_an_Owl]

you will probably beat me there geoffro

geoff

[MichaelWB]

Hi everyone. Thanks for your responses. Had a look through the 14" this evening during a break in the clouds. Couldn't find a thing to start with, till I realised that that the red dot finder was badly misaligned. I haven't got a proper finder yet. All seems good, just need to fiddle with the collimation I think. In the cold light of day I don't see how I can fit the monster in the back of a Corolla even if I disassemble it. I still intend to come up, even if its only with the C6 and a pair of 100mm binos, neither of which have ever seen dark skies. Thanks for all the advice on what I need to bring. Are there any essentials that are so logical that you don't even mention it, like toilet paper and such. I don't want to get caught out, even if it is only for one night. See everyone on Friday. Thanks again, Michael.

[radinsky41]

I'll be there Thursday around midday.

Rado

[erick]

One spot for me - from Thursday afternoon. Thank you Geoff

[Allan_L]

Yes. Bring toilet paper. And a shovel (sometimes they graze cows on the field and some sh!t needs to be moved). or borrow someone elses'.

There are no showers, so you need to make your own arrangements for hygiene. Some will bring a shower tent and some sort of pump system (BCF camp shower $20 or 12 volt $40).

Soap.

Garbage bag (they do have bins in middle)

Beanie/scarf/gloves

[Inmykombi]

It was really nice to catch up with everyone again, and meet some new people.
Some good dark sky conditions. Meteors gallore.
Plenty of new globs seen for the first time by me too.
Great company everyone. Thx heaps.
Here is the 2 day old moon from Friday Night.

[GTB_an_Owl]

really great to finally get away with the guys again.

ended up with a group of eight on friday night

although being rather clear on friday and saterday night, viewing was spoilt by a couple of nearby vans with blazing lights shining in our direction

terrific that Eric and Michael could join us and we hope they can join us again sometime in the future.

geoff

[Rick Petrie]

Great turnout at Bretti with some excellent viewing for at least one good night (Thursday). Friday would have been better only for some caravan lights. Was good to meet Eric and Michael and share the experience as well as the Apple Charlotte. My winner was definitely Al's offering by a whisker. Hope to do again soon. Attached some camp site shots. Cheers Rick

[glend]

Thanks for reports gents, and for the photos Rick.

[radinsky41]

This is one of my pictures I took on Friday night. Not the best detail but good enough for beginner.

I think we should aim for September gathering again.

Planets will be up high as well.

[GTB_an_Owl]

looks good to me Rado

geoff

[Allan_L]

Thanks Eric,
We enjoyed sharing the skies with you.
YES! This Bulga site looks good.
And its considerably closer, being just 126k from Wyong and about 90 minutes away. (Bretti is about 240k and 3hrs)
As it is inland a bit, it might not suffer from as much dew as Bretti also.

The link you posted also included info on Jerry's Plains free camp. Jo and I have stayed there several times and it too would be worth consideration. (Flushing toilet and dump point) Although proximity to the Golden Highway may detract a little.

Worth a try

[Inmykombi]

Nice Photo Rado.

[MichaelWB]

Hi Guys.

Sorry to be so slow to put pen to paper ( so to speak ).

It was great to get to meet like minded people. The night didn’t go quite as expected, like missing out on some planetary observation, but I was still happy with the night. I’d like to thank Eric for showing me a few things, especially for showing me my first planetary nebula.

It’s been disappointing to come back to the murky skies of Tacoma South. I was able to see 2 of the Leo triplet through my binos at Bretti, but no such luck here.

I am hoping to have a look at Jupiter and Saturn tonight. I have no Easterly or even Northerly or Southerly views from my place but I have recently put wheels on the beast and it now sort of portable so I can now drag it up the street outside a neighbours place to see how it goes.

I'd also like to compliment Rado on the image.

Hope to see you all some time in the spring.

Michael.

[MichaelWB]

Hello again Guys.

Don't know if anyone is still following this thread but I thought I would update you on my look at Jupiter and Saturn.

I am very please to announce that the scope works very well as a planetary scope.

For the first time I was able to see detail in the cloud bands on Jupiter, though I am not sure if I saw the Great Red Spot. I was only able to see details for a few seconds at a time in moments of good seeing and I was not particularly looking for it, even though I discovered later that it was at the meridian during my observing time.

Just thought I'd let you know how I went.

Michael

[Allan_L]

Cheers Michael,
Glad to hear your monster scope is working out for you.
Not much observing happening around here of late.
Our weather man blames it on the Indian Ocean Dipole going negative.
Looking forward to better conditions to come.

[erick]

Thanks for the updates Michael. Cheers, Eric

[glend]

This past week I saw a story in the Newcastle newspaper concerning the upcoming demolition of the old Barrington Bridge. This bridge would be very familiar to anyone who has driven out of Gloucester on the Thunder Bolt Way heading to Bretti. It was a one lane bridge, which harkens back to a time when folks would take turns crossing its timber span. It has now been replaced by a modern concrete bridge, which has none of the character of the original. The old Barrington Bridge was sort of a waypoint that marked our journey to the dark skies that lie beyond.
The historians have taken steps to preserve some aspects of the old bridge, it has been extensively photographed and scanned for the historical archives of the area. Timbers from the old bridge will be made available to local craftmen/women, and wood turners, to perhaps live on in local art works.
I am not sure when demolition will commence, but if you happen to be out that way in the near future, and it's still standing, stop and have a look.

Pictured below, next to the new modern bridge.

https://www.gloucesteradvocate.com.au/story/7322032/old-barrington-bridge-to-removed/