Sometimes...dreams do come true...

[strongmanmike]

Every now and then, life sends you curve balls, bad luck or plain'ol tough times and like all of us, I have had a few of these too :sadeyes:...but then, although seemingly not as equally :question:, sometimes, just occasionally, life finds a way of dealing you a good hand and even your wildest dreams can come true...:eyepop:

Some of you will be aware that my wife an I have been searching for a suitable dark sky rural location to "live the dream" as it were..for FOUR YEARS!!! now...well?..after 1000's kms of travel, to some 150 or so open homes around the region, even as far as Bega, Young and Cowra, some near misses, out bids and pull-outs due to dodgy developers and (F'ING!!) real estate agents (all rather self interested, untrustworthy BS artists!)...seems we have fiiiiiinally hit the friggin Jackpot :rolleyes: :D

I won't bore you with words here on IIS...if you are interested or intrigued, you can check out the royal flush dealt to us here:

100acre Eagleview (https://pbase.com/strongmanmike2002/image/171437441/auto) Australia's Highest Observatory (coming soon) just scroll down for pictures and info and make sure you check out the 360 panorama, at almost 5000ft, right at the bottom! :thumbsup:

and, if you are still interested, some more pictures and info are in the album here:

Album with more photos HERE (https://pbase.com/strongmanmike2002/eagleview_observatory_tinderry_moun tains)

We took possession on 25 May and I for one still haven't come down...still floating in serious disbelief...:stargaze:

My fourth observatory build and perched up at around 1450m ASL, with views out to 82km, it will be the highest in Australia...very cool....:) Preliminary naked eye observations have already clearly revealed dark, rock steady skies, with very little to no discernible twinkling of stars, right down to the horizon. A quick peruse of the Crux area, with my son, while strolling around the 100acres at night, with single malt whisky in hand, revealed mag 6.6 stars naked eye, easy!..I am sure more careful site testing will go lower...

Every weekend is an adventure now....

Flabbergasted, stunned, over the Moon, happy as Larry, pig in mud, kid in a toy shop Mike :lol:

[Camelopardalis]

Looks awesome Mike :thumbsup: mucho congrats!

[gregbradley]

Congrats Mike.

Looking forward to seeing the superb images you'll take.

Greg.

[Hans Tucker]

So ... considerably bigger observatory in the planning stage .. bigger scope than the current 12" to take advantage of the perfect location?

[Retrograde]

Congratulations Mike - looks and sounds awesome!

Wishing you many happy photons. :thumbsup:

[DarkArts]

That looks amazing. Congratulations.

Will this be the "home away from home" or your permanent residence?

[jahnpahwa]

Ah!! I remember this being listed and thought it was ace. Thats excellent news mate! Looking forward to seeing what you come up with out there :)

[AdamJL]

sooooo... will you be renting this awesome space out? :D
congratulations!!!

[alpal]

Hi Mike,
that's fantastic news.
I hope Peter Ward twists your arm to put his Alluna there.


cheers
Allan

[wavelandscott]

Looks great! Congratulations.

[Alchemy]

Aside from astronomy, what a beautiful place to live, away from the frenzy and madness of the city, no need for masks up there… unless it’s snowing 😁

[xelasnave]

I am so happy for you Mike..living on a decent bit of land is the best and free of light pollution a treasure.

I look forward to following the rest of your story as it unfolds.
Alex

[vlazg]

What a spot, congratulations.. Full of envy , except for how COLD 🥶 it will be..
Looking forward to more stunning images

[h0ughy]

Well words are not enough, but simply congratulations from the doghouse elevation 2m and bortle 7 skies with views of industry and the swamp

[N1]

Well done Mike. A bit of a commute maybe but worth it for sure :thumbsup:

[JA]

Excellent Mike & Conratulations :thumbsup:
That Bortle 2 rating you mentioned and seen on the the website images may as well be Bortle 1 as your reading of about 178 µcd/m^2 is sooo close to perfect sky darkness of ~171 µcd/m^2 it doesn't matter :thumbsup::thumbsup::thumbsup:
(Says me in the Melbourne suburbs at 3130 µcd/m^2:D)
The image of you standing above that cloud layer is very VERY cool and one many astronomers would relish :eyepop:

Best
JA

[rustigsmed]

congratulations Mike fantastic news. Looking forward to the images you produce from out there!

[anj026]

Wow, that is higher than the highest peak in WA! Looks fantastic.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mount_Meharry

[gts055]

Living the great escape

[gary]

Hi Mike,

I have been fortunate enough to see a lot of the world, so firstly, let me
say, even if you had never owned a telescope in your life, that is one helluva
fantastic place to live. Sure, you could go and buy an island, but then you
would be at sea level, which brings me to my second point. As far as
observing spots in Australia, that is as good as it gets.

And let me think. Is Mike the type of guy who will move there and never
bother observing? No, we know you are going to keep pushing the limits
with all the passion, dedication and skill you have been demonstrating
for many years. I can't think of a more deserving person to occupy this
high ground. Our heartfelt congratulations and we wish you and your wife
a long and happy life at your new home.

[sharpiel]

Just...WOW

[Rainmaker]

Nice place Mike ;) Now where have I seen that place before :question:

[strongmanmike]

Thanks so much guys for all the heartfelt congrats and well wishes, thanks for allowing me to share the glee around a bit, I knew you'd all understand. I feel so lucky! Sharing such an exciting stroke of luck with like minded well adjusted dudes, means a lot :thumbsup:

And Gary, as usual, thank you mate for your characteristically genuine and kind words of wisdom, they always mean a lot...and of course, without the luxury of 2 years of on site sky testing :rolleyes:...it is always a gamble with site conditions of a new place, especially one this unique.. but I do hope we are right ;) :thumbsup:

Mike

[alpal]

Hi Mike,
on some nights you might get down to 1 arc second seeing
for perhaps 2 to 3 hours. yippee.

If that's the case you'll need a longer focal length telescope
to take advantage of it?
Any plans for a longer FL scope?


cheers
Allan

[m11]

Simply just stunning and amazing. :thumbsup::thumbsup:

Congratulations on fulfilling a life dream and the commitment and patience to do so. :)

[lazjen]

Damn awesome. Well done! :)

[graham.hobart]

great news!
Are you making it into an observatory retreat for others too?
graz:D

[AstralTraveller]

Hmmm, not so sure about this. ;) I notice you're just metres from a public road. Aren't you worried about passing traffic? :D

But seriously, wow oh wow.

When it's nice up there it is going to be just so perfect. Beautiful days and impeccable nights. However when the wind blows it will be 'character building'. If you are ever looking at going off grid consider wind power!

[strongmanmike]

He he hope so big Al :thumbsup: We had some clear weather two weekends ago, it was dark with no wind and the stars just didn't twinkle, almost all the way down to the horizon! I know this is not a reliable measure of seeing, but for a guy carrying a we drop of Lagavulin, wandering around his very own 100acre sub alpine location with his son, looking up at such a sight and identifying stars below Mag 6, I felt a glimmer of hope that the conditions might indeed be good :prey: So I guess we all have to stay tuned until I get a telescope on site and have done some visual sessions at least, before singing the full rendition of Nessun Dorma!...and I will! :P

Mike

[JA]

Dont worry Mike ... Vincerai :thumbsup:

Best
JA

[strongmanmike]

From my limited experience already, you are spot on Dave :eyepop: As amazing and awe-inspiring as location B (https://pbase.com/strongmanmike2002/image/171461338/original) would be, I thiiiiink I am leaning to ruling it out as a site for the observatory, as it is completely exposed to these winds, so on windy nights I wouldn't be able to point the dome into the wind, no way! Not to mention having to make sure the structure was very sound and anchored well. There is a good open area, up behind location A in my photos, far right in THIS (https://pbase.com/strongmanmike2002/image/171445902/original) shot, at the very highest NE point of the 100 acres, that has a nice circular barrier of medium height trees that act as an effective wind break, without blocking too much of the horizon sky.

I will clear and flatten the entire space and once I have placed the dome, as planned, on an elevated (reinforced!!) deck ~1.5m high, at this spot...the dec shaft will sit at or very close to, the 1450m (4756ft) ASL mark too....hard to imagine :eyepop: :D and the surrounding trees will block only the bottom 10-15deg of sky to the north and a little less to the south..but of course this could aaaaall change, after more investigation, experience and ideas... :question: :lol:

Oh and we are off grid already!...the system is circa 2008/9 so on its last legs and struggles a bit, so I am currently pricing a 2021 era more capable upgrade with larger battery capacity and more solar panel power :thumbsup: There is a wind turbine connected already (you can see it in the photos) but it is sited such that it just keeps spinning around without finding the wind direction for any length of time and the blades hardly turn, must be caught in an eddy forming area..? so it is next to useless..

Mike

[peter_4059]

Amazing spot Mike. You are going to get some super views from there day and night. Long drive for a :drink: ? Better stock up :)

[strongmanmike]

Oh I hope so...the valley below has a great echo too :D

Mike

[strongmanmike]

Indeed, the local Michelago cafe stocks Bentspoke beer though, my staple :D...plus we still live above the brewery in Canberra...for now :drink:

Mike

[peter_4059]

Perfect :thumbsup:

[GUS.K]

What a top spot Mike, as good as it gets.

[gaseous]

Congrats Mike, amazing location indeed! Looking forward to seeing some (more) top drawer images.

[alpal]

You might be the first Deep Sky imager on Ice in Space to have
1 arc second pictures.


Yes - this will be you:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cWc7vYjgnTs

[strongmanmike]

Yep, he da man! :love: would give my left T to be able to sing it like that....actually I'd give both :)

Mike

[AstralTraveller]

If you did that you wouldn't be singing like him! :eyepop:

[xelasnave]

My experience with a wind generator has not been good and are not worth the effort.

Get a small genny (700watts) for $400 and that can help your old system batteries whilst you plan a new set up...go for 24 or 48 volt and talk to Rainbow Power Company at Nimbin who I believe are undeniably the best in the business... beware of all "cheap" offers on batteries or solar gear and put it off as long as possible as you will change your ideas on what you need over time...using a genny for a while will prove very smart.

Alex

[Startrek]

Mike,
Incredible location !!!
An astrophotographers paradise , enjoy your life long dream ....
I think Bortle 1 from those photos
In the Winter, how do you stop the mount mechanics and scope focuser from ceasing up in sub super zero temperatures ? Thermal wraps ? I’m sure you have it sorted
Cheers
Martin
PS: Puts my little south coast NSW observatory to shame ( although I’m still grateful to have one under Bortle 3/4 skies )

[strongmanmike]

Thanks Alex, we have a decent 5.5KvA generator to top up the batteries as needed :thumbsup: and yes, I have heard of Rainbow.

Mike

[strongmanmike]

Hi Martin.

My current gear has worked flawlessly down to -6degC or so and it has done this a few times...yes, it may get a little colder than that up at 1500m on occassions but not hugely so I wouldn't imagine..? maybe -8 or -10degC occasionally..? :shrug:

Mike

[mura_gadi]

Hello,

Hard to say for sure, but, I would be surprised with that height and exposer if you not under estimating things a little. The winter wind chill factor will be awesome at times. I know the Canberra area has gotten a lot warmer in the past 30+ years, but still... me thinks it will be more like Dalgety than Canberra up there over winter.

Weather records for Mount Ginini are more what I would be thinking, but drier.

I'm very happy to see such as awesome site getting a lease of life at astronomy though.


Steve
Average number of days with temp. for Jun/Jul/Aug at 2degree or less - 26.4/29.5/28.2 for Mt Ginini. Drier area should get you slightly better days.



<

[strongmanmike]

Certainly agree on the wind chill bit :eyepop: :windy: had a couple'a days/nights when the winds felt almost like reverse Katabatic!! :lol:

Lots to discover in my new environment....

Mike

[Hans Tucker]

I look at that 'Snow at Eagleview' photo and all I have running through my head is Ramin Dwajadi's 'Winter has Come' theme from Game of Thrones.

[xelasnave]

That is a big genny Mike.
You should have a lot of power left over I expect...work out what goes to charge the battery and what is effectively wasted and you will probably find that in addition to charging the battery you can run a small electric heater which it would seem would not be unwelcome.
Keeping your batteries warm is a very good idea. This may be of interest.
I am about to instal a better hot water system...Rainbow have an item that stands between, dedicated, solar panels, and your hot water service such that the solar panels provide power to heat the water in your standard electric hot water service....this saves having a solar collector to heat water on the roof thereby avoiding a great deal of plumbing,..instead of water pipes you have electric cables..a huge consideration given the difficulty of getting a plumber in town let alone in the bush...here the hot water is made via a fuel stove but cutting wood becomes very second hand after living in the bush for a while...the irony here, sitting on 100 acres of plantation timber, is that the girls actually buy firewood...it is cut and delivered to the door..half my life at the old place was driving my truck all over to bring back logs which had to be cut etc...buying it is not that silly when you work out the costs..chains saw truck etc.

Anyways it will be a wonderful experience and as many have said I cant think of anyone more deserving and it is so much in keeping with your role model standing in that you will give so many others a dream to aim for and that is about the best we can do as decent humans.
Alex

[CalvinKlein]

I haven't posted here in a long time Mike but this is well worth coming out of the woodwork for.
Congratulations on the awesome find ! I immediately thought of Hilters Eagles Nest in Band of Brothers.
Whenever I am driving around in western NSW and QLD I always look for elevated astro shooting locations preferably 800m plus and always wish I could buy some property on a hilltop.

I look forward to following your progress.

Cheers, Kelvin.

[Bart]

Well done, Mike. Looks lovely, hopefully it works for you and yours! Big thumbs up from me. :thumbsup:

[strongmanmike]

Ha ha yeah, me too and I am sure many others on here, always imagined finding a bit of acreage with a hill on it....sheesh, in the end, I got a whole mountain! :lol: :party:

Mike

[strongmanmike]

Sounds like an interesting approach re the hot water...and yes, arhem, I just had 3ton of split firewood delivered on site too :whistle: :lol:...will cut and split my own over spring/summer, then stack to cure, ready for next year...well that's the plan given the extent of woodland on the 100acres.

Mike

[Graman]

Exquisite spot for stargazing...when is the site-warming star party?!:D

[multiweb]

Cool spot for astro. :stargaze: So you'll still be residing in Canberra and this is your astro getaway or you're moving in?

[strongmanmike]

Yeah I'm thinking about it...there are so many bloody things going through my head at the moment, things to do, plans to make aaarg!! Maama Mia! :lol:...the excitement is almost painful :scared: :lol:



Yeah it's an ultimate getaway at the moment, hard to give up cirty apartment living above a World class micro brewery :face:....:question: ..just yet :lol: :drink:

Mike

[mura_gadi]

Hello,

Did I hear star party!

Have to see what the missus thinks of taking on the books for a few powered/unpowered sites 2 weeks a month!

;)

On a more serious note however, look into geopower(?), basically outside the glacial caps, the ground is 18degree 3m or more depth. Well worth considering taking your cold tank water through the ground for a few meters to help with heating costs.

Its an Australia idea and has a thorough website to talk you through everything from heating your pool/house/water tanks to cooling your water/house if you live in the tropics.



Steve'
Ps. If you have trouble finding it from my bad description let me know and I'll send you a link. Its all dependent on your total flow, difference in water temps etc, on how long the pipes need to be. But you could technically run water radiators at 18 or so degree for the cost of a closed system water pump.

[alan meehan]

well done farmer Mike only in oz just to get away from the neighbours

[Rainmaker]

I still want to know what promises you made to Angie to get her to agree to buy 'my' place ? :question::lol:

[strongmanmike]

Sorry Matt :(...but winners are grinners :D

Confucius say "always be nice to man with big dob" :prey2:

[gregbradley]

You might want to be there several times to know the usual direction of the wind. At my dark site its almost always from one direction - NE. I have lost quite a few nights due to heavy winds. But wind is likely to be seasonal or for a few weeks and then nothing for a while. Hard to predict it.

Greg.

[strongmanmike]

I'm with ya on that Greg :thumbsup:

Mike

[mura_gadi]

Ha'

I'd go one step further, bolt the obs down and leave it empty for the windiest month of the year or close to. Then see if it's still there at the end of the month, move the gear in post wind test...



S.
Ps. no idea if this is accurate:
https://www.windfinder.com/windstatistics/mount_ginini

Not surprising considering your top of the continent, nothing to stop, break or interfere with the general rotation winds, and seasonal influence for N/S variation.

[BC]

I'm not a regular poster but your story is inspiring. We spent 10 years, 20km outside Queanbeyan at 900m on a hilltop where I could see the Tindery Mountains. It's where I got into astro due to the phenomenal skies but yours is at another level altogether. Our prevailing winds were W or NW but that will become evident. Your excitement is infectious as you can tell by the number of responses. Have fun, Bruce

[strongmanmike]

Cheers Bruce, nice to hear that :) My excitement may well be interpreted as bragging by some, or some form of blowing my own trumpet etc but as you and hopefully most others have thankfully identified correctly, that's not where I am at, or coming from, it's just exciting to share such a thrilling situation with others, who understand the feeling, would feel exactly the same in my shoes and can join in and run with someone else's good fortune, without jealousy or negative envy...love'yas all :love2:...if all else fails just enjoy the nice colourful pictures :D..like you would a brochure describing some cool AirB&B :thumbsup:

Mike

[Camelopardalis]

Glad you brought that up Mike…when are you starting to accept bookings :rofl: :rofl: :rofl:

Such a great story of following your hearts and coming up trumps :thumbsup: anyone who can’t be happy needs to slap ‘em selves :shrug: :lol:

[Paul Haese]

An interesting and promising adventure for you Mike, I am sure it will produce lots of happiness for you both.

A friend and I have just purchased a 63kwh battery system and 5.5kw solar panel system for $29K for our imaging business project at Swan Reach. It will provide 3 days of power without charge, though we will be installing a 11KVA back up generator too, so power will never be an issue. If that sounds ok, let me know and I will put you in contact with the guy I am going through. I believe we can supply anywhere in Australia.

You will certainly get great seeing there regularly and the skies will be darker than you are accustomed to for sure. I look forward to the results you obtain and I am certain those results will be excellent (sky colour aside :P). It is certainly an astrophotographers dream to image at altitude, anyone who says they wouldn't is just not telling the truth.

One thing that would concern me though is fire risk in the area. Last years fires I believe are just a sign of things to come and your pictures would have me scared silly with the fire risk ( love the Australian bush and I have spent years in it, so I am not a hater). Living in the Adelaide hills is bad enough with three exit points, but your location looks like a whole different kettle of fish to me. Is there a strategy there? (sorry if this has been discussed. I don't have time to read all four pages.)

[strongmanmike]

He he, yeah mate, I know if I was reading this story, about someone else, I'd be beaming form ear to ear for sure, recognising the totally unique situation, that we just don't hear about in OZ and imagining the options possible if it were me :)

I guess we all feel and respond differently to others fortunes, largely dependent on our own inherent nature, interpretations and personality :)

Mike

[strongmanmike]

Thanks Paul, appreciated, I am right now in the process of negotiating a good solar system upgrade for our site (sufficient to power the house, future extension and observatory) :)

As far as fire goes...well..that's what insurance is for, it's as simple as that for me...:) Of course I will institute some fire retarding mitigation approaches none the less :thumbsup:

Mike

[multiweb]

Insurance is ok for material things but still got to be careful with family and yourself. Some of the trees in your aerial shots look like they felt a little heat at some stage although the place has a few grass areas and many cleared spots.

[strongmanmike]

You are quite right Marc, still, plan is to get out before any fire front is on us. I feel I would be unlikely to stay and fight any dangerously close fire, especially should it approach from the heavily wooded North. We are on a fire trail with two exit directions and there is an RFS station outside our immediate neighbours house, on our property access road, the RFS comms tower and shed is actually on our property) :)...but all genuine concerns worth planning for :thumbsup: Oh and yes, the tall dead snow gums you can see sticking up over the subsequent tree growth, were killed in the 2009 fires that went through this area.

Mike

[strongmanmike]

I have been trawling the internet looking for observatory ideas...

I showed this to my wife Angie and asked...buuuut she shut me down immediately :sadeyes:...I mean sheesh :rolleyes:, I thought it would look great at Eagleview and be perfectly appropriate....:shrug:

Mike

[xelasnave]

Dont be put off...she no doubt likes it in principle ..its probably the colour..change the colour and I am sure she will be onside.
I thought from the photos that there is a dome there already???
Alex

[strongmanmike]

He he yeah, I'll try that :question: :lol:

I photoshopped my current observatory into the photos, in two possible locations that I identified, before actually spending time on site, just to get an idea. I have since identified a couple more possible locations on the 100 acres though...so, we will see :)

Mike

[xelasnave]

Please consider a roll off as I found it rather neat having lots of room (mine is 3.8 x3.8). I have a bed and desks and even a nice little deck...although I suppose you will take your dome.

Anyways please keep stuff coming as I for one love seeing you get somewhere and if anyone thinks you are blowing your trumpet ..just feel sorry for them for having such terrible situations that they can only be critical of people with full and real lives.
Alex

[DarkArts]

100 acres offers options ... many options ... way too many options! Fast forward five years and Mike is still evaluating the best place to put a dome while temporarily observing from his driveway ... :help: ... or maybe that's just me. :screwy:

[multiweb]

Why don't you get a big concrete slab with a rolloff roof and a few piers with room to move? You have the land for that. Flog the dome. Expand.

[xelasnave]

I cant believe that of Mike he is a doer....and if you place it wrong just build another one..you cant have too many observatories..one for wide field, one for galaxies, one for solar and back ups for each:D


Alex

[xelasnave]

Building off the ground I have heard is the go to avoid heat build up via a slab...although heat build up may be something Mike may like up there.
Alex

[mura_gadi]

Hello,

As part of a helpful community I thought I would offer up a little interweb searching... Maybe skip the slab and go for artificial something or another, keep it to pier slabs dotted around the place.

After all these are big sheds at 9m/12m/15m x 7.5m x 2.4m options...
https://grantsheds.com.au/fertiliser-sheds/



Steve
Ps. Might have trouble with enough level ground though

[strongmanmike]

Thanks for the feedback guys :thumbsup:

I do like the idea of a roll off roof, with the extra space it provides and visibility of the sky above but it is wind that I worry about :confuse3:..We have had high wind levels up here several days/nights already (up to Beaufort scale 7), certainly a couple of them I wouldn't have opened a dome, let alone a roll off roof observatory :eyepop: :windy: It's been my experience, that if the wind is anything up to fresh (Beaufort scale 5) and I am not imaging directly into the wind, the current 2.3m Sirius dome works beautifully as protection, even with the dome slit fully open and if I can shut the lower shutter ie once I am imaging over about 45deg or so above the horizon, I can probably handle up to Beaufort scale 6 without serious adverse affects on tracking. Pretty sure this would all be impossible in any roll of roof scenario..? :question:

Interesting approach there Steve, sounds reasonable.

Yes, I am keen to build the observatory up off the ground, so given the winds, it will need to be built tough and strong...err?..like it's owner...once was :sadeyes: :lol:

Mike

[mura_gadi]

Hello,

I'd try for something that can grow up there fairly quickly, get to about 3-4mtrs and be bushy. Shrubs/bushes can be the best wind breaks around, they just take a while to get established.



Steve
Ps. Still see a heap of the old pine stands and thorn bushes used around the old Canberra farms if you know what your looking at.

Pps. A little late but you might want to drop a few for next years firewood anyway.

[xelasnave]

I would think that the protection offered by whatever building you are in would be somewhat irrelevant considering that the wind effect on the overall seeing would seem perhaps the main consideration. I dont know really but I dont bother when it is windy because the stars get blown around as opposed to the mount...heck build one of each you have the room:D
Anyways get the dome up there right away and start imaging ... We want jaw dropping photos so get started:)
Alex

[strongmanmike]

Yeah there is a protected area at the highest NE corner of the lot (~1445m ASL), already surrounded by a nice tree wind break. I tested it on a very windy night and the difference between inside and outside this area was huge, especially at ground level..so this is looking good so far?..and it is not too far from the house.

Might just get the chainsaw out and make the area a little wider by felling some of the excess trees, while maintaining enough foliage and perhaps even planting some more bushes like Acacia's, on the outside, but maintaining good sky access.

Mike

[strongmanmike]

:lol:...well, I have had quite decent seeing on windy nights, so it is my experience that it is not quite as simple as that ;) The main thing to start with, is to prevent any significant wind from buffeting the equipment first, which serves to blur your data...then the seeing can still be ok :)

Mike

[andyc]

Wow, congrats Mike, hooe you have some great astro adventures there! Though yeah, bushfire risk will be large and increasing, make sure you're insured 😮. Fingers crossed for many clear night and few big fires, and I'm looking forward to seeing what you achieve with even darker skies.

[mura_gadi]

Hello,

Just reading back over the posts, and thought that a home wind generator might be a good idea as it would supplement the winter power supply. The .gov link below is pretty good.

https://www.yourhome.gov.au/energy/wind-systems

I loved the aesthetic of your obs of choice, I'd be worried about a restaurant wanting to open on the 2nd floor.


Steve
Ps. Perfection by definition is stagnation...

PPs. Checked ebay for wind generators, seems like you could power a obs battery bank fairly cheaply. "500W Wind Generator DC 12V 3 Blades Wind Turbine With Charge Controller - $170". However I might suggest your final buy is not from ebay for those and a little larger.

[strongmanmike]

Thanks a lot Andy :thumbsup: yes it is very exciting :D:D

Going up with my 12" dob this weekend, for three days, alone, hopefully I will be able to get some clear skies to check out the seeing :prey:

There are some large open areas on the property, with amazing fully open skies above but where ever I end up putting it, I will be sure to clear a large area around the observatory and will keep it that way...and of course, I will cover it with adequate insurance, as I have always done with my observatories and gear :thumbsup:

Besides...many observatories have to deal with being built amongst the trees, high up on mountains...so Eagleview will be in good company :lol: :P

Mike

[strongmanmike]

Hi Steve, there is already a wind generator on site but it seems to have been sited poorly as the swivel blade head spins erratically in azimuth never really finding a wind direction....so it is currently disconnected from the off grid panel. At some stage I will have to investigate and decide whether to pull it down or not...? You can see it near the two double garages in THIS (https://pbase.com/strongmanmike2002/image/171443247/original) shot.

Mike

[strongmanmike]

Having a ball with my 12" Dob at Eagleview tonight :astron: :stargaze:, there has been a bit of transient cloud at times but it has been mostly clear all night, pretty nippy, at 2am it is about -4C but low humidity and a light variable breeze, so a light frost has formed on everything but dew hasn't been a problem and eyepieces have stayed clear. All the classics look excellent in the eyepiece (M104, M17, M20, Omega etc..) with excellent transparency and contrast. Once again two stars were visible in The Coal Sack and Acrux was sharply split. I had the 12" Dob at 750X magnification on Jupiter without much image degradation :thumbsup: and I watched the shadow of one of the moons transit. At this power the disc of Jupiter was huge, all the Galilean moons were clear discs and plenty of nicely coloured bands and festoons were visible on the planet's disc. While the seeing certainly looked reasonably good and yes, I have seen better, this is only the first ever viewing session from Eagleviee so I was a little nervous...but Ive seen enough so far (previously naked eye and now through a good scope) to say I am confident that Eagleview will perform in the seeing department, it is very dark and has good transparency :thumbsup:
..given site testing is impossible when buying a property such as this, the above is all somewhat of a relief really, phew :prey: :prey2:

Mike

[wavelandscott]

Sounds promising!

[mura_gadi]

Hello,

Noticed the stars were not twinkling away or the skies cloudy like they have been for the last 10 days. Had to be the case I was going out for the night...

Really nice to see your initial results got a good positive outcome, looks like the wind will help if it behaves and stays moderate to light.

Another box ticked!

(I saw Mt Ginnini was -3/1 for yesterday's forecasts, I was wondering about your weather.)


Steve
Honeysuckle creek has now been reopened (finally) and I'm thinking that will be my next night out, just for history of the site. The light pollution will be apparent, but I'm hoping for very open skies from the fires still. I have been waiting a couple of years now, between fires, the floods and covid.

[xelasnave]

It is really nice to hear it is all going good for you Mike. Keep your posts coming.
Alex

[strongmanmike]

Thanks guys :thumbsup:

It was quite surreal ...having my scope setup outside my own..?..well, kinda like a glamping AirB&B cabin really, sitting high on a ridge, under excellent skies, with not a light in sight (within 55km anyway :P)..bloody unreal I had a grin most of the night as I went in and out to grab a beer, sit in front of the fire, having snacks, watching TV..and observing (I mean Jupiter at bloody 750X :eyepop::lol:) in between...yep pinch pinch pinch...:eyepop: ..feeling very contented right now, the morning after, a frost on the ground, sitting in front of a ridiculous clear blue sky, crisp morning view, sharp all tbe way out to 82km, with that characteristic residual jet lag feeling, happy tiredness, from a great fun night of astro, sipping a freshly made brew with the fire still trickling along next to me...while watching Insiders on ABC live stream, getting primed to get out and potter around the 100 acres collecting firewood....is this in fact all real. ? :question: :)

Mike

[xelasnave]

When one gets to their bush block you wonder why on Earth did I not do this years ago.

And so often it is not money as usually there is something affordable some where...

re firewood.
Near the house you cut some trees at about 4 or 5 ft above ground level...now you have some logs to cut but the remains regrow usually in multiple trucks that in the future when a nice size you use for fire wood...its not the best wood but easy to get.

And if you have not been trained to use a chain saw make sure you read up at least...always wear a helmet as a common injury apparently ( havent seen one happen myself) is the saw kicks and you cop it on the top of your head.

I have a little Ozitto cordless that looks like a toy (plus real ones) but unbelievable how long they run for..but get one for the car, in the bush so often you find a tree across the road, and take it when you go for a walk as there will be lots of stuff you can cut...no need to bring it back either just start making little piles of fuel you can get when you need it...but after a while you can clear a lot of potential bush fire fuel and have little piles all over that you can use.

Another tip...have some water in bottles stored...things can go wrong with your water supply..all sorts of things you would not readily think of...leaks, contamination broken pumps etc...
How is your electrical stuff going?

Alex

[strongmanmike]

All good advice big Al :thumbsup:

The previous owner has done the small piles thing, so I am about to hitch the trailer and go collect it all :thumbsup: The previous owner also left his small Stihl chainsaw for me to use until I get my own. Today I just plan to collect kindling as I have heaps of bigger stuff.

The current circa 2008/9 "Outback Power" off grid system is adequate for conservative weekend visits, being power aware but I am keen to have a more solid one though, so we can extend and worry less about what appliances we are using so much :)...we don't have a fridge yet..using an eski for our short visits for now and given the cold environment at the moment it is working well, will need a fridge by summer though :question:.

Mike

[xelasnave]

I know you have your big genny but work out your max charge rate..it may be only what a $400 genny can output...

So you find you use very little petrol...

my old system required one litre for a retop of the battery...and believe me the other thing is..you can never have too many gennys in the bush...

The only thing you need a real fridge for is meat so you cook your meat and it will keep in an esky or in a cool place with a wet towel over it.

I lived for a decade with no fridge... leave beer under a wet towel so it requires less energy to cool.

The cordless saw will cost $200 to $250 if you get the brand I suggest, that will get you a spare battery and charger...and trust me..you will run out of power before it does...I have cut felled timber up to 8 inches in diameter and so long as you dont push it past its happy cut rate not a problem...all I could manage is one tree before I ran outta puff but the saw can do three on one battery..but above all get a helmet..like it is more important than you think..its not a bad idea to wear one when just walking in the bush...and never ever ever go walking if there is a decent wind..city folk see a small branch on the ground and never realise it comes down like a dart...

Now for the stockade walls:P

Alex

[strongmanmike]

Thanks Alex all good input :thumbsup:

Had another almost carbon copy of last night, clear all night with a frost in the morning. Only some cloud at times early in the evening, seeing about the same as last night, so that's good, two nights in a row :thumbsup: Observing again in my own backyard is great and I'm really enjoying it :)...still feels like I am visiting someone elses dream rural mountain escape though..:question: :help: Made myself Osso buco last night on top of the slow combustion heater :D

Its a great observing site, feels very similar in darkness to Wiruna (SPSP) the dark sky site of ASNSW and the Milky Way overhead last night was magnificent. Observing on the southern side of the Tinderry Mountains puts the glow of Canberra (55km to the north) mostly out of site behind the mountain peaks and nearby bush, so the sky appears essentially black all over.

It was cool to observe the Saturn Nebula while it is only a couple of degrees from Saturn, going between the two, I can see why it was named as such...they really do look similar :)

Last night tonight and it's looking good again for a third test night :stargaze:

Mike

[gregbradley]

You can also get LPG powered fridges but they are a bit expensive. The startup draw of fridges motors is high.

You want water pumps that have minimal startup draw. At my home I couldn"t run a regular water pump with a 4 KVA generator as the start up draw was too great. I got a new water pump which is electronic and the generator does not even blip when it starts up.

My water pump at my dark site does draw a bit when it starts and the generator revs up to match its draw but copes. So they vary a lot. You can also get a 12 volt pump but water pressure there may be the issue.

Greg.

Also why don't you setup your gear as setup and pulldown rig or put a tarp over during the day if you have 3 clear nights forecast. Break out the AP152 eh?

[strongmanmike]

Hi Greg, remember this place was set up for off grid and pretty well too, but back in 2008..so it is just aging now and in need of an up grade and expansion. The previous owners used the electric oven, single draw F&P dishwasher, a normal medium sized fridge and a front loading washing machine, all the mod cons, they just had to not use them all at once or use the 6kva generator...the solar panels are a little small and as the system aged the generator is required more and more especially in cloudy weather...not like this weekend, plenty of sun, the batteries have been full by midday..but it's just me and I am being pretty conservative with power :thumbsup:

Re the astro gear..all in good time, this weekend was just about checking the site out and enjoying an astro-stay up in the mountains, I'm here by myself :D, so I'm happy it looks like I will get three nights in a row to have my solo star party. The 12" dob is perfect for this. I will get the observing field and observatory under way in due course...have a few normal things to do first. Will likely keep imaging from Terroux Observatory for the rest of the year and just enjoy this place and get to know it, routines upgrades etc...:)

Lots of exiting times ahead...:D

Mike

[mura_gadi]

Hello,

Looking good outside, you know what they say, third time is the charm!!!

Good luck with tonights viewing. You couldn't have picked a better 3 nights in a row anytime recently.



Steve
Ps. I know its maybe not the best scope for the job, but have you tried splitting any doubles/triplets up there yet? Tried M83 in the 12"?

[strongmanmike]

Thanks Steve and you are right...Crystal up here at the moment..that's 3 in a row :eyepop: so I know the seeing isn't terrible at all and it does get clear skies..looking good so far..phew! :thumbsup:

Just now sitting inside, in our loungeroom, lights out, fire going and looking out our big arched window, admiring the twinkling lights of Cooma in the distance...with stars in the sky and the SMC and LMC clearly visible above! what tha!?? From the loungeroom?!! ...amazing :eyepop: never had such a view, from inside, just sitting in a chair!!! :eyepop:..this place just keeps my jaw on the bloody floor...:lol:

Mike

[mura_gadi]

Hello,

You know I have been getting a lot of enjoyment from reading this post.

The happy feeling about someone nailing a dream far outweighs the small element of jealousy etc.

Right up to your comment about the view from the lounge room that was...



Steve
PS. Sound like "binocular balcony" to me with view like that!

[strongmanmike]

:lol:...it's bloody maaaagical :prey2:...I'm just not sure it is all real :scared2:..every day brings more amazement...but I guess I'll get over it.....eventually.....:face:

Mike

[gregbradley]

Good idea to spend some time down there before you decide where to build. Local knowledge is vital.

Greg.

[strongmanmike]

Indeed Greg, thats my plan :thumbsup:

Ok, so this is getting boring...it just keeps getting better 😆...been up here three nights now and I nearly didn't stay tonight because I'm missing Angie 😁❤....buuut hey, I stayed. Boy am I glad I did!!...After two good, mostly clear nights now, Eagleview has saved the best night till last 😁. Not a cloud in the sky and the transparency and contrast up here is bloody awesome! The Milky Way is impressive, again, it's the bloody contrast and transparency, incredible! Two stars visible in the Coal Sack, M22 is easy naked eye. I'm only using a 12" scope but M83 is the best I have seen since looking at it through a 24" at Wiruna and another in far North QLD! The contrast is just so good, the spiral structure is clear as day, the central bar and both the inner and outer arms and without averted vision! The twin lobes of the star Eta Carina are visible and with detail in them at high power and M13 in Hercules, at just 15 deg elevation, is a bright collection of fully resolved diamonds, right to the core, with its characteristic spider leg like, strings of stars, radiating out against a black sky, even down that low and in the north! Saturn is handling 750X better than two days ago, even at just 32deg elevation! Colour is obvious and can see several bands on the globe, the polar cap area and the crepe ring and even fleeting glimpses of the Ence division...hopefully the seeing improves even further as it gets higher in the sky later. If the conditions hold, it's gunna be a good night....inside grabbing a snack, in front of the fire at the moment 😎..it's cold outside ❄☃️

[strongmanmike]

Woohoo, heck, Im like a kid in a candy store at the moment bwibble bibble beubble :nerd: The seeing has improved even further! I can see the hexagon on Saturn's pole, definitely catching the Ence division and several other ring divisions, including the crep ring, multiple bands on the disc of Saturn, looks bloody awesone at 750X! Haven't seen Saturn this well since viewing it through the 9" Oddie refractor on Mt Stromlo many years ago but this time minus the blue/violet colour fringing :P. Then Jupiter, well it is only 30deg up at this stage but why not?..hit it with 750X....sheesh! Look at that Great Red spot, right in the middle of the planet in that equatorial band!.. with what looks like another smaller spot, or tight festoon?..,diagonally right next to it...? This is going to only get better, as these two planets rise higher in the sky... I can tell :thumbsup:

[Startrek]

Those pristine dark skies sure make a difference to both observing and imaging
I can feel the excitement in your comments
I’m down at my coastal getaway on the south coast imaging under Bortle 3 skies. It’s a similar feeling coming down here from Sydney ( pre lockdown obviously) where my backyard up there is under Bortle 8 skies and neighbour’s flood lights blasting my rig
Down here it’s black and no neighbours lights and my little NexDome is humming away
It must be nirvana where you are at Bortle 1 or 2
Enjoy the night and keep warm !!

[strongmanmike]

Thanks Martin :thumbsup:...I've just now 2:30 am, jumped into bed after a thoroughly satisfying evening of observing and I am contented that I didn't buy a dud property :lol: After three consecutive nights of observations, both naked eye and through a 12" Dob, it would seem all the good astro site boxes have been ticked nicely and tonight was one of the best skies I have ever observed under in almost 40 years of observing :thumbsup: and to have the luxury of being able to retreat into a toasty warm accommodation, where you can continue to observe from inside the loungeroom :eyepop: is bloody awesome too :lol:

Hope your night is still going and I look forward to seeing what you grabbed :thumbsup:

Mike

[xelasnave]

I hope others are getting the same enjoyment as I take from this thread. Nothing makes me more happy than witnessing someone I like and admire get where they want to be. And reading here gives me some much needed motivation to get back into things instead of just accepting laying in bed all day.
Thanks Mike.
Alex

[strongmanmike]

On ya mate :thumbsup: I was all alone last night up here and just had to share the thrill of realising and experiencing a dream, thanks for receiving it in such good faith and humour :thumbsup:

Mike

[mura_gadi]

Hello,

From what you have been describing I'm thinking you could get a hint of colour out of Orion from a 16" dob. So, that would make the site pretty damn cool for the drive time from Canberra. Its like getting the beach house with beach at the front and estuary access from the backyard!

Grats and good luck with all the highs and lows of upgrading, designing, planning, building and repairs to come. Keep the updates flowing.


Steve

[strongmanmike]

Ha! Thanks Steve ...indeed, plenty ahead for yours truly. For now at least, Im just enjoying the emotions of coming to terms with exactly what I have...heck, all those drives home over the last 20 years, from Wiruna and the SPSP, tired but very satisfied after 3 days of great conditions under truly dark skies and observing with 300 other like minded people, thinking about and imagining every property that I passed along the way was mine :lol: .....are bloody well now real but EVEN better, beyond even those wildest of dreams..incredible :thumbsup:

Mike

[SimmoW]

Wow, congrats Mike, great to see yet another IIS person join the dark skies club like me. It really is very special eh? Although I rarely have time and energy to image lately, with my work and real farming priorities taking over, I still get plenty of opportunities to stop outside at night and marvel at our dark skies! Esp at this clear, crisp time of year. We are only at 140m high, but are blessed with similar dark skies, though Shepparton is getting bigger every year and their light dome gradually being more visible 30ks away. Maybe we will all start up a dark skies network one day!

I can see your enthusiasm and pleasure, great to see.

[strongmanmike]

Cheers Simon :thumbsup:

Yeah true dark skies, especially in your own backyard!.. is a luxury for sure and those of us lucky enough to enjoy such a situation, should cherish it as a privilege :)

Luckily for me, my new location is not a real "farm" as such, it is just the perfect private getaway, that can never be built out or have any substantial lighting ever put in place close by, we acquired enough land to essentially guarantee our light free view, as it were :)

Monday night, standing on the front deck, looking straight up, the super bright Milky Way, with a myriad of dark dust lanes, was silhouetted against the dark background sky full of stars and it truly looked like it soared overhead, like an Eagle, at a slight angle, framed nicely by a big snow gum and the curved roof of our house, the view was awe inspiring, felt like I was on another planet, somewhere else in the galaxy......wish I had taken my tripod :doh:

Mike

[RB]

I'm so truly happy for you and your family Mike.
Enjoy, you're very lucky to have found such a place.
Can't wait for the Astro pics to start flowing.

RB
:)

[multiweb]

So something you know you never have to ask Mike is "Are you high?" :cool3:

[strongmanmike]

Cheers Andrew :)



Yeeeah maaan :nerd:

Actually, bit more height trivia.. and given the Australian continent in general is somewhat vertically challenged :question:...my future observatory will even be 50m higher than Sierra Remote Observatories in the US, the very sought after telescope hosting facility in the Sierra Nevada Mountains in California...might be a good future angle to attract customers ;)

Imagine a couple'a big roll off roof sheds or a series of individual observatories HERE (https://pbase.com/strongmanmike2002/image/171461338/original) :D

Mike

[toc]

I would love to move back to the country (Im originally from Mildura - very clear skies up there!) but the other half wont have a bar of it, so I have either get divorced or just live with Bortle 6 :(

[strongmanmike]

Yes, I know I am very lucky, my wife is pretty understanding of all this astronomy palaver :astron: and while, if she had her way, we would have acquired something across from the beach, somewhere on the south coast of NSW...meah, we ended up on top of a mountain instead, much better, huh? :whistle:

Mike

[Startrek]

My wife got her way to come down here on the South Coast near the beach , but I got my Dome under Bortle 3 or so
Both happy campers
I enjoy the beach as well , still surfing at 61 , don’t like sub zero temperatures

[strongmanmike]

Nice win - win Martin, especially given you are a bit of an old surfy, makes sense :thumbsup: Me, I love the sub zero conditions...Angie, errr.. not so much...

Mike

[xelasnave]

Mike..the reason I finally did not put my last observatory on the best hill here was because we get lightning strikes here...have you thought about that at all? I looked into getting a lightening rod but found little in Australia and finally opted for a site by the dam cause there was a road and clearing...although I had to clear another couple of acres...if you notice any trees shattered that is a give away but a lightning rod is something to consider...we lost an inverter here because current ran up the old phone line and next door has lost systems because of hits...in the old place lightening got me down the phone line which was a terrible experience and left me fearing lightening.
Alex

[strongmanmike]

Good point Alex.

No phone or electricity lines to this place :thumbsup: I think the key is not to leave anything plugged into a mains network...then it is up to the gods, if a nearby lighting strike induces a current in some cables..oh well, deal with it then I guess...:question:

Mike

[strongmanmike]

Another amazing discovery...

Last weekend was so transparent at Eagleview, the views through my 12" Dob were spectacular...well I just tonight downloaded some photos I took from around the property that weekend...and looking closely, I discovered this! :eyepop:

From the back deck I had already worked out I can spot features up to 82km away (https://pbase.com/strongmanmike2002/image/171461159/original)...but!...sheesh! from the middle of the 100acres, the air was just so clear, you can actually see for 100km!..and pretty clearly too!....even some snow is visible on Wesley's slopes, yeah baby! that's just fricken phenomenal! :)

Using a Nikon D7000 DSLR with 18-200 zoom lens, the wide angle view was shot at 18mm FL, while the close up was shot at 200mm FL, both from the same spot.

100km View (https://pbase.com/strongmanmike2002/image/171788219/original)

It's no Atacama...but hey, the elevation, along with the clean and crisp, transparent mountain air, still enables views out to 100km!...This place just keeps amazing me...:2thumbs:

Mike

[keller60]

Congrats. My wife would not be so understanding. Are you moving there ( like Marcus ) or is this a uber dark site weekender?

[strongmanmike]

Hi Bill :hi:...not sure, we are currently playing it by ear, seeing what it is like to live there on weekends or a few days at a time, which as you can imagine has so far been rather divine :love2::drink::prey2::stargaze:, each visit feels like we have hired some exotic Air B&B :lol: We need to assess what we need to do, how much we want to expand it (or not) what needs upgrading (eg. much of the off grid system is 13 years old)....oh and of course where the observatory (or any future astro business ie hosting/astro-getaway etc might go ;))

My former almost, compulsion, to image, every clear opportunity from my current observatory, has waned a little in recent weeks :question:...just having too much fun along this, still rather new and exciting journey :)...

Mike

[xelasnave]

Mike never buy yourself work.
Do a spread sheet so you can see how much money you lose in a good year. Think of the classic retired couple who think buying a motel is a good idea.
Alex

[strongmanmike]

:lol:...absolutely will do Big A :thumbsup:

Mike

[strongmanmike]

Another amazing night :) We've had cloud and snow up here Fri/Sat and while it did clear early on the evening last night it clouded over before I could setup the 12". So since we have all the streaming services up here, it was a yummy dinner of meatballs and gnocchi watching A Quiet Place II instead and then an early night....

My wife got up at around 4am and when she came back to bed, I was awake and she mentioned it was crystal clear outside and she had just been enjoying the views of heaps of stars out the windows and that it was a beautiful sight :)

Soooo I just had to get up and take a look....WELL!!, not turning any white lights on, in order to keep my perfect dark adaption and slipping into some boots and donning my big warm jacket (-3C outside) I'm bloody well glad I did!! :eyepop: ...WOW! Walking out and away from the house...what a sight to behold overhead! A huge dark sky full of stars :eyepop: how can one ever get sick of seeing such a sight :) Looking South, which remember is clear and unobstructed out to over 80km :) I noticed what looked like thin cloud hugging the whole southern horizon.. but there must be a gap in this cloud..?.. because I could see Crux, very bright and pointing vertically, right at the bottom of it's circumpolar path :question: ....aaaah then it dawned on me :doh:..that's the bloody Milky Way! :eyepop:..looking South, it was stretched right around and hugging the horizon from West to South to East, I could see the Sagittarius star clouds and tail of Scorpius, sitting just above the western horizon, and remarkably, clear Milky Way, extending through Centaurus, Crux and Carina, right around to Orion, which was rising in the East, bloody awesome! Then with the two bright Magellanic Clouds sitting above this horizontal Milky Way and the half dozen twinkling lights of Cooma, visible on the horizon, 55km away, like a small man made constellation of it's own, what an incredible scene!...I have never had such a southern view, spread out in front of me like this before :eyepop: :stargaze::prey2:

Even though it was only a handful of deg above the southern horizon, one star (Mag 5.4) was still visible in the Coal Sack! but although it is visible when Crux is high, I couldn't quite convince myself of the second, Mag 6.6 star, maybe in exceptional seeing..? :question:..but sheesh!!, being able to easily see a mag 5.4 star so close to the horizon?..I'll take that any day :D and that's some mighty clean air and dark sky right there :thumbsup: The glow of Canberra to the North was only modest to negligible, it's very faintest outer extremities, naked eye, extending no more than 30deg up into the blackness of the rest of the sky, then there was a distinct dark gap and then this brighter strip..?...huh? What's that?...Aaaah of course, the Zodiacal light! :thumbsup:

I spent some time in the freezing conditions, walking around checking out this spectacular vista overhead from different spots that I have in mind for the future observatory, it was mildly windy too, so I was able to evaluate and compare spots with and without wind protection.

Eventually as the first vestiges of the coming dawn started to appear, the brisk conditions had me longing for a hot cupper by the fire inside :) Still, a simple experience like this, even after nearly 40 years of observing under some great skies...was still memorable :)....and to think this spot is mine :eyepop:..not a friends, not a clubs..it's mine, all mine :lol:?...holy cow.. :cool: :help:

Mike :thumbsup:

[h0ughy]

Isn't it Angie's?
:rofl:
And I am forever envious:P

[strongmanmike]

...just the kitchen...:P

[xelasnave]

I am so very happy to read your account Mike.

You may now have some understanding of why I lived in the hill tops alone for so many years, sleeping all day and mainly coming out at night.

Why I did not need lights at night.

One thing to try, and it will blow you away if you can pull it off, is to imagine that you are standing on a sphere and somehow relate your sphere to the rest of it...when you do you are out there...part of it...the most extraordinary thing you will ever experience.

Anyways thank you sincerely for presenting such a wonderful account and sharing your joy...also you may find binos much more exciting than ever before.

Please keep your inspirational accounts coming ...it really is like being there the wonderful way you tell it.
Alex

[mura_gadi]

Hello,

Not liken' this all mine talk... need to put a kybosh on that early! After all a gift is better shared. Very smart of your missus to get you out of bed for a few hours of snoreless sleep I thought.

The weather has been horrible, we had good slushy sleet out Holt way and good snow very low down the Brindies northern slopes and up around the hills at Ginninderra Falls, I was wondering if you were up there to enjoy the weather. Nice to hear it hasn't dampened the spirits.

I was up early this morning and it looked awesome. Hopefully you get some planting ideas ready for spring if your going natural windbreaks.


Steve
Been thinking I need a nice pair of bino's as a grab option, reminded me of the link below - Once you have something similar to the setup below I'd love to know your hourly rate...
Kunho Lee + friends 20" bino
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=akFaEhcuHcQ

[strongmanmike]

Thanks so much Alex :thumbsup: really glad you are enjoying it, IIS brethren are all I have to share this all with so thanks to those who are enjoying it...:question:...and sorry to those who are maybe rolling their eyes :scared3: forgive me :lol:

Mike

[strongmanmike]

Mine!....aaaaaall MIIIINE! :wink2: mu hu hu ha ha haaaaa :D :lol:

A big set of binos would be awesome indeed :thumbsup:

Mike

[xelasnave]

Dont forget to look for these. ( taken 10 minutes ago ..view from my bed)
Alex

[strongmanmike]

That's rather lovely Alex...and from your bed too :)

My wife has grabbed a few already, our house is sited such that the summer sunrises will be the most accessible from there but from the middle of the 100 acres, at nearly 5000ft, the unobstructed 360deg views make it best for capturing sunrises and sunsets...just a short stroll from the house.

Mike

[strongmanmike]

Just got back from another wonderful 3 nights up at Eagleview.

I wanted to capture the magnificent view we have at night from inside our loungeroom, looking out the the huge glass window at the southern end of the Nissen Hut design, in a natural realistic representation that is as close to what we see in real life as possible with the lights off inside. So, this is a simple 30 sec exposure of me sitting and taking in this awe inspiring vista, with just the slow combustion fire place providing a soft red glow. It looks just like this, just minus the colour. You can see the lights of Cooma, under my right arm, 55km to the south.

Window to the Universe (https://pbase.com/strongmanmike2002/image/171841096/original)

For reference, this is the day time view (https://pbase.com/image/171844601/original) with views out to over 80km....but we can say, quite legitimately, we actually have views out to 200,000 light years :eyepop: :lol:

Mike

[DarkArts]

Now I know the secret: first build a starship, because that's obviously the view from Ten Forward (https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/memoryalpha/images/1/18/Ten_Forward%2C_Picard%27s_dream.jpg/revision/latest/scale-to-width-down/1920?cb=20200127200614&path-prefix=en).

:thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup:

[strongmanmike]

That's indeed what it feels like...I can't quite believe it really :jawdrop:....:shrug: :thumbsup:

Mike

[ChrisM]

Hi Mike,

I've just caught up with your absolutely wonderful property purchase and superb skies that come with it. Looking forward to seeing what you can achieve from there.
Best wishes, Chris

[strongmanmike]

Thanks a lot Chris :thumbsup: It's a fabulous observing spot, magnificent by day and magnificent by night, the attached photos (Taken by my guest astroimager and mate, Alex Marziano) are simple single 25sec exposures processed in an attempt to capture, as accurately as possible, what it actually looks like to the naked eye up there. They are the distant lights of the small southern NSW town of Cooma, the gateway to the Snowy Mountains, 56km away, near the horizon there :) Already planning, negotiating and designing the new observatory, aim at this stage is to build the new observatory in the first half of next year :prey:

Mike

[xelasnave]

Now come on Mike that must be at least an hour at 6400 ISO.:lol::lol: Great sky to serve a great man.

Cant you buy that little town and turn out the lights.

Have you worked out the place where you will place your first observatory?

But next year ...come on...next month mate...are you letting work interfere?
Get a crew of Jehovah's witnesses in and they will have it done in a weekend.. tell them its a chapel and give them the plans come back Sunday night with pizza.

You are lucky getting nice weather...I am just so very happy for you and get excited everytime I see there is a new post here.

I have my electrics shed erected, two 370 watt panels on site, plus regulator, inverter, but only two of the four batteries...but most can be put in place so when the batteries arrive we can instal them..or send them back and get four the same if any different models have slipped in...plus my filters have arrived..I can see the box on the table at the end of my bed and almost frightened to look for fear they are not correct.
I hoped a new mount may arrive this week but we have gone into lock down as at 6 pm last night ...but doing all that I can to get the new set up working. Probably need a key start genny but with lock down thats at least a week plus away.

Again great to see your photo.
Alex

[N1]

A ridiculously cool thing to achieve there Mike. Light years above, and beyond shallow clutter like sports cars, boats, posh mansions etc. You have arrived mate.
Re those town lights, surely an imposing guy like yourself at a community board meeting or council hearing could add some weight to the LP argument?!

[strongmanmike]

Thanks Alex and Mirko :thumbsup:

Alex, for a guy who is not 100% these days, you bloody well keep on keeping on, exemplary my friend :thumbsup:

Mirko, the lights of Cooma are of no consequence, they are but a cosmetic blip, the sort of artificial lighting that actually looks lovely and it compliments the skies above without affecting them...from our back deck at night they look lovely in the distance :) Otherwise there is zero local light pollution, only Canberra, 56km to the North causes a glow in the lower area of the northern half of the sky but it is not a problem really, as I rarely image or observe that low in the North anyway. Besides, the view of M57 the other night in Lyra, the smoke ring was not ghostly as it is normally described, it was positively iridescent white :eyepop: so the amount of sky glow, even down there, is quite modest 😎

Mike

[ChrisM]

Thanks very much for posting the sample nightscape images Mike - they really do give a sense of how dark your sky is and I am very envious of your position! In late May and after sunset, I walked the 9 km back from the summit of Mt Kosciuszko to my car at Charlotte Pass, and had a beautiful clear dark sky all the way. I imagine your sky would be similar. I estimated the apparent temperature at the summit was approaching -20 C which I was dressed for, but having my outer mitts off for photography was painful! I'm sure that your new observatory will incorporate a warm room...

Cheers, Chris

[strongmanmike]

Yes it will, but -20C :eyepop: hope we don't get that here!
We are a fair bit further north and west of Kosciuszko and not quite as high (1450m v 2200m), so hope not! :help: :)
Mike

[strongmanmike]

Yet another excellent night up here! And last night and looking good again for tonight! I've had quite a few so far, which is looking good as some good positive site test data :thumbsup: Bit of a stiff swirly breeze tonight though, so high power planetary viewing with an unprotected telescope is not the best but wind is prevailing from the West so tbe surrounding vegetation is controlling things ok. The seeing is still not too bad and transparency and contrast are again excellent and of course no dewing again! Did some deep sky observing with my son and everything was so bright and easy to see with details galore visible in every object we viewed, glorious!.... happy! :)

Mike

[strongmanmike]

Been up here for 7 nights now over the New Moon and 5 have turned it on with clear skies, plus one partially clear night the other it rained but cleared up around 2am...hard to complain about that :thumbsup:. Tonight is magical, once again dark and steady, great transparency and pretty good seeing (750X on Saturn and Jupiter is quite useable again!) Humidity is also once again very low and with the addition of a good weather station, installed today, I can see it is currently 67% at 1:15am and sitting at 0.5degC with a 0.0km/hr wind ie none, very clear air with no fog, just a veeery fine frost forming on the ground still no fog on the scope optics either without dew heaters! ...nice, very happy :thumbsup:

Edit: for those interested, just finished another fantastic nights observing (packed up at 3:30am) under excellent skies, every viewing condition parameter was excellent, dark, no wind, low humidity all night (still only at 75% at 4:30am), great transparency and good to excellent seeing. Highlights were, checked out Jupiter and Saturn through the night between observing other things, as the views and seeing got better and better, culminating in the best most detailed and colourful views just before 3:30am. Spent a bit of time galaxy surfing around Fornax, Eridanus and Cetus at lots of the faintest little galaxies I could find with the Skywatcher data base, had fun checking out lots of Mag 12, 13, and 14 examples, all quite easy to see in such excellent conditions, even cracked Mag 15.1, NGC 135, a 330 Million light year distant galaxy in Cetus :D. Would have liked to have had a shot at something fainter but couldnt find anything in the Sky Watcher data bases :shrug: Spotted the Andromeda galaxy and M33 in the north naked eye, as well as the Nova in Ophiuchus (~Mag 6.5)

Had an absolute ball! :)

Touch wood :prey: ..so far (winter), every viewing session (about 9 or 10 now) at Eagleview has been superb, with some just more superb than others, it's been quite thrilling really :thumbsup: The sky is dark but the biggest surprise has been the lack of humidity (never any dew on anything, haven't needed dew heaters!) and the high transparency and sky contrast. :)

Mike

[astroron]

Wonderful Mike.
I would like to spend a night or two in your
observers paradise.:astron::stargaze:
Cheers:thumbsup:

[strongmanmike]

Absolutely... if Covid ever allows us :rolleyes:

Mike

[strongmanmike]

Added a weather station over the weekend, it is wifi and monitors everything necessary but unfortunately isn't internet connectable :doh:...I will likely upgrade once the observatory is built :)

Mike

[strongmanmike]

Clear again last night....:prey2: if this continues, it could kill me :scared2: :lol:

Time to stay safe, away from Covid :sadeyes:

Mike

[erick]

Congrats on this marvelous acquisition Mike. No dew! Icing on the cake! Or is that no icing on the scope :lol:

ps I've checked - only 3hr 30min from my place :P

Eric

[strongmanmike]

Cheers Eric, the lack of dewing was something I didn't expect. At my current observatory location, just north of Canberra and waaaaay down at 600m ASL :P, and with the shroud fitted around my truss poles, my secondary mirror (and occasionally the primary) often dews up after a while and I have to hit it with my 12V hairdryer through the night a few times (should fit a heater to it really)...but up here, so far at least (a dozen or so viewing sessions) and without the shroud fitted and no heaters, neither the primary or the secondary have dewed over, not once, not even a bit, through several all night viewing sessions...remarkable :thumbsup:

So far each observing session has seen temperatures drop to between ZeroC and -6C but it's a very dry cold, I have managed to stay out in pretty basic, quite modest warm clothing, without issue, which makes going in and out of the house easier and fog hasn't affected a single observing session so far.:)

Mike

[strongmanmike]

Well Steve your prediction seems to have played out, so far at least, it seems to be definitely drier up here! I hadn't expected this attribute, nice surprise, this would also explain the good transparency too I guess..? :thumbsup:

Mike

[multiweb]

You should get good coverage up there yeah? I imagine you would have line of sight of a few comm towers.

[mura_gadi]

Hello,

Being a Belconnen boy for 45 years you get to know those moisture thieving Brindabella's. Assumed you'd be tied into the same effect as to why Canberra gets no snow, but buckets on the Brindies. If you want to read about the upper weather effects around Canberra, read about why Canberra gets no snow, its very informative and a good read.

I missed my chance of Honeysuckle again, but a matter of family first recently.

Nice to see you are giving the site a good work out and I could think of far worse places to spend a lock down in!


Steve
Ps. If I ever get my 16" done I'm just rocking up and gate crashing one night! I'll bring a good scotch to share if you open the gate though...:lol:

PPs. The RFS shed should have a solution already in place for connections, might want to ask them what they did.

[strongmanmike]

We have excellent WiFi internet, we have 30Mbps down and 12Mbps up, the infrastructure is on the RFS tower and shed, so internet is not a problem for the foreseeable future, even should there be multiple users one day ;) :)

Mike

[strongmanmike]

Had to come up and check on some plumbing work we had done, so, travel permit in hand, fully vaccinated, stopped nowhere on the way, I'm alone and completely isolated....aaaaand...It's ANOTHER!! fabulous night up here..crystal clear, almost no wind, no dew and great seeing AGAIN! :prey2: Saturn looks awesome again at 750X. I pegged out the site cut for the Observatory-site shed-viewing area this afternoon ☺...and saw a Wombat 😁

[erick]

Rub in in :sadeyes: Enjoy for us and thanks for sharing your joy! :thumbsup:

[strongmanmike]

Ha ha ha Eric :P :thumbsup:
Still perfect conditions outside :) Apart from all the details on the planets disc and rings, I managed to Identify 6 (possibly 7?) of Saturns moons! Titan, Rhea, Tethys, Dione, Enceladus and I think Iapetus? (which was a long way from Saturn!)..I think that's a first for me..? :D I kept thinking I could glimpse Mimas with averted vision too...hmmm?..maybe..?

Mike

[h0ughy]

was it your rear reflection again......

[strongmanmike]

Hey Houghy, does my butt look big using this Dob? :lol:

Another fabulous night. Shame about the Moon, knocked off around midnight, great views of Jupiter and Saturn :thumbsup:. Always worried, what if the conditions up here weren't any good, what if it is cloudy all the time, or crap seeing?? :scared2: Well, I havent imaged up here yet and so far only assesed during winter...but I think Ive seen enough now to be reasonably confident that this is indeed a pretty good site, that is dark, has plenty of clear weather, good seeing, low humidity and high transparency...thaaank God for that! :prey: :thumbsup: of course, still have to experience the summer conditions :question:....just gotta get that observatory built now...with this bloody Covid19 around and inevitable lock downs, I think it may well take a while :( :help: just have to enjoy the non astro aspects of the place until then :)

[mura_gadi]

"Always worried, what if the conditions up here weren't any good, what if it is cloudy all the time, or cap seeing?? "

What if I have to tell the missus after all these years of searching I got a lemon and the searching continues... :lol:

Well hopefully you'll get better sleep after the late nights of skyawesomeness now.

Might be worthwhile pointing out that between SAM, IDO we are getting way more moisture than normal past 14+months or so. Even if ENSO is neutral atm.



Steve

[strongmanmike]

I was certainly quietly concerned Steve, I decided that surely it can't be tooooo crap..suuuurley???...I just put it out of my mind aaaand, well?.. hoped for the best I guess :help:....seems my hopes were not in vain :D phew! :prey2:

What the heck are those acronyms? :question:

Mike

[mura_gadi]

Hello and sorry,

What the heck are those acronyms? :question:


SAM - Southern Annular Mode (SAM) (real rough - Affects the latitudes that the moisture bands run across lower Australia.)
IOD - Indian Ocean Dipole. (real rough again - Moisture content)

They both play a major role in the amount and location of rainfall for SE Australia and feed in to ENSO which is La Nina El Nino etc.


Steve
Ps. Some of the moisture bands are considered aerial rivers now, with flow rates greater than the amazon river in some cases.

[xelasnave]

SAM...surface to air missile according to what I was reading yesterday.

I have enjoyed this thread so much Mike.

Cant you borrow a small mount and get some wide fields out?

No moisture is a wonderful thing as the reason I gave up years ago was the frustration from just that.

Keep up the excellent commentary.

Alex

[strongmanmike]

Hi Alex

Yeah I will bite the bullet soon and get something up here, just enjoying observing though actually, by far the best site I've had at my finger tips for an extended period and probably narrowly, the second best I have ever been under in nearly 40 years of observing :thumbsup:..wish I had a bigger visual scope :)

Was another perfectly clear but slightly breezy (10-15 km/hr) night last night, so not the best for unprotected visual :) and clear blue sky again this morning ..but blowing up here today.. 20-25km/hr average, gusting up to 50-60 km/hr 💨 :eyepop:

Mike

[xelasnave]

Yes get a huge scope. You can do it and believe me things come up that stuff up the future we all put off.
You are a man, as evidenced by your remarkable achievements,that has proved that you can get things done...a 16inch aint that expensive just go for it...sell a kidney, refinance and get more cash...you only have to say that you are getting a bigger scope..Mike we have so little time never put off something you desire..and always ask. "on my death bed will I regret buying or not buying that bigger scope...
Stir up what you used to pull those trucks and no excuses...ok
Alex

[strongmanmike]

:lol:....I like your advice Alex, eeeexactly! :thumbsup:

Thing is Alex, there are already some not insignificant items coming and work to be done, in order to get my new, 21st Century, you-beaut imaging observatory up and running, that aaaaren't well?..err?..100% understood by the minister for finance (or I!) as yet :whistle:...Sooooo, like the gamble I took that this place was a good atro site, weather/conditions wise, I am also gambling that the inevitable negative reaction from hers truly, will be short lived and forgiving :scared2: :help:

But perhaps in the future I could work out a mutually beneficial deal, with someone who has an 18"+ sized dob, who would like to leave it on site :question: :D :thumbsup:

[xelasnave]

As you know Mike...the world gets out of the way of a man who knows where he is going....
Alex

[strongmanmike]

:thumbsup:...after another great weekend up there, I am already missing it...I could become a reclusive mountain man, with a long straggly beard, eeeeeasily...:)

Mike

[xelasnave]

You are getting a hint of my past life style...sleep is a day time activity...grow a beard for the grooming time you save.
Alex

[strongmanmike]

The Belt of Venus, Sunday night at Eagleview :)

[strongmanmike]

Ooops!...I had another careful look at this aaaand realised I had identified the wrong hill :doh:...that most distant hill visible in the photo is in fact Cup and Saucer Hill...which is only 94km away :P

Mike

[Slawomir]

Wow! I am a bit late but...congratulations Mike :2thumbs: What a great place to appreciate the night sky. Wishing you many many inspiring stargazing sessions and astro sessions at this beautiful and very unique location :astron:

[DarkArts]

I'm still gobsmacked by how great the place is. And all this < 3 hours from a capital city and < 1 hour from a major town. :thumbsup:

Ever thought of sub-dividing to fellow astronuts? :D

[strongmanmike]

Thanks Suavi :thumbsup: yeah I think I will have a few of those kinda sessions :D...heck, I've had several already!! I really want a 20"+ Dob though...:question: I do love imaging of course but I also love being outside, at a truly dark site, viewing our skies through, binoculars, a small scope and a big scope too...it's like camping or fishing, I love the connection with remote nature :)

Mike

[strongmanmike]

Well...funny you should say that :whistle:..I have indeed... such a magic location should be shared, in some way, for sure :question: I feel like I am privileged and shouldn't hog all this...I have my thinking cap on, I'd love to have like minded people experience a location like this :) Maybe leasing plots, upon which you can do what you want, build an observatory, or just visit for cathartic dark sky viewing, as you like....:question: I have onsite good internet and phone connection etc...

There are several possible options...:)...I have to get myself up and running first though...then..?.. who knows! ;)

Mike

[strongmanmike]

Well, I have ordered a 3M ScopeDome from Diego and Paul at our very own Sidereal Trading (https://www.siderealtrading.com.au/) and it is due in Oct :cool:, I have spoken with a skid steer/excavator company to do me a good site cut, I've liaised with a builder to construct a 4.6m X 4.6m elevated deck, to put the new dome on and costed moving my current 3.6m X 2.7m site shed (https://pbase.com/strongmanmike2002/image/157713695/original) from Walaroo north of Canberra, to Eagleview south of Canberra (about 80km ~$800)...so things are underway :computer: :)

As to what to do with my current unmotorized/unautomated 2.3m Sirius Observatory?...well?..sell it..?.. or?..I have an incredible 6" Stafire (https://pbase.com/strongmanmike2002/image/94059384/original), an NJP mount.....:question:

Mike

[strongmanmike]

It's rather cool up at 1500m in the snow :cold:...with Netflix :lol:

-5C outside...+21C inside :D

Collecting wood this time of year is an interesting experience....

But when the skies cleared...MAAAAAAAAAAAMA MIA!....spectaculare!

Mike

[multiweb]

Low profile. No wind surface to catch. Noice! :thumbsup:



:eyepop: Holy crap! :lol: Is that today?

[strongmanmike]

Last weekend...I'm in a new World :innocent:

[multiweb]

:lol: So cool. Never been in snow in Oz. I guess I got it out of my system. Being born in it. I hope you have some good double glazing in that big bay window? :cold:

[marc4darkskies]

:lol: That amount of wood would last us 3 days tops! So far this winter we've gone through 10m3 of wood - 8 bought and 2 of our own.

Very pretty though! :thumbsup: We love the snow - as long as it doesn't fell our very brittle trees! That weekend was just cold and wet here.

[strongmanmike]

:lol: nah, that round wood storage unit is just for our daily store, in easy reach, the bulk is stored in the open double garage away from the house :thumbsup: We don't live fulltime on site either, so our wood consumption isn't huge.

My two boys have got me a brand new, reasonably decent, 18" 50cc Stihl chainsaw (MS271) for Fathers day...so I can finally cut some of my own wood too now :D..I also have an electric log splitter, left for me by the previous owners.

Mike

[strongmanmike]

I received an SQM sky quality meter last week, generously loaned to me by Eric Kingston (Erick on IIS), and tonight I put it to work assessing the darkness of the Eagleview night sky. I measured the sky brightness at the zenith (or as close to without pointing directly at the bright Milky Way) and took 8 readings, pointing in very slightly different directions overhead, one after another, over a 10min period at 7:20pm, 9:00pm, 10:00pm, 11:00pm, 11:45pm and 1:00am. I then discarded the highest and lowest readings in each set and averaged the other 6 readings. The results in magnitudes/square arc sec, were as follows (the bigger the number the darker the sky):

7:30pm - 21.81
9:00pm - 21.96
10:00pm - 22.02
11:00pm - 22.03
11:45pm - 22.05
1:00am - 22.18

(I also did a set pointing at about 25-30 deg above the northern horizon and directly toward the Canberra light dome and the average reading was 21.79 so even that ain't too bad)

You can see the effect of the Milky Way being directly overhead at 730 and as it moved away from near the zenith and it got darker, the numbers improved. Maybe they could have improved further after 1am but I decided to finish up, as although the numbers had improved a lot with successive sets of measurements, by 1am the Milky Way was nowhere near the zenith so I didn't think there would be much improvement...? Plus I was buggered :sadeyes:

Anyway, anything higher than 22 indicates really dark skies, so pretty happy with these results as they empirically confirm that the skies over Eagleview are indeed exceptionally dark and explain the great contrasty views I've had through my 12" Dob :thumbsup:

I have posted the last 1am set of measurements, along with the best reading of 22.32 (which was discarded), just to show the numbers were real :D

I knew tonight was dark as, for only the second time in my life, I was able to detect the extremely faint Zodiacal Bridge (https://www.cloudynights.com/uploads/monthly_03_2016/post-101386-0-55898800-1458902078.jpg), the very faint band of light, a result of sunlight being scattered of the tenuous disc of tiny dust particles that fill the plain of our Solar System and it is visible as a super faint band following the ecliptic and running almost perpendicular to the Milky Way. The last time I saw this phenomena was in far north QLD from my friend Tim Curruthers, Savanah Skies Observatory, near Chillagoe, which is located under dry and very dark skies 3hrs drive West of Cairns inbetween cooee and nowhere :ship2:

[Hans Tucker]

Shame your son isn't a Army Pilot .. schedule a Blackhawk lift as a training exercise. A novel way to move.

[strongmanmike]

Ha! Last time a military helicopter was in this area it started a devastating fire, that raised thousands of hectares and quite a few properties to the ground..... with its landing lights! :eyepop: :sadeyes:

But yes... seeing an Obsevatory dangling under a Chinook would look pretty cool too...:P

Mike

[mura_gadi]

Mike,

How are you for stone on the property? Maybe a fortified tower with battlements or a 5m gothic style tower for it to sit on top of?


Steve

[AstralTraveller]

So, Australia's highest observatory will have a 'stone tower' ;)??

[strongmanmike]

Hi Steve and David, weeeell...aaah yes..:confuse3:..had a builder on site today (we physically distanced properly the whole time and were in the open mountain air) discussing tje project...and I'm afraid while the stone tower option waaas discussed buuuut ruled out I'm afraid :P

Will be a 4.6m x 4.6m elevated (1m) very solid bearer and joist construction, wooden deck, with 12 support posts using metal RHS corner posts in extra deep footings for extra rigidity :) So some room on the corners for a couple of chairs, so we can relax with a coldie...and take in this view: https://pbase.com/strongmanmike2002/image/171678412
Mike

[DarkArts]

Come on, you know you want your very own Castle Aargh. It would go well with that 'holy grail' of an observing site you have! :)

[mura_gadi]

Hello,

"Come on, you know you want your very own Castle Aargh. ... " was that the posted picture, I'm still rooting for that one.

Height is not a bad thing when you have your grass die every year and unbroken wind. Any height you can get will help, just higher up gives you smaller particles to deal with. Was more for keeping things clean than the sky.


Steve

[strongmanmike]

Not an extensive set of tests tonight...just once at 11pm before retiring to a warm bed. Turned off the lights inside, went out onto our elevated southen deck, perfectly clear with just a light breeze and took 6 readings overhead, at or near the zenith....Averaged them and wadda ya know?! 22.03mag/squ arc sec..again 😁 the same average as 11pm last night, very cool. This place is certainly consistent...t'is certainly lovely and dark up here...Oh and had a close encounter with a Wombat tonight, walked out the front earlier about 730 and there it was, waddling about 5m from me, had my torch on him, he looked at me scurried away slightly then stopped looked back at me and continued waddling away..very cute ☺..tried to get a photo on my phone but couldn't coordinate the torch and camera quick enough...:doh:

[JA]

That's a wonderful result Mike: Congratulations that's as dark as anywhere you'll find. :thumbsup:
It's Bortle 1 ..... ( & about 18 times darker than my place in Melbourne.:D)

Best
JA

[h0ughy]

He probably left you a cube expressionism :rofl:

Like the rest of us in the light

[strongmanmike]

Yes indeed I believe you might be right? I think the altitude makes the difference...plus, a front had recently passed through with rain and then snow, so probably cleaned the air nicely :) I forgot I actually got this reading, it was the highest over the two nights, I thought the 22.32 was the highest..?..I put it down to an anomaly of some sort..:shrug:..or, maybe I just pointed it in the perfect spot...? :D



Yes they do cubical poos :)

[erick]

I'd be happy to observe under 21.79 - the direction of the Canberra light dome! So fantastic to see the meter reading in the 22s! I've never seen that. Again, congratulations Mike - quantitative evidence you made the right choice of site :thumbsup:

[strongmanmike]

Hi Eric, yes it was indeed exciting to see those sort of numbers, all night! :D

I too was initially happy enough with the 21.81 readings :thumbsup:!...then the 21.96 seemed very wow :2thumbs:...so you can imagine when I got the three sets hour after hour of just over 22!! :party: but then, the 22.18 set was just mind blowing! :prey2: I sported a big grin...not to mention the not insignificant number of readings over 20.20 too! :eyepop: Made me very happy...the sky really was magnificent that night too, I knew it wasn't some sort of mistake :)

Mike

[strongmanmike]

Well...yet another spectacularly clear night up here. I did some more extensive measuring of the sky darkness with the SQM-L meter and although the sky on Mon night was perhaps juuust a touch better (a rain and snow front had passed through the couple of days before ), the results were never the less, pretty amazing and consistent with those taken on Mon and Tues nights. This time I took multiple (several dozen) readings all around the zenith (within an approx 15deg or one handspan radius) between 1am and 2am. This is the time of year at this hour when the Sagittarius winter Milky Way sits on the western horizon and the Orion Summer milky Way sits on the Eastern horizon and the whole length of the Milky Way in between, stretches right around the southern horizon, plus the very faint Zodiacal bridge (https://www.cloudynights.com/uploads/monthly_03_2016/post-101386-0-55898800-1458902078.jpg) was plainly visible north of overhead following the ecliptic, looking like a second, faint Milky Way! All making for a truly spectacular vista allround! Of the dozens of SQM readings taken the bulk were between 22.13 and 22.18 which is pretty amazing and about as dark as it gets anywhere. That's three nights of testing now, all returning similar results, so I think that well and truly confirms Eagleview as a World Class dark sky observing site! Happy Chappy :D

[wavelandscott]

Wow! Congratulations and I am glad that you are enjoying your new dark spot. I am confident that you will use it for good and that it will be truly utilized to its full potential.

[strongmanmike]

Hey cheers heaps Scott :thumbsup:

Funnily enough, we almost didn't get this property. There were 6 buyers who offered the asking price or above..what the heck?? after 4 years of searching and the ultimate dream astronomy property is in my grasp and I can't even get it with a full price offer??!! Faaaaark! :eyepop: Maama Mia! After discussing with the vendors for a day or two, what they wanted to do, the agent subsequently called for best and final offers from all interested parties. So, after much deliberation and with my wife's blessing (well kind of) we did something we had never done before..and offered over the asking price :eyepop:, but for F's sake, we STILL got the news a couple of days later from the agent, that unfortunately we had missed out, they had received a higher offer!...I (we) were utterly devastated :sadeyes: :mad2: I recall replying to the agent, who we had run into previously a few times in our long rural land hunting quest and who knew I was an astronomer, "really?? someone aroffered even more??..damn that reeeally sucks! those pristine clear mountains skies will go to waste now, what a tragedy", to which he replied, "I know, so sorry Mike I hope to see you around the traps again and I will eventually sell you that dream astronomy property"....utterly dejected I thought to myself "Yeah riiight...:rolleyes: I'm going to go lock myself in a cupboard now for a few days and rock back an forth dribbling"...

Well, over a week later, having finally let the dream fade from my mind :sadeyes: and having emerged from the dark cupboard....I got the phone call that waaaay back in a dark distant corner of my mind, I had hoped for, prayed for, while in that cupboard...the top bidder had pulled out!! :rofl:...the agent asked me "we were second top bidders, so did I still want to build that observatory in the mountains?" :eyepop:...I don't believe in luck but sheesh I felt pretty lucky that day :)

So, no, I won't let this once in a lifetime opportunity and the one that nearly got away, go to waste, Eagleview will become famous...I know it! :P :lol:

Mike
PS we know it wasn't an agents scam too, because our new neighbours have subsequently told us they actually met the intended original buyer of our property, a couple of times, and were familiar with why he pulled out in the end....aaand besides, they were now happier it was us that got it in the end,...who doesn't like an astronomer in the neighbourhood anyway? :shrug: :lol:

[xelasnave]

Hi Mike I am still reading so thanks but in hospital again.. kidney failure just too show death cant get me..however I have a question which I am embarrassed to ask but I expect others will benefit from an answer...how do you do your "darkness" shots, cause when I get the chance I will try it at home and see what I have.
All the best alex

[strongmanmike]

HI Alex, firstly sorry to here you are laid up again and I wish you well on your way to recovery :)

What do you mean by my "darkness" shots, do you mean how do I use the SQM-L meter..?

Mike

[xelasnave]

Post 202

[strongmanmike]

Ah ok but what exactly do you want to know, that I didn't explain already there..?

Mike

[strongmanmike]

Just locked in the builder to (hopefully) end up with the attached sketch :thumbsup:

The site shed in the sketch is the one I already have and the whole pad and path will be covered in 50mm of road base.

The attached photo shows my 12"Dob at approx the same spot as in the drawing but it will be slightly more elevated after the fill is spread there...so the view from the observatory deck, another metre higher, will be rather breath taking and there will be enough room on the corners of the dome deck for a couple of chairs too...sipping a cold beer while sitting there in summer should be magic :)

This should all start in early-mid Oct :thumbsup:

First visit by the builder will be to do the site cut, dig the telescope pier footing hole and spread the road base.

I will then construct the concrete telescope support pier over a few weeks.

The second visit by the builder, likely in late November, will be to drill the 12 X support post holes and set the four 90X90 gal steel corner posts in concrete.

Lastly the builder will return a few days later and construct the 4.6m X 4.6m deck and stairs.

I have attached a sketch of the envisaged observing area and a photo of my 12" Dob at the spot as indicated in the drawing as well as the location on the land - red circle.

The dream is taking shape....:)

Mike

[xelasnave]

On top of things now.
I am so happy things are getting done... remember ..work expands to fill the space allocated to it...it os good to have artist impressions to firm up the vision.
In time add a safety rail to the deck or stop drinking;)
Alex

[strongmanmike]

That's good to hear :thumbsup:



Indeed, I will add one myself if I feel the need. Above 1000mm a handrail is mandatory in the building code...so I will probably make it 950mm :)

Mike
PS...oh and I know about the drinking and falling off your observatory thing :whistle:...I've done it :face:...only once luckily (was the final Scotch that did it due to euphoria over excellent seeing one night :P) and my current observing deck is only 600mm off the ground too :eyepop:, I managed to roll and break my fall so didn't hurt myself..but at 950mm the risk of injury will be higher :help: :lol:

[Startrek]

Mike,
Glad I’m not the only one who built an elevated deck for their Dome
A lot of folk suggested a big concrete slab ( glad I didn’t )
I’ve had mine for 6 months now , through torrential rain , 90km / hr winds a month ago and she’s as dry as bone inside , plus in summer it’s ventilated from below through 5mm gap in the hardwood boards ( no artificial flooring ) so nice and cool
I spray for pest control so insects are not a problem , it’s just those pesky possums, one inquisitive possum jumped on my bay unit a few weeks ago , scared the crap out of me
Sketch looks great , what Dome will you use ?
Cheers
Martin

[strongmanmike]

Yeah cheers Martin, having done both approaches, a dome on an elevated deck is the only way to go IMO :thumbsup: I will be laying 90% UV shade cloth under the decking boards, then silicone the small gaps between the cloth and boards under the base ring. Bugs can still crawl over the base ring and under the rotary ring, so not 100% sealed to bugs but close but as you say the inside space of the dome is then well ventilated and water can't pool on the deck outside the dome either :thumbsup:

It would seem my sketching abilities are not perfect, I thought my rendition of a 3M Scopedome was pretty good :P...or maybe you are not familiar with these? (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c8He--tAaIU) Steve and his dad, in the video, are both over 6ft tall :)

Mike

[Startrek]

I’ve heard of the ScopeDome but never looked into them as my backyards restricted space suited the NexDome perfectly and a kit form assembly suited installation as well
ScopeDome looks like a habitation test module NASA are using for Mars
Very well designed and engineered , loads of room , much bigger than my 2.2m NexDome
I bet your champing at the bit to get one up there hey !!
Martin

[strongmanmike]

Well yes :) ..aaand no :whistle:...you see, I am a bit of an IT technophobe, not exactly hopeless but a little challenged, shall we say :nerd: I am sure once installed and all the right drivers and software and Wi Fi connections and fibre impregnated photonic oscillators and remote interfaces are all..?..interfacing and oscillating properly yadda yadda yadda...hey I am sure I will love it! :D...but the thought of having to set all this up is quite daunting to me :scared2:...my current dome is fully manual (as in physically manual, I push it!) and I am still controlling my beautiful big AP1600GTO...with the handbox for goodness sake! :lol: So, I'm juuuust taking it one step at a time for now, telling myself that I will work it out when the time comes...phew :)

Mike

[multiweb]

Been in IT most of my life and I still push my G11 with the hand paddle. Never underestimate the simple things in life. :lol:

[Startrek]

My NexDome was originally manual and I didn’t want to go through the trauma of learning and setting up Voyager etc.. so I ordered a Dome motor and made my own Dome rotation control system ( based on Azimuthal movement of the object) it works ok until you get above 65degrees then the azimuthal angle dramatically changes distance vs time of rotation. It has a manual override so I can move the Dome back and forth as needed. Not perfect but good enough for a nights imaging
Martin

[strongmanmike]

Oh I don't Mark, the simpler the better and probably the main reason I have had such incredibly reliable and productive imaging rigs, for so many years now, I keep it simple and don't change what works well...but there comes a time... besides, somehow having a You-Beaut Scopedome, without it at least following my mount as it tracks across the sky, would be rather sacrilegious me thinks :shrug: :question:

Mike

[strongmanmike]

I have mentioned being able to see the very faint full Zodiacal bridge from Eagleview...well here is a lovely photo of it:

Zodiacal Bridge (https://www.cloudynights.com/uploads/monthly_03_2016/post-101386-0-55898800-1458902078.jpg)

Need the darkest of skies to spot it

The other faint feature visible in the linked photo and that is also noticeable from Eagleview, is the enormous breadth of the Milky Ways central bulge, the very faintest extensions are like a huge gossamer glow around the brighter central more commonly seen bulge. I was able to trace this faint halo with the SQM-L meter too, it was registering out to some 45deg or more from the plain of the Milky Way! It wasn't until the Milky Way had got riiight over to the western horizon that this outer glow stopped affecting the SQM readings at the Zenith and they moved towards the 20.20 mark and beyond!

Mike

[gregbradley]

Night wildlife eh? I have had a fox watch me image doing nightscapes about 20 metres from me.

Greg.

[strongmanmike]

Well how funny is that, I was just thinking about you Greg and you post a reply, we are connected :love2: :P :lol:

I was thinking, man this is what Greg Bradley has been enjoying for all these years at Bigga!! Sheesh, I'm playing catchup! Better late than never..its magical :)

Mike

[Derek Klepp]

Mike have been following this thread and really am enjoying it as all unfolds.Good luck with all your plans and remember as you spend more time there you may well need some solar observation gear as well.
Cheers Derek.

[strongmanmike]

Cheers Derek and good idea :thumbsup: and what a ride it has been so far too! I think about the place and the possibilities for the future, every hour of the day :) ...I'm a little over excited and a tad consumed...can you tell? I cant believe I have ended up in this situation :)

Mike

[strongmanmike]

Another spectacular night up here :eyepop: After 3 days of cloud and rain and after watching Penrith win the NRL Grand Final, well done Panthers! :thumbsup:...I decided to stick my head outside and see if the clouds had parted...well...Mamma Mia!! a beautiful crystal clear sky :eyepop: I thought hmmm?...I should set up the dob...I should have a squizz, I mean look at THAT!! :eyepop: :question:...meah too tired :sadeyes:...but I'll just check the SQM :D...:lol:....as suspected, all Zenith readings over 22 ..again :whistle: :)

Cant wait for the observatory :prey: Dome delivery is delayed, expected late Dec now :sadeyes: not Sidereal Tradings fault, Covid is affecting all international shipping :( :doh:.Oh well the rest of the observatory hasn't started yet so its probably a good thing, gives me time to build all the rest...and do more SQM readings :D :lol:

Decided to sleep in the lounge tonight, fire trickling along, blinds open, revealing that crystal clear southern sky, full of stars, out the huge window, to drift of to thoughts of the new observatory and what other adventures are still to come up here...

Mike

[xelasnave]

I read this at 2-30 am and went back to bed with happy thoughts.
Thanks for sharing your experiences.
Alex

[Startrek]

Mike,
I feel both your excitement and anxiety in waiting to receive your Dome
I bought my NexDome from Paul and Diego ( Sidereal ) June 2020 and from placement of order to the truck arriving took nearly 9 months
Patience is a virtue !!
It did give me time to design, double check and build the decking , piers etc... plus install underground power and data cabling, buy all the gear for the interior fit out etc.......
In the end , funny enough, it worked out really well
Also didn’t stop me from imaging either , I use to set up next to the decking and run a 20m power lead out
Hope your Dome arrives safe and sound ( that’s the main objective ) oh and with no missing parts or hardware !!
We all can’t wait to see your final observatory set up and running in early 2022
A video would be great too
Good luck with everything

Cheers
Martin

[strongmanmike]

N8ce to gear Alex...you will have to be a visitor someday :):thumbsup:



Yep, my thoughts exactly Martin.. while I was drifting off to sleep while looking 200, 000 lightyears out into the Universe last night...from inside our cosy loungeroom....:)

Beautiful day up here today too...off for another explore :hi:

Mike

[xelasnave]

I thought that would be great but such a long way then I was inspired by this.

https://youtu.be/5b676tGdvN4

Alex

[strongmanmike]

:lol:...although it didn't exactly exude safety :scared2: and I wouldn't want to be a passenger :scared:...that was very cool :thumbsup:...and yes, a great way to come up to Eagleview, see you soon ;)
Mike

[xelasnave]

A mate up here had one, he owned a 25,000 acre property that has been in the family for 5 generations and by using his gyro he was the first to see all of it.
All expected it would be his doom but happily he stopped flying it.
Alex

[strongmanmike]

Could use a drone, for next to nix, to do that these days :)

Mike

[bigjoe]

Wow..And I thought my 5 acre semi rural retreat at Castlereagh with house were nice..Looks like a dream Mike ..All the best
Bigjoe

[strongmanmike]

Well, funny you should say that Joe :whistle:...Castlereagh is about 55km from the Sydney CBD, so the last time Sydney had a population size the same as Canberra has today, was back at the end of the 19th century, so, had you been, I imagine a farmer (?), way out in what would have been regarded as the sticks then (and a full days travel by horse and cart from Circular Quay) in the 1890's, you would have certainly enjoyed Bortle class 1 skies and an SQM of 22+ from there too :D...especially given Sydney had far fewer lights per capita back then! It would have been a truly excellent dark sky :thumbsup:....but not from the vantage point of 1450m AMSL of course ;)

Mike

[Bobbyoutback]

Hello Mike .
First off ~ congratulations for buying such a wonderful property !
Next , I would be happy to pay a fee to be able to visit with a scope & camp .

Do hope that may be possible in the future ? :)

Cheers & Beers
Bobby

[strongmanmike]

Well Bobby...it's still early days but I do have a number of possibilities on my radar, such a site definitely needs to be shared somehow...:question: :thumbsup:

Mike

[RB]

Mike, Marc and I have invited ourselves up at Christmas time.
Houghy might come too.
I'm bringing a few cases of Guinness.

:D :lol:

[strongmanmike]

Aaaah, sigh.. Guinness and Cigars under the stars...those were the days.....

[multiweb]

:lol: I'm bringing cheese and crackers. :thumbsup:
... and my mount, and my scope, and my tent, and my sleeping bag, and...

[RB]

I'll bring the cigars too..... :lol:



I'm bringing all the kids and my grandson too. :family2:

If you bring the cheese and crackers I might even bring my Mumm (bottle)...

:rofl:

[multiweb]

Don't forget to bring the chooks. Especially the naughty ones. It's gonna be a blast. :evil:

[RB]

Okay...

:face:

[strongmanmike]

Weather permitting...Eagleview Observatory build starts this Saturday :prey: :cool:

I will be sure to post some shots :D

Plus..one possible future scenario, who knows..?..fun imagining anyway.. "Eagleview Deep Sky Park" :)

Mike

[astroron]

A mini CloudCraft.;)
I am sure to visit one day .
Great endeavour. :thumbsup:
Cheers:thumbsup:

[strongmanmike]

What's that..?

[gregbradley]

I'm excited for you Mike.

That's a great layout.

Greg.

[strongmanmike]

Seems this assessment above was a little inaccurate :doh:

It turns out that the SQM meter I had borrowed for these measurements, needs calibration. The IR filter that covers the sensor in the SQM meter, was frosted over, so this blocks some light from entering and causes higher than normal readings. So, if you own an SQM-L meter yourself, check that the IR filter over your sensor isn't a cloudy/creamy even blue clour (see attached photo), if it is, you have frosting inside it and it will give inaccurate readings, ie darker than reality.

I have since purchased another (second hand) SQM meter that is not frosted and in a couple of side by side comparisons so far, all be they (so far) not under quit as exceptional conditions as the magnificent night I enjoyed above, the unfrosted SQM meter returns readings on average about 0.3 mag/squ arc sec lower, give or take. As luck would have it..the second meter however has shown some intermittent issues too :scared: that has lead me to believe it too may also be faulty but in a different way, Maama Mia! :rolleyes:

I will do some more quantitative/comparison tests with fresh batteries but at this stage this revelation would suggest that on the beautifully dark, transparent sky I had on the night mentioned in my post above, the average reading at 1am that night, was probably closer to 21.90 with several readings hitting 22.00 or just over.

So while not quite as ridiculously incredible as first thought and who knows if the second SQM meter is even reading properly..?..this is still pretty awesome, so I am still over the Moon :)

This revelation sparked me to investigate properly just how one can accurately quantify their sky darkness, or is it indeed possible at all?...and it is clearly not that easy. There are many interpretations and descriptions of subjective analysis of the sky darkness available on the Net :eyepop:

On the night in question, after a snow front had passed through and it was obviously crystal clear and transparent, the main features that struck me and that stood out naked eye and suggested a truly dark sky was above me, were:

1) A bright Zodiacal Light triangle after sunset and before sunrise that reached all the way up to the Zenith

2) The full very faint Zodiacal bridge (see attached), following the entire ecliptic, was faintly visible, as was the Gegenschein.

3) The Milky Way was full of many and intricate high contrast dark lanes

4) The Milky Way was strikingly broad across its centre (a real wow factor), with an outer gossamer glow easily 45deg wide or more across its core

5) When overhead Milky Way cast an obvious shadow when I put out my hand

6) The sky had so many stars it was breathtaking

7) I could see globular clusters M22 and M4 and two stars in the Coal Sack, naked eye, comfortably.

8) The one light dome (Canberra) was subdued and its upper faintest extension low in the north

9) Once they had risen to the meridian, M31 and M33 were both visible.

So, reading the various descriptions in this detailed interpretation (https://www.cleardarksky.com/lp/ChrSprPkPAlp.html) and this one (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bortle_scale) of the dark sky Bortle scale levels and taking only theoretically perfect skies as Bortle level 1, I would probably put the sky that night at Eagleview comfortably into the Bortle scale at level 2 with a couple of elements of a level 1 site and certainly one of the very best skies (probably second best..?) I have ever observed under, in my 40 years of active astronomy :) I think the extra altitude helps a tad too?

Now, while fun to do (and I may do a little more analysis yet), t'is time to just enjoy the fantastic environment rather than trying to measure just how good it is :lol: :thumbsup:

Mike

[muletopia]

lak of photoMike,
In your sketch of your observatory I see the base for your dob is shown as rectangular.
Might I suggest as follows
:-cut the top out of a 44 gallon drum and then cut on third of the drum (top removed third
:- dig a circular trench, say 4 inches deep to receive the cut end of the drum
:-pack the trench to locate the drum so that the top is level
:- fill the drum nearly to the top with stones
:-top with cement and screed it to the drum rim


This size neatly fits Skywatcher dobs.
The photo just shows our drum in place
Chris
Bother the photo was too large

[strongmanmike]

A cool idea there Chris, thanks :thumbsup: I was considering pouring a small round slab actually...but because I am secretly hoping to get a larger Dob someday soon (maybe) :whistle:, thought I'd wait and see if that is just a pipe dream or not :question: :lol:

Mike

[multiweb]

That zodiacal bridge pic is really nice. I saw the Gegenschein at Coona one year but never seen a bright picture of it. You should start the "EagleFest" star party to finance "iEagle" telescope services in the near future.

[strongmanmike]

Yeah its a top shot taken from the Mangaia islands (Cook archipelago) by Petr Horálek.

I had vaguely identified the Gegenschein once before from around Adaminaby up in the snow high country as a teenager but I didn't see the full stretch of the Zodiacal bridge or band until I visited Tim Carruthers observatory, in way out, inland far north QLD, near Chilagoe, back in 2019. His skies are well and truly Bortle 1 there and the best I have ever been under, both features were very clear and obvious from there, just like the photo but minus the colour! I wasn't really expecting to be able to see them from Eagleview but on a couple of excellent transparent nights, as described above, I was indeed able to make them both out in the wee hours when they were overhead, it's like looking up and seeing two Milky Ways in the sky (one bright one faint), almost perpendicular to each other. From Chilagoe it was utterly spectacular and easy to see, from Eagleview not quite as obvious but certainly visible. :thumbsup:

I imagine these features might be visible from Wiruna on good nights too..?

Mike