ABC Landline Episode on Astrotourism

[glend]

Just caught the Landline (ABC) episode on astro tourism. Likely a repeat of a 2019 episode on this subject, never the less, Highly recommended. Western Australia actually has an Astro Tourism official who is promoting overseas visitors coming into outback WA to see the stars that perhaps they have never been able to see from their home. Sadly, satellite pollution does get a mention, with estimates of up to 20 times the current density within a decade. Worth watching. ****

https://youtu.be/mOQiwUFPp1o

[Crater101]

Hadn't seen that, thanks for the heads up!

[AstroViking]

Thanks for that. Now I want to head across to WA and enjoy the clear skies...

If you go looking on the WA Tourism website you can find plenty of info about astro-tourism. They have a map showing observing locations, dark sky sites and which towns are 'astro-friendly'.

(And yes, the video was from 2019. If you scroll down a bit, the YouTube description said it was uploaded "3 years ago".)

Cheers,
V

[Crater101]

I saw that - but then, I've always been a bit behind the times. :rolleyes:

[OzEclipse]

I just got back from WA. Even nights when I camped out in the middle of nowhere, no LP nearby, skies were not great compared to what I remember when doing fieldwork in WA in the early 90's. I think there was a lot of dust in the air. MW wasn't very bright. I didn't see any WOW skies on the whole trip despite spending multiple nights in remote locations. I am comparing it to my skies out here in central west (CW) NSW outside of Young NSW where skies vary from eye-popping excellent to meh depending upon airborne dust and other particles.

You'd be better off heading out to Western VIC or SW NSW or CW NSW.

Holy snapping fluffyducks, it's a long drive to WA and back for no real improvement over what's available locally.

Joe

[muletopia]

Joe,I say it is a long drive to NSW/VIc, we don't all live in the Eastern states.
Chris

[EpickCrom]

I can vouch for our awesome dark skies here in WA!

From the outskirts of Mt Magnet the pitch black, clear and steady skies were a revelation. The Milky way cast faint diffuse shadows and mag 6 stars could be seen rising right on the horizon!

I can't wait for my next trip there:eyepop:

Clear Skies
Joe

[OzEclipse]

Chris & Joe,

I think you both misunderstood my post.

The poster I was replying to, see quote, is from Victoria. I wasn't saying the skies are no good in WA, I said they are no better than outback NSW or western Victoria and worse than I recall from 30 years ago. Outback NSW or western Victoria are a LOT closer to Astroviking (Steve).

Similarly, I would not suggest that West Australians come to outback NSW, SA or west Victoria for the dark skies. I am saying the skies are no better in WA than in dark areas of the eastern states.

Joe

[EpickCrom]

G'Day Joe, ahh yes I see what your saying now,all our great states share our outback skies that are the envy of the world.

100% agree, why travel to another state when you can enjoy the pitch black outback skies of your own state! We are all so blessed in this regard :thumbsup:

Clear Skies
Joe

[muletopia]

I think you both misunderstood my post.

The poster I was replying to, see quote, is from Victoria. I wasn't saying the skies are no good in WA, I said they are no better than outback NSW or western Victoria and worse than I recall from 30 years ago. Outback NSW or western Victoria are a LOT closer to Astroviking (Steve).

Similarly, I would not suggest that West Australians come to outback NSW, SA or west Victoria for the dark skies. I am saying the skies are no better in WA than in dark areas of the eastern states.



Good OH
I must say my back yard ob enjoys black skies bortle 1, joy of country living

Chris

[EpickCrom]

Chris, you must be in heaven! A backyard observatory in bortle 1 :eyepop: