Queensland Astrofest Update

[OneCosmos]

Hi everyone,


I have posted an update about the upcoming Queensland Astrofest on the main Astrofest web site: https://www.qldastrofest.org.au/


Please visit the site to check details. It is anticipated that the booking site will open on Friday 29th April and take place July 22nd - 31st July so please book your time off work now.


Chris

[h0ughy]

I want perfect skies and my usual bunk. Bgreat news Chris

[Spartacus]

Thanks for the update Chris, I will definitely be going. Thanks to the organising committee. Really looking forward to catching up with everyone again!!

Mike

[multiweb]

:lol: No pressure. I'm just glad to get the hell out of Sydney for a while. I have cobwebs on my mount. Tragic...

[Dennis]

You can actually remember where your mount is stored and what it looks like....:)

Cheers

Dennis

[h0ughy]

The g11 will get a workout with the redcat51. Looking forward to using your handiwork

[gaseous]

Thanks Chris, and everyone else involved. Great news.

[alan meehan]

Dont think i will be going this year:(

[OneCosmos]

Oh, that’s a real shame. Meeting new people is always good but Astrofest is at least as much as the annual catch-up with people you quite literally only see once a year.

[acropolite]

We might make it, 2013 was the last time we made the pilgrimage…

[h0ughy]

Ooohhhh has it been that long. The caravan making the trip Phil. Sounds like an adventure

[RB]

Wow, 2013?
Was that the time you dropped in for a visit Phil?

:)

[acropolite]

No I think it was earlier than that. We’ve made the trip 3 times from memory, the first in 2007. We usually hire a van from Brissy and use that for accomodation.

[OneCosmos]

OK peeps, check out https://www.qldastrofest.org.au/ for the latest update including dates, prices and current (but not yet complete) raffle prize list.

[h0ughy]

Tick tick tick

[multiweb]

I think you have the early bird price backward on the website table :question:

[OneCosmos]

How funny. You're quite right and now updated.

[OneCosmos]

Minor update. The booking site will now go live sometime on Saturday 30th April.

Please do, however, checkout https://www.qldastrofest.org.au/ once more and click on the names of the sponsors in the prize table to read the company profiles I have prepared for each one.

Actually I’ll add them here for a wider audience:

https://www.qldastrofest.org.au/celestron-2022/
https://www.qldastrofest.org.au/skywatcher-2022/
https://www.qldastrofest.org.au/testar-2022/
https://www.qldastrofest.org.au/palmway-optical-2022/
https://www.qldastrofest.org.au/astro-anarchy-2022/
https://www.qldastrofest.org.au/bintel-2/

Now added AstroAnarchy and Bintel. Prize value currently sitting at $13,601.98

Chris

[OneCosmos]

Astrofest registration starts tomorrow! I have also put up a few basic pointers for booking on the https://qldastrofest.org.au site.

[multiweb]

Saturday what time? :) I can already picture H0ughy pressing the refresh key repeatedly at midnight onwards. :lol:

[OneCosmos]

:lol::lol: I deliberately didn’t say a time because I don’t yet know the time as I’m not managing the site. What will be, will be.

[gaseous]

I've already gotten on to the site and booked my camping spot, pending confirmation of payment. Seems to be up and running already?

[h0ughy]

Well I have an announcement, I will not be attending this year's astrofest as I have to have cateract surgery. :help:

[OneCosmos]

Perhaps if you found the URL but I don’t think the link is published yet?

[OneCosmos]

Well now, that’s a shame but fixing your vision should probably take precedence.

[gaseous]

They sent me an email saying my order had been accepted, but I'll see what transpires.

[h0ughy]

Thanks Chris, when they told me on Friday I was gutted. I knew I blew my chance for astrofest, but I would be Mr Magoo otherwise. With me not there it should be Crystal clear:hi:

[AstroJunk]

In your case for sure! I hope you treat yourself to a monster dob to celebrate your new clarity of vision :thumbsup:

[h0ughy]

I may have to loose some to gain some. 11 inch Rasa and setup probably. Have to pay for it somehow. But that's another story;). I hope everyone has a. Great time and look forward to next time. Well done to the committee for getting it back up:thumbsup:. Australia's premier astronomy celebration:D, not biased one bit. Still I'm looking forward to finding out who will be the biggest tosser this year:lol:;)

[OneCosmos]

If you haven’t already seen AF registration opens at 15:00 today.

[DaveO]

Registration is now open.

[OneCosmos]

I'm pleased to announce that UNIFY Solutions, my employer has agreed to be Gold sponsors for this year's Astrofest (a prize of $1500+), which makes two IT companies so far supporting the event (SailPoint are the other).



I have added the UNIFY company profile https://www.qldastrofest.org.au/unify-solutions/


Perhaps this paves the way for other IT companies to sponsor the event. Many of you reading this will be working for IT companies, please do consider approaching them to be sponsors and feel free to pass on my details, (pm me for email if you don't have it).


I will happily write a company profile which endeavours to relate their business to Astrofest.

[OneCosmos]

Now we can add Optolong to the list of sponsors who have provided 3 filters to a value of over $1200.

That brings the total number of sponsors to date to 9 and between them anywhere from 13 to 17 individual prizes of significant value each.


Please do start buying raffle tickets. Sponsors have really responded generously and it is the only way the event covers costs and builds a reserve which can then be put to good use - especially as next year is the 30th anniversary of the event.

[OneCosmos]

It’s a good job Astrofest isn’t this week!

[multiweb]

Camp duckadingdong might want to start a ferry service as a side business. Good money making opportunity methink. ;)

[OneCosmos]

I’ll mention it to them. I hope you are already booked for Astrofest?

[thunderchildobs]

I went to Duckadang today. Just in case anyone had concerns from the floods, the road from Moore to the camp is fine. No cross country detours this year.

[multiweb]

Sure am. :stargaze:

[glenc]

This list contains 171 DSO south of Declination +52.
There are 52 Gxy, 40 GC, 33 PN, 27 Neb and 19 OC.
They are arranged from the end of astronomical twilight at 6:40pm to the start of it at 5:15am.

Most of them were discovered by
James Dunlop 38 objects
William Herschel 34
Messier 22
Lacaille 14
John Herschel 10
Mechain 10

[OneCosmos]

Fantastic. Thank you.

Just over 3 weeks to go now!

[OzEclipse]

Thanks Chris,
You just had to jinx it didn't you....:lol:

https://www.news.com.au/national/queensland/dangerous-double-rain-systems-zero-in-on-queenslands-north-and-east/news-story/52cea494c7ea354cafba693aed1bd963

[Drac0]

Well we had a holiday trip to Queensland visiting family planned for this time but due to circumstances it has to be put off for a month so I'll miss Astrofest. Will have to have my own little one when I get up there, we'll be out west of Gympie (about 150km north of Duckadang) so plenty of dark skies. Hope everyone who can make it has a fantastic time.

[OneCosmos]

I have provided a further update on the qldastrofest site. I need to confirm when online sales finish, but you can appreciate that once the committee are at Duckadang accessing the internet and the bank account is intermittent to non-existent. If you are planning to book anything online therefore you would be well advised to do so earlier rather than later.



The main point of the update though was to remind you all that anyone over 30 can now have their Second Covid booster and it would be prudent to do so prior to Astrofest starting - preferably this week - mine is tomorrow.


You could also consider bringing RAT tests with you just in case they are needed.


It is way too early to know what the weather will be like but I have never known an event with no clear skies at all. In fact the very first one I ever attended was 2010 and that year we had several days of torrential downpour, but still enough clear skies to go away very happy.



The number of bookings is healthy, but below previous years I believe. No doubt conerns over Covid and also the cost have impacted decisions. I'm sure a few of you are just waiting until the last minute to book and we may see a flurry of activity in the next week.


There are around 500 raffle tickets sold so far, which is certainly far short on previous years, BUT I don't really think more than a handful have ever sold prior to the event. Online purchases have made that possible this year. The revenue from those tickets though remains far below the value of the prizes so please buy more at the event and you might be very happy you did.


Last week UNIFY purchased their prizes worth $1500 and details are on the qldastrofest website.


It will, I'm sure be a wonderful event. I will be posting details imminently about the main speaker.

[glend]

Just a reminder for NSW residents, who are Seniors or pensioners, you are entitled to the NSW Seniors Travel card,. This card can be used to buy petrol, to the value of $250. This could go along way towards paying for your drive to Qld. You can apply online through Service NSW, and the card arrives within a few days, already activated.

[OneCosmos]

I am delighted to announce that this year we are most fortunate that Dr Vanessa Moss, Radio Astronomer at CSIRO has agreed to be the main speaker on Saturday 30th July.


Please refer to the link below for her biography and talk title and abstract.


https://www.qldastrofest.org.au/speakers/

[OuterObsession]

Question: I'm one of the late bookers who wasn't able to confirm attendance and book until Yesterday (12th).

Is there an ETA on when our bookings will be confirmed?
I'm in no rush, just curious :)

[multiweb]

Got my 4th booster yesterday. Pfizer. No side effects what so ever. I just crave ASAHI a little more than usual. :cheers:

[RB]

That's not due to the booster....

:lol:

[multiweb]

Mumm's the word.

[OneCosmos]

Tony is the registrar and will confirm once he checks the bank account to see the money arrived.

[RobF]

Martin and I booked in for Sun through Sat :D :cheers: :jump:

[OuterObsession]

Ok I seem to be confused, I was going to transfer payment but at the end of the email I received I read: "We look forward to confirming your order soon. Please do not transfer payment until the order is confirmed by the Registrar."

Am I waiting for a second email or do I just transfer the amount after placing my booking?

[h0ughy]

Be very careful of moonburn when celebrating pre dawn . :thumbsup:

[OzEclipse]

I wrote them almost exactly the same question.

Wait for the second email. They need to review your order, confirm they have camping/dorm space for you, then they will confirm the order & ask you to make payment.

Joe

[OuterObsession]

:thumbsup:

Thanks that clarifies a lot. I've received a second email now indicating that my order is being processed but makes no suggestion that I should proceed to pay yet. I'm assuming that the email in question will specifically instruct me when to pay?

I'm sure the organisers are just busy so I'll be patient.

[OneCosmos]

It is certainly a busy time for the Registrar but I acknowledge the process doesn’t appear to be intuitive although there is rhyme to reason. The thinking goes like this:

If you booked and the site said ‘thank you now please pay x to this bank account’ and you followed immediately with payment there is a chance that either the person booking made a mistake or what they requested isn’t actually still available. For example if you booked to bring a caravan for a particular block of nights the system doesn’t actually know if there are any sites left. We may be selling something we can’t deliver and refunds/changes are required which is a pain. So, when you first book it is in a holding state waiting for the registrar to review it. Once all ok they send an email requesting payment. At this stage it is still only processing and only becomes confirmed when payment is received. More specifically when the registrar gets around to noticing which probably depends on how frequently he has time to check the bank.

[OneCosmos]

When I went to get my 4th shot the doctor said because I had Covid 3 weeks ago I already have as good or better immunity now than the shot which is based on the original ‘Asahi’ variant. I must have had the ‘Stone and Wood’ variant!

[OneCosmos]

The committee knows this is an extremely late reminder, but there are still a few days to act for those interested and able to do so.


if you would like to enter the Erwin van der Velden Astro-Photo Competition it is imperative that you send your entries to the Registrar prior to Wednesday morning.


The entries do not need to be super high resolution (and in fact best not), it is after all only going to be displayed on a monitor.


The rules normally that state that the images should be taken either at the previous Astrofest or any time during that year. Obviously AF hasn't happened for the past twice so entries can be from any time since the last Astrofest in 2019. For details of the rules, please visit:


https://www.qldastrofest.org.au/astro-photo-competition-rules/


Thanks.

[RobF]

Do we really still have to print them A4 Chris? That's the main reason I usually don't bother - would be so easy to just email a jpg.

[OneCosmos]

No, the images will be displayed in rotation on a monitor in the refectory for voting. So send entries to registrar@qldastrofest.org.au


Chris

[OneCosmos]

If anyone from the Gold Coast is planning to come to Astrofest can you please PM me?

[glenc]

Can cars go to the bunk houses to unload?

[multiweb]

Hey Chris, quick question for us Southerners bringing up the pestilence from the wintery plains ;) Let's say if for some reason we're deemed a risk coz we have a runny nose or test positive on a RAT while there and we get ejected as per the TOC in the printed booklet of the star party do we get some kind of money refund for the remainder we where supposed to be there? :question: I mean prepaid food and accommodation.

[OuterObsession]

One more question:

My booking is still being processed (seems to be a little more complicated than previous bookings I've made), what happens / what should I do if I haven't heard any additional updates after July 19th?

From the last email I received they just wanted some additional details but it seemed like all systems go. Still haven't gotten the go ahead to transfer funds :(

Cheers,
Jameson

[OzEclipse]

Marc,
The answer to your question is already answered, printed in the COVID-19 section of the Astrofest guide that was emailed today.

COVID-19
Omicron BA.4/5 is the currently
dominant variant in Queensland and
Australia. In response we strongly
recommend that all participants are
symptom free and if they have
experienced any contact with a
positive COVID-19 case in the
preceding 14 days to: 1) Have no
symptoms and a clear Rapid Antigen
Test (RAT) before attending., and 2)
Wear a P2/N95 mask while in
proximity of others.
The committee will ensure there is
hand sanitiser at key locations, and a
small supply of RAT’s and masks.
All attendees are strongly
encouraged to wear a P2/N95 mask
when in proximity of others. If
symptoms develop, the person is to
isolate immediately and take a RAT. If
the result is positive, the affected
person is to leave as soon as
practicably possible.
Remember, if you have any
symptoms at all before attending you
should not attend, even with a clear
RAT. Influenza and RSV are equally
devastating in the close confines of
Camp Duckadang. In this event
accommodation fees will be
refunded. Any meals purchased has
already been paid to Lions Camp
Duckadang, refunding of those costs
will need to be taken up with their
management team.

Cheers
Joe

[OneCosmos]

Yes they can

[OneCosmos]

Processing usually means the money hasn’t arrived in the account but assuming you transferred it, Tony, the registrar will be able to track it down ok. Don’t worry though and turn up if you know you have paid -we’ll sort it. I’ll mention it to Tony.

[thunderchildobs]

As at 7:55pm today, I haven't received the Astrofest Guide that was emailed out.
Speaking with Tony (registrar) he said if you haven't received the Guide, could you email him at registrar@qldastrofest.org.au

Brendan

[QLD_Astrofest]

Thanks Brendan. You should have received it now. I missed a tranche of email addresses last night.

[thunderchildobs]

Thanks, got it now.

[QLD_Astrofest]

I anyone would like to enter the Erwin van der Velden Astro-photography Competition, please send an electronic copy to registrar@qldastrofest.org.au.

Yes... I know it is short notice.

I had let this job go and didn't put any attention to it until now.

CONDITIONS:
1. The competition is open to all registrants to the Queensland Astrofest.

2. Your entry must have been taken at or since the Queensland Astrofest 2019.

3. You may enter up to three entries in each category: 1. Through a telescope (greater than 400mm), or 2. Non-telescope (up to (400mm).

4. There is no need to print the photo as in previous years, electronic images only.

5. The electronic image only needs to be a maximum 1900 x 1200 as they will be displayed on TV monitors in the Dining Hall.

Cheers

[QLD_Astrofest]

The Queensland Astrofest registration page is now closed.

If you were planning to take part, you are now not able to book online. People will still be able to come to the Astrofest and register on-site, but there are no van spaces left, camping is limited, but there are still bunks available.

REMEMBER THERE IS NO MOBILE SERVICE TO ACCESS YOUR BANKING INSTITUTION... PLEASE BRING CASH.

We cannot offer any more catered meals as the Camp Duckadang management has taken the numbers already booked so they can order stock. If you intend to attend the Astrofest from this time on, please plan to self cater at the camp kitchen in the Rotunda.

Cheers
QLD Astrofest Registrar.

[QLD_Astrofest]

That's a big call Chris. My understanding is that the Camp manager does not want to have traffic past the bollards at Rubie House. Some vehicles will be allowed to enter such as the set-up crew, Cold-room, rubbish run etc, but generally he does not want any vehicles entering.

I expect that there will some people to give you a hand Glen if you put your hand up.

[OneCosmos]

Mis-communication and we might not therefore know until the day but whilst Andrew, the manager, certainly did say he didn’t want constant traffic I also recall him understanding that some equipment just cannot easily be carried all that way and unloading was ok.

We’ll confirm with Andrew on Wednesday.

Chris

[h0ughy]

Best wishes and clear skies

[OuterObsession]

All sorted now and payment sent off.
I understand how busy it gets at this time so thanks everyone for the help.

[QLD_Astrofest]

All camping and van sites are full from Thursday to the final Saturday at this years Queensland Astrofest. There are 7 camping and van sites - mostly unpowered - available for the first weekend, and 4 sites up until Wednesday.

Lower bunks are full for the last weekend, but there is availability from Sunday to Wednesday. All upper bunks are available every night.

Here's hoping for clear skies!

[QLD_Astrofest]

Due to a bequest from a deceased estate, the Queensland Astrofest has a sizable amount of equipment for sale. Much of it is in pristine condition, and there are many adapters and fittings produced by the donor, who was very handy with a metal lathe. We have priced the items as fairly as possible, e.g. none of the as-new items are more that 75% current retail value. But we do have a selection if items that we have no idea what they are/used/made for. Of course there are many items that are discontinued, but undoubtedly in use and able to be used in the astronomical community… and some not.

An extensive list has been curated to the best of our ability and the items will be on display at Registration (Rubie) House at this years Queensland Astrofest. If intending to purchase be aware there is no mobile service, so either bring cash or be prepared to take a drive to Linville or Moore to access internet banking.

[QLD_Astrofest]

Likely to be radio silence for the next couple of days.

See you there?

[multiweb]

Ah cool. Just got the PDF now :thumbsup:
Who are the food powers to be though. I guess we'll have to ask onsite? :question:

[multiweb]

Gonna take it slow on the road. Looks like it's gonna be bucketing down this week.:eyepop:

[Camelopardalis]

Yep drive safe everyone!

Weather is looking a bit wet tomorrow and Friday, but looking promising for next week :D

[glenc]

Clear skies start Sat night
https://clearoutside.com/forecast/-26.84/152.27

Temps down to 2C.
https://www.weatherzone.com.au/qld/wide-bay-and-burnett/linville

[QLD_Astrofest]

Welcome to the start of 2022 Qld Astrofest

There have been many changes over our two years away, that includes a new Camp manager. This means a few layout changes and request for patience and flexibility from attendees.

The site grass is very soft due to the last year of rain, recent rain has made patches boggy hence the car restrictions. Cars have specific paths to follow so please see registration before driving in to unpack gear.
We have one flat bed trolley and a standard trolley for you to use. All parking is to be outside the camp along the road. The next door paddock is too wet and overgrown. Please park diagonally to fit the maximum number of cars.

We have the usual road works on all major bridges from Brisbane. Please drive to lowered speed limits as some spots are being repaired from the recent floods.

Be careful just before Linville. The water filled pot holes are very deep. Do not aim for them and slow down to 40!

Beware of escaped cattle and kangaroos going feeding on the green verges of the road. I have seen them two days straight, just after the Linville bridge.

As with most of regional Queensland, rodents are an issue at the camp. Make sure all food is secured and close all doors when possible to keep them out of the houses.

Wild deer have become a problem in the area. The site gate will be closed at night to prevent a local group invading.

Daily Meal catering numbers are fixed. No flexibility unfortunately for unexpected arrivals. Please bring all your food if you have not pre-booked. We have gas cookers and microwave in the rotunda kitchen.

Monday 25th at 11.00 am is the absolute latest date for AstroFeast meal bookings. Please email registrar@qldastrofest.org.au well before this time and payment can be made at camp. If you have not booked before this time we are unable to fit you in.

Rain is currently around the camp. Skippy Sky says clear nights will start Sat/Sun and stay for the rest of the week!
We have no camping available on either Sat/Sun, some Mon - Wed.

As with all years there plenty of upper bunks available the whole time.

Covid has significantly impacted many of our lives and is a particular concern at camp. Please do not attend if you feel sick. We will refund your accommodation 100% if sick, you will need to talk to Duckadang about meal purchase refunds. If you begin to feel unwell, please immediately wear a mask and start to pack up, notify committee and we will help keep you isolated and or return home if possible.

Please Wear masks at all times if you are able to. Registration will be outside Rubie house. Please remember to keep distancing. Alcohol sanitation is available everywhere around the camp. Please use it. We don’t want this to be a super spreader event.

The donated items we have for sale are in Rubie house. We will be limiting access to 4 people at any one time. Please bring a mask to wear inside. We will have a limited supply of surgical masks if you don’t have one. Purchases can be made by cash or bank transfers. Pick up of items can be made once payment is received.

Hope to see you all soon. If not this year then next year!

See Facebook post for photos!
https://www.facebook.com/380743622043543/posts/pfbid02Bc46dfLVNHV1ATySvEwVhJsyZxix Wquz7RJHzGto8JYVWrfUjBuNhBLDM8r8tRE Kl/?d=n

[QLD_Astrofest]

Hi all Registrants,

As most are aware the weather has be closing in on South-East Queensland. We have been informed by management (Andrew) at Lions Camp Duckadang that vehicle access on the site is prohibited for at least two days after the rain stops. Avoca Creek, which is opposite the gates of the Camp, is flowing and rising. Andrew has informed us that if that rises more, the river crossings below the Camp and at Mount Stanley Crossing #1 Somerset Regional Council - Flood Cameras will be cut off. There is a lot of water in the upper catchment and any rainfall is likely to cause issues and cut off the roads. With this in mind the Committee has come to the difficult decision to delay the start of the Astrofest until Tuesday 26th July. This is contingent to local conditions and Camp management advice. We are constantly reviewing the situation and will provide a further update on the morning of Monday 25th. You need to be aware that even if are able to make it to the event, there is a potential that if rains fall in the catchment above Camp Duckadang you may find you will be prevented from leaving for several days.

The lower camping area is very sodden and has become unusable. We have decided that the Visual Observing Field has will not be used as its traditional purpose and we have been allowed to have caravans, campers and tents to occupy this area instead. This will mean the visual observers and imagers will need to share the remaining space. As a result everyone will need to make adjustments and be respectful and courteous to one another. Due to the current ground conditions and we also request everyone to assist their fellow registrant to help move their equipment.

We understand that those who have booked for the first four days of Astrofest will have questions about refunds for accommodation and food. The Committee is working through what process to implement, further updates on this matter will follow at a later date.

Sincerely

Tony Surma-Hawes
Registrar
QLD Astrofest
www.qldastrofest.org.au

[AstroJunk]

Good call. I know It's a frustrating year for weather but but with the ground already saturated, we would turn that place into a quagmire trampling the grass in these conditions. Hopefully things will improve in a few days as this rain front passes.

[h0ughy]

Just saying there are some that are travelling to astrofest who may discover the changes too late

[glend]

It could be worse, have you seen the photos of the Splendor in the Grass Festival at Byron Bay?

[AstroJunk]

I hope they have brought a boat!

Seriously though, if anyone knows of someone on the road right now, please phone them and tell them that Duckadang has been cut off by the rains and to seek accommodation and safety on higher ground tonight. There is a free camp and pub with warmth, food and beds in Linville.

The rains have stopped for the forseeable future and hopefully the river levels will drop in hours not days...

[QLD_Astrofest]

Yeah... we know...

[Zubenel]

This adds serious weight to the already rumoured change of venue . I was genuinely disappointed to find out a few weeks back that the place was booked out for the last Friday & Saturday nights for caravan places. (The Paddock North was available pre-Covid) ( yes Chris told me that bunks were available but we are facing the 3rd Covid wave and I would not want to add to that if I didn't have too with shared food prep facilities etc ). Also the cost per night is getting too much for some as well as the trees are continuing to grow and growing light pollution issues as well. All not good.
Some where like Boondooma with a very low horizon albeit a few hours drive for Bris would be great with Genuine B1 skies!!!
That's my 2 cents worth!. This coming Sunday to Wednesday looks like clear skies. Hope the river has dropped for those wanting to get in and out for that matter. Cheers :thumbsup:

[QLD_Astrofest]

Hmmm...

Can't post images, says i'm missing a security token.

[QLD_Astrofest]

Hi Wes,

There have been issues with van space for a number of years. Before about 2017 Lions Camp Duckadang was not rated for vans and we just allocated spaces as we saw fit. The Council has placed limits on the spaces, and that is what we have to work with. Previously we had live availability updates on our website and people realised they needed to book to get a spot. We currently don't have that capability, and the last Astrofest sufficiently long ago that we have forgotten the limitations.

[multiweb]

Made it swimming frog style. :thumbsup:
Right side of the river. Where the coffee is.

[QLD_Astrofest]

https://eservices.somerset.qld.gov.au/roadclosures/mountstanley.jpg#10:01:27%20PM

[Tilt]

Gee, the water level is high this morning, at least the rain has come to an end. I guess depending on how much rain fell in the catchment areas will determine what happens at the crossing.

[AstroJunk]

It looks like the camera is currently outputting that same image from sometime yesterday. I hope it fixes itself soon.

[glenc]

Road Camera
https://eservices.somerset.qld.gov.au/floodcams/?cam=mountstanley#1

[QLD_Astrofest]

We have just been to the causeway below the camp for the group photo. The river has dropped substantially since this morning... we can now see the guide posts.

[glenc]

The path of Comet 2017 K2 PANSTARRS in Oph at 9pm for the next week from Guide 9.1
https://apod.nasa.gov/apod/ap220721.html

[QLD_Astrofest]

The crossing below the camp has dropped to 200mm over the road at 08:00. There is still water over Mt Stanley Crossing #1. Hopefully the crossings will be clear late today or tomorrow. Weather predictions tell us that there should be no rain so the chances of further flooding is minimal.

We have just received police advice that the road from Moore is clear and no large potholes. The river crossings are navigable by large vehicles and four wheel drives only - small or light vehicles are not recommended.

Check the link posted by @glenc before deciding your actions. Our advice remains: If it's flooded - Forget it, and drive safely to the conditions.

Further update tomorrow morning.

[multiweb]

Some pics.

[AdamJL]

Awesome, Marc. Is that your astro tent?

[multiweb]

Yes my green igloo :)
Nice night tonight. Bit wet but no fog and fairly steady sky. :thumbsup:

[AdamJL]

Fantastic. Enjoy the trip and the skies :)

[OuterObsession]

Well I had a fun drive up yesterday. Campervan broke down at Kilcoy - oil got out somewhere 😬

Did some solar observing in the car park while we waited 6 hours for the tow truck.

Hopefully it's something small and the mechanic in Kilcoy can fix 🤞

Such a shame because last night looked soo good.

[multiweb]

Morning visitor.

[AdamJL]

^ dinner sorted

[multiweb]

Enough for Astrofeast.:lol:

[AdamJL]

Oh deer... :lol:

[RB]

I hope that Vixen’s polar aligned.
Where’s Lewis when you need him?
He’s probably already listed it on IceTrades...

:lol:

[h0ughy]

he didn't have enough doe for it

[h0ughy]

And I bet Tony tried to lock horns

[RB]

Can’t argue with that.
Houghy Blitzed it.

:reindeer:

[acropolite]

Looks line a lonely place compared with the past, I suspect due the empty real estate that h0ughy normally occupies. I had planned to travel up this year but somehow forgot to plan the trip and given the terrible weather probably a blessing. Keep the happy snaps coming please…:)

[multiweb]

Actually every night from Sunday onwards has been clear and a few very good in term of seeing. It's still clear tonight.

[glenc]

Chris Cox kindly shared his 28" telescope with everyone

[alan meehan]

looks like you guys are enjoying some clear skies and theres a comet as well i will be in qld next week myself but not at astrofest going to my sons new property in Murgon

[gaseous]

If they taste anything like they smell, I think there would be plenty of leftovers. I was patting it, trying to get it out the front gate with Andrew the manager, and "aromatic and penetrating" would best describe its smell in a kindly manner.

[OzEclipse]

Thanks to Chris, Tony, Anne-Louise, Dennis and Anthony for putting on a great event under some difficult circumstances. There was an enormous amount of work that went into running this event so I’d just like to express my appreciation for all their hard work.

Congratulations guys!

Joe Cali

[QLD_Astrofest]

Group photo from the first weekend with the flooded Brisbane River in the background. From left to right: Irwin Bischoff, Brendan Downs, Tony Surma-Hawes (firstlight, Registrar), Geoff Simpson, Marc Aragnou (multiweb), Denis Audet (Committee), Chris Cox (OneCosmos, Chairman), Patrick Madden.

[strongmanmike]

Now that would'a given some fine views, I am sure! :thumbsup:

Mike

[OneCosmos]

It most certainly did. The Veil nebula was a spectacular sight to behold. I'd also like to thank Glen for introducing me to any number of beautiful planetary nebulae.


Chris

[strongmanmike]

Can imagine! The first time I looked at the Veil seriously (always looked pretty meah the other couple of times I had given it a cursory glance), was back in 2019, through a 24" F4.2 under perfect (literally) dark skies out at Chillagoe 3hrs west of Cairns, it nearly blew me off the ladder, it was great fun scanning around the entire photographic expanse..was like a deep B&W image!

Mike

[OzEclipse]

The view was quite superb and with the extra aperture and Chris adding a nebula filter, the structure really stood out incredibly well.
Joe

[glenc]

Which images won the Erwin van der Velden Astro-photography Competition?

[multiweb]

Joe Cali cleaned the field. He won the three prizes.

[glenc]

Thanks Marc

[QLD_Astrofest]

Congratulations to Joe Cali for the EvdV trophy for Telescope.

[QLD_Astrofest]

Joe Cali makes it 2 from 2 - EvdV trophy - Non-Telescope.

[QLD_Astrofest]

Clean sweep! Joe Cali with Best of the ‘Fest.

[QLD_Astrofest]

Sorry guys, had a few thing on our plate and didn’t get around to posting the results. But we got there.

Cheers
Tony

[glenc]

Thanks Tony

[QLD_Astrofest]

First Saturday Group Photo... What a motley crew we were!

[QLD_Astrofest]

Second Saturday Group Photo... I even made a cameo (with the help of Photoshop). Spot the odd one out.

[h0ughy]

Not wrong a couple of rejects there:rofl:

[h0ughy]

You seem to have your own sun;)

[firstlight]

Yes... Had to leave camp early on medical ground and under vigorous protest.

Bitterly disappointed I was not there for the end.

And no... I will not let it go!

[Camelopardalis]

Was definitely vigorous something :P

You were missed Tony, but your fair lady makes for a worthy substitute, should we have to chose :D

[firstlight]

Lets be honest... If there is a choice between Anne-Louise and myself for ANYTHING... Anne-Louise would be chosen.

Except maybe mucking out the cesspool.

[QLD_Astrofest]

Prize pool with great thanks to all our Sponsors.

[Camelopardalis]

:rofl::rofl::rofl:

[QLD_Astrofest]

Hi Queensland Astrofest Registrants and friends,

We are conducting a survey of Queensland Astrofest registrants to gauge how the Astrofest went this year, and how or if there can be improvements. Closing date for the survey is the 5th of September, so please take the time to help us make the experience even better. Please feel free to pass this link to others you might know who are, or have been, regular attendees but may not have been this year.

Follow this link: https://forms.gle/WYYr4F9933mptv6p8

UPDATE...UPDATE...UPDATE

I have already received some feedback, from some sent the survey directly, that there may be some ambiguities or contrary options to some questions in this survey. We need to record any concerns you might have. If you have completed the survey, please address your concerns to both registrar@qldastrofest.org.au and chair@qldastrofest.org.au.

If you have yet to submit the survey, please use the free text space in the last question to outline any concerns. I am unsure what the character limitation may be involved, so addressing your concerns to the above email addresses remains if it is not sufficient.

Thank-you for your patience.

Sincerely

Tony Surma-Hawes
Registrar
QLD Astrofest
www.qldastrofest.org.au

[QLD_Astrofest]

Ok... Just completed the Gerald Award graphics.

Many regular attendees of the Queensland Astrofest will remember with fondness another regular, Gerald Sargent. Gerald used to set up his equipment in the Rubie/Vollyball/Rotunda triangle. Several of Gerald's key attributes were his ingenuity, eye for quality equipment, and fastidious accuracy. But sometimes his ingenuity would see the birth of some... lets just say... dodgy artifacts?

Other key traits of his were the myriad of cables seeming to stream endlessly from his equipment into his hutch nearby, and from the open hutch, red light streaming onto the Imager's Field. He was held with great affection by all who met him.

Sometime around 2012 he told me that soon he wouldn't be able to attend many more Astrofests as it was getting difficult to pack and unpack his equipment. Not long after, his prophecy manifested and he no longer attended.

After the 2019 Queensland Astrofest I was determined to track him down, if only to confirm his name on the Roll of Honour if he had passed. To my joy and great luck, I visited his house in the last week he was there before moving into assisted retirement care. His daughter Helen was ecstatic to meet one of his friends from his astronomical interests, and ushered me in to have tea with him.

Honestly he looked as had when I last saw him at Astrofest as he did not look a day over 250. But age catches up with us all, even this Methuselah, and he was much frailer. I could tell that he thought I was familiar, but he truly did not remember me, but that is the way of it... I was just another of the hundreds he met at the Queensland Astrofest over the years, but there could only be one Gerald.

Gerald was just shy of his 92nd birthday on the 22nd April 2020, when he died among his wife and family, peacefully and gently. I was honored to accept by an invitation from his daughter Helen to attend his memorial service. I learned a lot about him that day as his family spoke about his travels through his work in geo-sciences and resources exploration. How once he and his pilot once held the record for the highest landing in a helicopter during one of his exploration jobs, and that he was a keen radio technician. I was also able to share his astronomy aspect to his friends and family.

There are many stories that we can share about him, and I hope that many who knew him will share some in this thread. One of my first encounters with Gerald was just before the end of an Astrofest and I realised that I didn't have a copy of Microsoft Office to complete some award certificates for that evening. Gerald overheard me and called me over and gave me a "Gold" copy of the suite, saying to me in his dignified English voice "Take this, they ask too much money for their software!" One of my last memories is of him was walking back from the vendor sales with a pile of booty in his hands.

We had decided to commemorate Gerald by creating an award in his honour for Astrofest 2020. Something that invokes his presence, but also something tongue-in-cheek. The Geralds Award (or simply The Gerald) pays homage to his light and cable management... or antithesis... and his ingenuity. Of course COVID put paid to 2020 and 2021, but we had already decided that Anthony Grimshaw with his Astro Management Box was the antithesis of Gerald's cable management and a worthy recipient of the inaugural Gerald Award.

For the 2022 "Gerald" I felt, and his daughter Helen agreed, that Scott Payne's Steam Punk Astro-Box embodied Gerald's ingenuity and old-world charm. In fact Helen said that Scott must have been channeling her father, which I'm sure all would agree.

Congratulations Anthony and Scott.

[h0ughy]

That's fantastic news Tony. Worthy recipients.

My memories of Gerald also include his lights and unfortunately once when he readjusted my polar alignment by tripping over my mounts leg. I do remember one night when he was fiddling live on the field with the soldering iron and he fell over one of his own cables backwards. We all were extremely concerned for him and rushed to his aid . But in a calm and gentle voice he assured us he was ok and continued on. His lights were of supernova standard candle, and you knew when he left the field . He was a fantastic bloke who genuinely had a heart of gold and a hutch with everything including the kitchen sink. He did repair one of my dew heaters one evening after my 1000 oaks dew heaters became a 750 be oaks. Quite Simply he was missed on the field when he could no longer attend astrofest.

[AdamJL]

That's a really nice story, and two very worthy winners as well :)