NW Tasmania observing nights/groups?

[Marc]

Hello all,

I was wondering if there were any orgainsations/groups that hold public observing nights in the North West of Tasmania. As far as I know, the AST only have meetings at Canopus Hill observatory.

I live in Ulverstone.

Does anyone have regular meets in the North West?

Thanks for your time.
Marc

[oggie doggie]

Marc,

I am not sure if there is an organised group on the NW coast. The AST should be able to tell you if they have members over your way.

[acropolite]

There are a few of us that get together near Launceston, (unfortunately I manage to miss most of them due to family commitments..). If you're interested yell out and I'm sure one of the group will contact you.

[davidpretorius]

There is a combined AST meeting at Ross on the 15th September and observing evening. There are a few guys at Devonport.

the Tassie crew inthe North are starting to grow. Mike (Moonman) and Ian (Photon) have done really well with the Adullt Ed here in Lton and that is getting more popular.

We have been tempted to go to Devonport one evening to catch up with a Peter Sathers I think..... stay tuned

[Marc]

Seems I'm the furthest away of all of you! Launceston is still a hike, especially coming back home late at night.
I would definitely be very interested in a Devonport viewing night, and any local Adult Ed stuff our way as well.

[acropolite]

Our mainland counterparts would laugh when they realise Ulverstone is around 1.25 hours from Launceston.

[Marc]

I understand that really keen astronomers would travel far and wide, but I'm really not used to it. The idea of travelling on Tasmanian roads in the dead of night also makes me (and my missus!) very nervous. If the outcomes are that it's only Launceston that will hold the nearest viewing nights, then I will have to try and make an effort, but I don't think I can make it a regular one.

[CoombellKid]

Do like me here in the bush, I was observing for a few years before I found
out that there were more like minded people like me in my own area. Mostly
through this site, but now we have a regular monthly observing night. A good
indication is your local newsagent or similar. If they get in one or two of
the aussie astro mags and they sell, stick a notice up.

I live on the mainland, If I were driving 1.5hrs drive I would invest in a tent lol

regards,CS

regards,CS

[ballaratdragons]

Marc, the best way to find a group of like-minded Astro people is to advertise!

I live in a tiny country town of only 250 people and I advertised in the local newsletter for anyone interested in Astronomy.
On the first night we had 12 turn up!!!!!! You would be suprised at the amount of people like yourself.

We now have over 30 members which come from all parts of the state of Victoria. Some make the 2+ hour drive to the club night every month!

You don't have to formalise as a 'club' or 'society', you can just be a group of observers, but give yourselves a name to get insurance (which is really cheap for Astro groups at an Insurance company in South Australia, and you'll need it).

If you want any further info, please ask.

[Moonman]

Hi All

I've put up a webpage with Launceston Events which I update monthly

http://launcestonskies.spaces.live.com/

Its been an idea for us to head Northwest some time. Any good dark sky sites up that way?



Mike

[Marc]

Good skies? Not for the last week or so!:lol:
:) Never mind. When they clear up, they are quite spectacular. Now that spring is upon us, I can assume that woodsmoke will be clearing too.
Cheers

[acropolite]

Not likely, if you haven't noticed most of the smoke nowdays comes from forestry activity. The smoke will clear only when it becomes too dangerous to burn.....:tasdevil: