Queensland Astrofest

[[1ponders]]

I've seen a few mentions of it around the site, so how about putting your hands up.

Who's going to the Astrofest???
Who's possibly going but can't commit yet??? (We'll work on you :evil: )

I'll keep a running tally here

[[1ponders]]

Definately going:
[1ponders]
Astro_South
h0ughy
Dennis
Astroron
xrekcor
gary (& Mai)
iddon
dhumpie
Eddie_T
Billche
jjjnettie

[[1ponders]]

Who's possibly going but needs to rearrange work commitments: (We'll help you if possible)
mhodson

[[1ponders]]

Who's possibly going but needs to get permission :evil2: :evil2: (We won't try to help you :lol: We've had to face the music, why shouldn't you :lol2: )

Robby (Outside chance)

[astro_south]

I am registered for Friday and Saturday nights

[h0ughy]

I am going . hope to be there from Monday through to Sunday. will register and pay next week?

[ballaratdragons]

Who's possibly going and is fed up with Pauls repetitive Posts: (We'll work on him :bashcomp: )

:rofl: :D

[Dennis]

Hi Houghy

In a previous post, you asked about camping. Campers use the shared dormitory shower / toilet facilities. Most campers set up at the edge of the main observing paddock and you should be able to pick a prime spot if you arrive on Monday. The camp Managers, Ian and Susan, prepare burgers and chips (French Fries) around noon each day if you are not into cooking. The kitchen is available to prepare your food and meals all day long except for Saturday night when it is commandeered by Ian and Susan for the lavish Astro-Feast. You do not need any plates, cups, knife/fork/spoon as these are all available in the kitchen. However, you will need to bring cooking pots, fry pans, etc as these are not available. There is a constant hot water zip boiler.

For the hardy souls, there is canoeing in the (cold) Brisbane River. I believe permission is required to use the site's (old) orange tube C14 in the observatory, but this is normally given when you demonstrate competence of telescopes, i.e. know which end to look through!

Cheers

Dennis

[iceman]

The real question is, who's going to be the IceInSpace ambassador, handing out pamphlets and telling everyone to come and sign up?

I nominate ALL OF YOU! :)

[Dennis]

Would it be possible to set up a "stand alone" Ice In Space" web server (a good place would be in the Great Hall) so that people could use the stand alone website over the full week to post message, photos, etc,. We could then burn the transactions to CD or DVD and then get Mike to upload them to the real on-line site after astrofest?

The above post probably displays my full ignorance of how these things work!

Cheers

Dennis

[iceman]

That's not possible, but if someone has a dialup or wireless internet connection, you just need a computer connected to the internet in the main hall and people can come and check out the site/forums, sign up, post messages etc. They just need to remember to log out when they leave, otherwise the next person will be signed on as them :)

When is it? I'll try and get some new IceInSpace stickers printed (hi silvie :P) before the event and send them up to one of you guys to take along and hand out, leave at the sign in desk etc.

The pamphlets will be a good thing to have too..

and the next edition of AS&T (released in July) will have Ken's StarCamp article, so maybe a few more people will have read about IceInSpace by the time AstroFest comes along.

[Dennis]

Hi

Here is a photo of Rob McNaught from 1999 participating in the counter weight tossing competition at the Qld Astrofest. This event occurs on the Saturday afternoon - let's see some muscle from you guys visiting from down south as each year, a Queenslander ALWAYS wins!

Second piccie is of the rocket launching activities which are of course now banned due to the fire risk.

Cheers

Dennis

[h0ughy]

Sounds great Dennis. Thanks for the extra info. When you say prime spot where exactly do you mean. I would like to get 240v power to the scope if that is available.

[[1ponders]]

so I gather your going Dennis?:)

[Dennis]

Hi Houghy & Paul

Yes - I'm booked for the full week Monday through Sunday morning. Prime spot depends on your tastes and style. Nearest the dorms for loos and showers; most isolated to avoid snorers; not too near the entrance gateway to avoid being too close to vehicle movements; away from the dob’s; near the GoTo’s; adjacent ccd alley, etc.

For anyone who requires it, power is available from all dorms via long, very long extension leads. Generally, I bring a 30m and 20m extension with 5 way power boards for accessories such as notebook, ccd camera, psu for Pentax *istDS, dew heaters, red light, GoTo unit, etc.

This year, the organisers have mentioned something about trying to regulate (manage) the cables by the use of ELCBs and 8 way powerboards from strategic power points.

Anyhow, arriving on Monday should give you the best choice of any of the available options. Historically, Monday sees between 20 and 30 people for the night, gradually building up over the week to 100+ on Saturday.

Cheers

Dennis

[astroron]

Hi Paul , as mentioned in previous posts I will be there from Wednesday to Sunday,onthe BIG Dob field. astroron

[[1ponders]]

I'll be there from Thursday afternoon to Sunday.

[gary]

Queensland Astrofest is always one of the most enjoyable events on the
Australian astronomical calendar. The beauty of the surrounding district,
the ammenity of Camp Duckadang itself, the relaxed and friendly
atmosphere and the excellent dark skies always make for a great time.

If you have never been before, I wholeheartedly recommend it.
See See http://www.qldastrofest.org.au/

Mai and I will be there again this year on Fri, Sat, Sun. and we are looking
forward to catching up with our many friends.

As Major Spoonsors of the event, we will be there wearing our Wildcard
caps during the day and our enthusiats caps during the night as we
get some observing in.

We wish the organizers every success and we look forward to seeing you
all there.

Best Regards

Gary Kopff
Wildcard Innovations Pty. Ltd.
20 Kilmory Place
Mount Kuring-Gai NSW 2080
Australia
Phone +61-2-9457-9049
Fax +61-2-9457-9593
sales@wildcard-innovations.com.au
http://www.wildcard-innovations.com.au

[Robby]

I could be keen, but not sure that the budget (or the other half!) would tolerate a 2nd astro-trip to Aus this year... We may have to work on Kath and give her an excuse to come too...! What's the temperature like up there at the time of the aforementioned 'fest?
Just a few comments from a "kiwi" on some of the language of the brochure that I find amusing...
1. Camp Duckadang... Where the hell did that name come from?!! It's a shocka.. :tasdevil:
2. I couldn't stop laughing after reading rule 5...
"Avoid shouting loudly at every meteor you see. It only startles half asleep astrophotographers, who invariably bump the scope and ruin another shot" :rofl:

And finally what's the social aspect like of the 'fest :cheers:. As I probably won't bring much telescope gear, this could be a deciding factor.
That is after some hard yards with Kath... :fight:

Hey, Mr. Beal, you keen?

Cheers

[xrekcor]

Registered here for Friday and Saturday

Me :) and my son Jake :jump2:

[[1ponders]]

What's the weather like? A hell of a lot warmer and dryer than NZ at that time of the year Robby. A bit fresh at night, but you'll be too busy to notice anyway:D

Set Kath up in a unit on the beach front at Mooloolaba and you'll be laughing. If its still warm enough for the Victorian holiday makers to go swimming, Kath will thing she's in a spa :)


Come on Gary. Robby needs someone who speaks the same language. :P

Clad to hear you and your son are coming Rob. Look forward to meeting you

[xrekcor]

looking forward to meeting you too bloke!

Robby no problem mate I can translate :thumbsup:

regards

[Dennis]

Hi Astro-festers

Here is a (copy & paste) update from one of the organisers, Tony Surma-Hawes of the Brisbane Astronomical Society:

Start paste ++++++++++++++++++++
Hi everyone,

Just a reminder that the Deadline for a chance top win staying at next years Astrofest for free is about to expire. If you want to be in the draw, you must use the online registration form before midnight tomorrow night, and send your fees in as soon after that as possible. If you experience a problem with the online page (after using the facility you should receive a confirmation email within hours), please send an email with details to the registrar@qldastrofest.org.au so that you may be registered. Registering early allows the committee better plan our activities and meals, not to mention saves time for the registrar to enjoy our Astrofest with everyone.

If you miss the deadline, don't worry you won't be turned away, but we would prefer if most people are registered up to one week before the Astrofest as we need to allocate prime bedspace to early registrants. Those who show up and register late may find the only space for them is in the Common areas.

Guest of Honour at the Astrofest will be Dr Ian Wilson and he will give a lecture on Saturday entitled "Planetary Influences on Solar Cycles". Friday lectures will be delivered by Peter Reed and Zac Pujic. Details on the Program Page.

The raffle prizes are now approaching the $10000 mark: there are 4 telescopes on offer, including a PST, an 8" dob, and *
8" Meade goto, and an 8" Celestron goto, visit the Raffle Page linked to the front Page of the Queensland Astrofest website www.qldastrofest.org.au for more details.

Cheers for now
Tony
End paste ++++++++++++++++++++++

Cheers

Dennis

[Dennis]

For the "equipment challenged" people.

If you are travelling light to the Qld Astrofest cos' your 'scope won't fit into the hold on the 747, car boot, etc. don't worry as based on previous experience, there are always keen 'scope owners willing to let others look through their pride and joy. In the daytime, you can just relax and laze around, or watch Brendan go though his previous night’s ccd images hunting for super nova - he co-discovered on at the Qld Astrofest in 1997. The social scene begins to build up gradually as the week progresses and more people arrive, with Friday and Saturday being full on.

For families, there is a bunkhouse set aside for you and the little ones, who can play crazy golf on the (worn) pitch & put course behind the kitchen. Did I mention canoeing on the Brisbane River? Some folks go for local daily bush walks and Erwin runs 10km everyday just to shake out the lethargy from the previous all-nighter.

Hope to see you there!

Dennis

[Iddon]

perhaps Friday and Sat nights....

[mch62]

Hopefully Friday only paul but this will depend on last minute work .

Mark

[dhumpie]

Hey Guys,

I will probably be there Sat and in time for the draw :) Have convinced another friend to come along (he is driving). So Rob it finally looks like I will get to meet you in the flesh!

Darren

[Nightshift]

I wanted to come but alas just found out the camp doesnt allow dogs for this event (apparently it does for other functions? Odd considering this is billed as a family event) and as I wanted it to be a family affair and bring my wife and daughter (leaves no one at home for dog, daughter says kennels out of question) then I will just have to read about it on the forum I guess. :o(

[dhumpie]

My buddy is thinking of bringing his non astronomer wife. I think that is bad news :) Last time she came with us on an astrocamp she kept on telling him to go to sleep :)

Darren

[xrekcor]

My car is away at present getting fixed, Still dont know what's up with it. I hope nothing tooo major. It will be great to finially meet you too Darren. I'm thinking I might just head straight up there for Thursday night. That will give us three nights up there. Just depends on the car status at present.

Regards

[dhumpie]

Will you be putting up at Andrew's :) If so let me know and I might come up and meet you (on Thursday I mean). Can't take the day off or I would have gone Fri and Sat nights. Too many things have happened this year :( Anyway I have registered for Sat night (and the astrofest as well). Will also have my second hand 4"f/5 ST by then as well....

Darren

[iceman]

I'm trying to get some stickers organised befoer the event but i'm running out of time.. will let you know and send some up to Paul and h0ughy and whoever else if I get them in time.
In the meantime, don't forget the pamphlets and word of mouth! :)

[dhumpie]

Will do Mike. I think we are very well represented at the Astrofest this year :)

Darren

[EddieT]

Hi all,
I'll be there for entire 7 days again this year. My filter wheel is going on vacation to Santa Barbara tomorrow. Hope it gets back in time!

It's always good to catch up with people you haven't seen for 51 weeks :)

[jjjnettie]

I should be going for Friday and Saturday. Warned hubby ages ago about it, but he has probably forgotten. Lucky for me it's only a short drive to Duckadang. ( can you say it and not smile? ) I look forward to seeing you all there.
Jeanette

[jjjnettie]

Nightshift, What sort of dog do you have? Maybe accomodation could be arranged for him at my place, then you could at least have it nearby.

[[1ponders]]

Good onya jjjnettie.

We definately need those new style sticker Mike. Looks like IceInSpacer will have a dominant presence there. :thumbsup: Oh and send me some pamphlets too Mike.

[astro_south]

We probably need to organise a set time and place (when there are no other orgainsed activities) on one of the days most people will be there for all the IceInSpacers to get together for a "meet and greet - put faces to names" and perhaps a group photo :camera:

I will suggest sometime pre-lunch on Saturday - but having never been there before I wouldn't know where we could meet up. I have seen a dome observatory in photos, so perhaps that would do.

Obviously not compulsary - but what do you all think?

[xrekcor]

Darren,



I decided I wanted to spend another night up there. So will be heading straight up there Thursday morning.

Andrew,

Sounds like a plan!!


Jeanette, hey stranger! will good to meet you too!

regards

[xrekcor]

Eddie,



And where I live, I'd be lucky to see 51 people a year. Except when we make a trip to town lol

regards

[iceman]

You can print them out yourself, if you have a printer!? Download them from http://www.iceinspace.com.au/?files

I can print them for you though, if you'd prefer.. just let me know.

Great idea Andrew!

[jjjnettie]

It does look like we will all be there for Saturday. I'll bring along a table and marqee and see if we can set it up somewhere. Hmmm, anyone want to print up a banner/sign to pin up as well?
Jeanette

[dhumpie]

Wow so many ice in spacers. I am trying to get my friend John Zhu to join ice in space as well. I think he will be convinced when we meet all you lovely people up there with those fantastic astro toys :) Does anyone know if there is mobile phone coverage up there? I ask this because Leyburn does not have that. That way if we can't find each other, we can call each other. Also did you guys sign up for the astrofeast on sat night? I did. But I did not sign up for the group photo but I will be bringing my digital cam.

Darren

[Dennis]

Hi Darren

I believe that several people have unsuccessfully tried mobiles and have resorted to driving a few km down the road to get a strong enough signal. I also understand that this year, you can purchase 'phone cards for use at the camp landline public 'phone. Previously, one had to pump 50c coins in at an alarming rate.

Cheers

Dennis

[astroron]

Darren to save the three dollars for the group photo just wait for a future issue of AS/T and you can save it for posterity

[dhumpie]

Hummm...maybe i could pay on site for the photo :)

Darren

[astroron]

Darren, they will be glad to take your money :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :thumbsup:astroron

[[1ponders]]

In for a penny, in for a pound. Saturday night and photo.

[h0ughy]

Ahh so the truth is out, you have to pay for all of your cameo appearances :rofl: :D

[iceman]

You going to take that beanie Paul? :P

[[1ponders]]

How else is any one going to recognise me Mike. :D

but h0ughy look how much you paid to look at it :lol:

[astro_south]

Signed up for an extra day last night - will be there from Thursday to Sunday. Starting to count the sleeps!

[dhumpie]

Wish I could go that long :( Don't have the time to take leave since this is my last year of PhD and the wife is breathing down my neck too :)

Darren

[[1ponders]]

Great to hear Andrew. The longer the merrier :D

[dhumpie]

Hey Guys,

Add another ice in spacer to the list. I think I might have convinced Bill (Che) to come for the Astrofest. Looks like we are going to have a roaring good time on Saturday! Come on we need more ice in space stickers (and tee's?????!!!)

Darren

[xrekcor]

My car prob's appear to be fixed, So all go here... very much looking forward to it.

regards

[iceman]

I'm trying to get some printed, but I think silvinator is really busy cause I haven't heard from her since I sent the TIF's.

I'll at least get some pamphlets to Paul to throw in the wind :)

[Argonavis]

Does anyone know the lat/long of Camp Duckadang. It is a little out of Linville, and I couldn't find it on the Tony's official astrofest website.

ta

[Dennis]

Hi Bill

I have the following:

-26 45’ S
+152 14’ E

IIRC I obtained these from someone's GPS on the site.

Cheers

Dennis

[[1ponders]]

Hi Bill. I gather you'll be there then :) Should I add you to the list?

[h0ughy]

so whats the count Paul! how many IISers

[[1ponders]]

13 definates, 14 if ArgoBillnavis is coming and 2 possibles, Mark H and Nightshift.

Looks like its going to be a good turn out. Enough to start our own embassy:) Who's bunking and who's tenting?

Tent for me.

[Argonavis]

Dennis

Many thanks. This is about the lat/long for Linville, so it is fairly close.

[Argonavis]

I have booked for Friday and Saturday. I usually perfer to tent, to avoid snoorers and early morning showerers. The bunkhouses do not have closed off partitions, so noise travels.
With all the likely photon collecting power available, I will most likely not bring a telescope. There is usually lots to choose from on the field. I am advised that Peter Robbins will be bringing a 750mm (30inch) from Monday.

[h0ughy]

the royal suite in tent city! :D

My mate is coming with me, his name is Alan Meehan, I think he joined up to IIS some time back but he doesn't post that much, he is too busy reading what everyone contributes! :rofl: So that is 2 definites from Newcastle will be there by the afternoon on the monday! :stargaze: :stargaze: :stargaze:

[astro_south]

Bunk house for me - signed up as an all nighter so hopefully that puts me in the quieter part of the dorms.

[xrekcor]

It's tent city for us too!

how far away is the camp area from where you get to setup your scope, anyone know?

regards

PS: Hmmmm maybe I should register and head up Tuesday or Wednesday to make sure I get a decent camping/observing spot.

[dhumpie]

I have been correcsponding with one of the organizers and this is what she says about the bunkhouses:

Hi Darren,

Yes you are in the all-nighters. It really depends on the weather on how late people stay up. Most hard core sleep in a tent. That way they can sleep all day if necessary. The only rule for noise we have is nothing before 10am and no showers before 10am in the all-nighters. There is quite a lot of room in the bunk house. Unless we get 30 more people we won't have to think about mattresses on floors. We are also giving out ear plugs for everyone. This will hopefully reduce any trouble with noise.

See you up there

Anne-Louise Surma-Hawes


Darren

[Argonavis]

If anyone in this select group lives on the northside of Brisbane and is interested in helping out at a school night on 10 August, then would you please send me a msg.

many thanks

[Dennis]

Hi Rob

It varies, from 50 metres to 200 metres depending on where you camp. Generally, you should be able to get a decent camping spot even on Thursday based on previous experience. However, I have just returned from our BAS Club meeting and one of the organisers informed the club that they have had a record number of registrations this year so things may be different in 2005?

However, even at its busiest, with the new rule of no cars to be permanently parked on the observing paddock, there should be no problems getting a good spot.

Cheers

Dennis

[gaa_ian]

You will have one GAA member there ... Shaun (Shaggy), he will be lugging the clubs 6" refractor down with him !

[xrekcor]

Hmmmm I was hoping to camp a lil closer than that.

And Hmmmm no cars on the observing field eh' there goes my favourite observing table.

bummer...

[astro_south]

Thats a big shame :( . I had it all planned out to use the boot of my station wagon as a seat and as a table. Going to be a pain to lug all my eyepieces and gear back to the car (up to 200m away) after each night of observing - not sure I want to leave them lying around the observing field or in the bunkhouse.

Maybe we will setup in the carpark Rob :D

[xrekcor]

Yes I might have too! unfortunately it creates a big problem for me, I will have my 4yr son with me. I dont feel comfortable having him sleep in a tent 50-200m away by himself for various reasons. Least of all for his asthma the back seat of the car allows me to monitor that.

I might email Anne-Louise of AstroFest and see if there is an alternative.

will keep you informed, I must of missed the new rule somewhere.

regards

[Dennis]

Hi Rob

Apart from maybe real estate issues, there is nothing stopping you setting up outside your tent door. Tents have tended to congregate at the edges of the main observing paddock and traditionally, people have chosen to assemble their gear and observe from the central area of the paddock, based of club social structures and specializations, e.g. ccd imaging.

The car issue arose because some people wanted to drive their cars out and as new arrivals set up, some cars became boxed in and there were a couple of close misses with running over gear as they tried to manoeuvre their way out.

The astro-fest is easy going and very laid back, with very few “restrictions” other than general site safety stuff and the standard astro-camp etiquette covering bright lights, loud music, etc.

Cheers

Dennis

[Dennis]

Hi Andrew

Oh dear, it seems my attempt to describe the general layout of previous astro-camps and where people have generally set up has raised some real concerns for first timers. Sorry for that guys, I can sympathise how unsettling this can be without prior knowledge of the site.

What I described was how people have set up and organised themselves on previous camps and not "how it is going to be". Apart from the "cars embedded in the observing paddock" guideline or rule mentioned at the BAS meeting last night, nothing has changed and there is an immense amount of freedom and open space to camp and observe from wherever you want, although as the week progresses this choice does reduce as new people arrive and set up.

If space permits, there is nothing preventing the scenario of pitching tent, parking vehicle adjacent tent and observing from car - it just gets more difficult to do this easily towards Friday and Saturday as the paddocks fill up.

If I have spooked anyone, please feel to PM me and I'll try to allay your fears, although as I am not on the organising committee, all I can offer are details and personal views on how previous events operated.

These are fun, easy going, laid back events with a very flexible and sympathetic organising committee.

Cheers

Dennis

[xrekcor]

I have emailed Anne-Louise with my concerns, hopefully something can be worked out. Although your message sounds promising. I dont mind setting
up next to my tent as long as this isn't away from everybody else, I treat these events as 50% observing 50% socialising. If I have to setup away from everyone else there goes 50% of the fun.

I will keep you informed, If I cant have Jake safely looked after or near me so I can monitor him. Then I sorry I'm going to have to pull out which will be very upsetting as we have been so looking forward to this event.

regards

[Dennis]

Hi Rob

Excellent! Anne-Louise is a Mum so I'm sure everything will be fine. Don't forget to bring warm clothing and sleeping gear for you and your son, 'cos it can get down into negative territory even in Qld!

Cheers

Dennis

[h0ughy]

does anyone have a aerial photo of the site?

[xrekcor]

Not here but the yanks probably do try....

www.keyhole.com :rofl: :ashamed:


Dennis, Yup I knew Anne-Louise was a mum as we had spoke about it when I asked her about taking Jake. I'm sure something can be worked out, so I have tried to appeal to her maternal side lol, had to put my "mum" cap on. I'm thinking I might come up earlier. Maybe Tuesday probably Wednesday... Hell might even go for the hole damn week if that makes things easier, I really dont want to miss this event it will be my second star party. Although I dont see myself being able to make it before Tuesday.

kindest regards

:family:
Jake and Rob, not sure who the other two are? but hey! outa here!!!

[xrekcor]

Ok Guy's

Just got an email back Anne-Louise and this is her response, also included is the map of the site



So phewie!!!!! looks like we're counting the days again ; )

kindest regards, CS

[xrekcor]

I tried to post this question to someone I thought would know but have not recieved an answer...

So Has anyone been to the AstroFest site before. I would like to know what the northly aspect is like...

I have only ever observed from two sites both have light domes to the north. I hoping up at Duckadong we have a clear shot at the north, does anyone know?

regards, CS

[Argonavis]

Rob

Provided you position yourself in the right spot, you will find that you have a clear, unlightpolluted northern horizon.

[xrekcor]

Argonavis,



That great news :D I haven't yet decided but I'm going to head up either Tuesday or Wednesday now, so to try and get a good possie... probably Tuesday as I can do an all nighter then have an early Wednesday night. So I'm fresh for a Thursday all nighter, when I think a few of the other chaps are turning up.

Anyways I can now compile a list of objects in the north that have been eluding me.

Thanks Mate, for posting a reply :thumbsup:

regards, CS

[[1ponders]]

Save me a spot :D

[astro_south]

Here is an air photo of the site and some things to look for if you come via Linville.

[h0ughy]

do you or can you get a closeup of duckadang?

Where is the best spot to be? I will be getting there monday afternoon. where will everyone be seting up?

[astro_south]

Houghy - here is a crop of the original image and scale. If you look at the hand drawn map that Rob provided and rotate it around till the building's match you can get a feel for where things are. I will have a look and see what else I can find ;)

As for where to setup - not sure as I have never been. I was going to walk around when I get there on Thursday morning and see where people are.

[h0ughy]

is north up?

[ballaratdragons]

Andrew,

Which site did you get the sattelite pic from?

[astro_south]

North is up - roughly!

BD - It wasn't a website - it's all at my fingertips here at work Ssshhhhh! :evil:

[Dennis]

Here is a stitched panorama of the top observing paddock adjacent the kitchen/dining block. On Anne-Louise's mud map, the vantage point is between "Family" and "Rotunda" on the LHS. The 14" Celestron dome appears in the background.

Cheers

Dennis

[h0ughy]

great stuff, any more?

[Dennis]

Hi H0ughy

I'm just trying to find my back up DVDs that contain the photos. I will process and post the results, probably tomorrow (Tuesday) as I have, ahem, archived my backups and now need to ahem, find them!.

And find them I will.....that is a promise!

Cheers

Dennis

[Crash Nebula]

I reeeeally want to go but my dad won't take me - he thinks it's too much fuss for 1 weekend! I was shocked when he said that :scared2: :rofl:
I have school so I couldn't go all week - only from Friday night to Sunday.
I'd have my Dob by then! Gaaah I wish I could go! :(

[xrekcor]

Hey Andrew,

My sexy buxon neighbour will be out sunbathing herself in the nude... errrrr if I give to the coordin..... hehehe

regards

[xrekcor]

right next to you I guess bro!

choose a good spot! btw, I'll be strictly observing although I have had thoughts of take the PC with me to do some planetary stuff. But I think that will be more hassle than it's worth... easier to do these things at home lol. So I guess I'll be where ever the observers will be. Either way I want the clearest shot to the north I can get.

I'm looking at Tuesday arrival

regards

[h0ughy]

the satellite only has 2metre resolution :rofl: she would be just a pixel :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :poke:

[xrekcor]

I wonder if someone isn't heading up there on Friday that could give you a lift up and back

Sorry I'll already be up there myself

regards

[xrekcor]

but I can assure you it will be one niiiiiiice pixel... hell I'll imagine the rest :wink2:

[Dennis]

More images, courtesy of my incredibly effective backup and restore routine and an amazing free application by the name of autostitch.

astrocamp02 = view of lower (Northern) observing paddock as you drive in the entrance gate.
astrocamp03 = looking East from lower observing paddock where tents are arrayed along the perimeter fence.
astrocamp04 = another panorama from the entrance.

Cheers

Dennis

[h0ughy]

, thanks dennis, can you circle the best spot to set up for camping and getting power for the scope and having the best all round view? :rofl: don't want much do I :D

[Dennis]

hhmm H0ughy – too difficult, too many mutually exclusive requirements. Best all round view is in the middle of the paddock, which means 50m away from tents pitched around perimeter of paddock, and probably 50m to 75m away from nearest bunkhouse powerpoint.

Any scopes near the tents along the perimeter would tend to have at least one horizon blocked by trees. The closer you are to the entrance gate, the longer the power lead required. If you are up on Monday or Tuesday, there will be plenty of space to choose the best spot that meets your specific requirements.

Don’t sweat too much on the details guys, it is awfully hard for me to be too specific and offer advice, as there are too many unconstrained variables and expectations. Anything I write is likely to create false expectations, given the wider audience, their different requirements, camp sites already taken, etc., especially using the limited media of 2-D photo's and e-mail.

The site begins to fill up on Thursday/Friday BUT in the past there has still been room for later arrivals with GOOD spots so don’t panic if you are arriving later in the week.

Cheers

Dennis

[astro_south]

Thanks Dennis for your replies. Sorry we have pounded you with Q's in the last couple of days. Your replies and pics are greatly appreciated, and have added to the excitment and anticipation for this event.

It will be great to put some faces to the names - although I should be able to find h0ughy in the crowd (he'll be the one with the 12" LX200 :D)

[xrekcor]

Hey Guy's

The word from Anne of AstroFest is not many mid-weekers this year as there were last year. Most folks are booked in and are arriving after Wednesday.... hence why I'm heading up there Tuesday or Wednesday haven't decided yet. But I want to do some imaging at my place around 4-5am on Tuesday so Tuesday maybe out for me.

anyways it'll be either of those two. Perhaps early arrivals could sneak a lil realestate per spot to squeeze in a fellow IIS'er

Just a thought.... might whack the sub-lease up on E-Bay :D Hell Houghy I might be onto something here :rofl:

Dennis thank you for posting the pic's and info, much appreciated :thumbsup:
regards

[iceman]

Great looking site, and I agree autostitch is just amazing! :)

Can't wait to see the pics of the full iceinspace contingent :D

[[1ponders]]

We need a banner to put across the front of a tent Embassy

[iceman]

I've got one with the old logo, but not with the new.. and it's still only about 50cm wide, not quite a 2m wide banner :)

[[1ponders]]

How long is it Mike? Long enough to go across the front of a 4 person tent? (About 2 meters)

[dhumpie]

I know where Andrew got his satellite shot...Google Earth...its fantastic that program....

Darren

[iceman]

Paul, read my post again :)

[Dennis]

Hi

I've posted a sample of piccies from 2003 as follows:

• Famous person from Argo Navis
• Bunk beds
• Kid's climbing frame
• Astrofeast
• Guess Who?
• 12” Meade and Van Observatory
• H0ughy’s (wet) tent!
• York Optical with 14 inch Celestron and 6 inch Fujinon bino’s.

Hopefully they can give you a taste of the event. For Mum's & Dad's, the kids have a (dilapidated) 9 hole pitch & putt, climbing frame and an unheated swimming pool.

Tents pitched too close to the fence get a free wash everyday!

Cheers

Dennis

[h0ughy]

thanks for the warning? BTW did the monitor knock your block off :poke: nice setup with the 12" LX200, I wonder if they can show me how to setup my wedge and polar align :D

[Dennis]

Hi H0ughy

Not me - another one of our members, not quite an Alien but sounds like one!

Cheers

Dennis

[h0ughy]

the weather for next week :scared2: http://www.bom.gov.au/products/IDG00074.shtml :sad: :sad: :prey2: :prey2: :stargaze:

[xrekcor]

They are also doing burn off's up here in northern NSW which has left the very ugly haze over this area, Hope it's not being pushed north. Hopefuly the low will of pushed through by Wednesday when I get there :D . It's only coming through because I intend to do some luna imaging Tueasday morning.

regards, CS

[astro_south]

h0ughy

peg out a space next to you and errect a tarp /shelter to keep the spot dry. That way when I arrive on Thursday for the clear skies I won't be getting my shoes full of mud :D

Also, make sure there is enough space to swing a 12.5" f6 (~1900mm focal length) truss dob :D


Dennis : is there a prize for identifying the headless "Eddie"?

[Dennis]

Hey Andrew

You win!

Cheers

Dennis

[[1ponders]]

sorry Mike I thought you meant 50cm high :) I think banners as wide X long :)

[jjjnettie]

I'll be bringing along a 3x3mt shade house to set up on Friday morning. Got a little card table to put the flyers on.
Starting to get a bit excited about it now. 7 sleeps to go.

[h0ughy]

Not fair :rain: , my wife is very sick :eek: . :help2: What have I done to deserve this!! You guys in Qld had advertised, "..beautiful one day perfect the next" :sunny: . With the prospects of observing being limited to start wednesday or thursday next week and my wife being crook, I am not sure if/when we will get there. And to make matters worse in NSW it is near Perfect!! Come on wave the magic wand and make the clouds disappear :cloudy: and my wife get well! And I have paid from Monday to Saturday, have the trailer packed and have bought a little nagler :love: to try!! Not fair..... :(

[Dennis]

That's not good news. Please pass on our best wishes to your wife for a full and speedy recovery. If there is a chance of your wife's health recovering, but she is feeling a little too fragile for camping, you might consider a Motel or B&B nearby? I think there is a Hotel in Linville and there is accommodation at Kilcoy, approx 40 mins away?

Cheers

Dennis

[dhumpie]

Hey Houghy,

Hope your wife has a speedy recovery so you can make it here!!!!!!

Darren

[h0ughy]

Dennis,
she is staying at home with the two monsters :D

[h0ughy]

Thanks Darren! :thumbsup:

[Argonavis]

Yesterday we visited the Stanley River Environmental Education Centre at Hazeldeen to try first light with the 760mm, to get it ready for Astrofest 2005. It needed a bit of tweeking with the mechanical and optical collimation, but works well. Those of you going to Astrofest will get a close look. Those of you not going, I have attached some picccs.

Despite some views to the contrary, Hazeldeen is still quite dark, although not as dark as previously due to increased residential development in the vicinity. Despite the high quality of accomodation, it remains a little used facility.

[xrekcor]

Jeeeeezzzz!!! Man what a scope!!!!! are you sure my 8" f/6 Newt is going to be big enough for the finder on your finder scope?

Man I have to say I'm looking forward to seeing your scope. Even if it is only from a distance

regards

[slice of heaven]

Whoa!!! What a beast!!!!

Now thats a scope!!!

[Argonavis]

Actually I must admit that the pictured scope is not mine - mine is a bit smaller than that. What you see belongs to Peter Robbins, who will be at Astrofest all week.

[xrekcor]

On another note. So you Queenlander folk, what is the price of petrol up in QLD? it's usually cheaper than in NSW...

Should I arrive at the border running on empty-ish?

btw, I'm paying $1.12 per litre (premium)

regards

[Striker]

Rob...the prices change all the time....but you can expect to pay around 8cents a litre cheaper....up here.

[xrekcor]

Thanks Tony,

Still thats a nice saving in my 80 ltr tank. Since I'm only an hour or so south of the border I'l fill up in QLD :thumbsup:

[ErwinvdVelden]

Hi folks,

Seems it's going to be a very socializing Astrofest indeed.

After long contemplation I might go too from Wednesday upto Sunday, but I don't want to take to much gear this year. :confuse3:

I might bring my trusty C9.25, D70 plus Vixen GP DX too for some hardcore DSLR imaging. :nerd:

I might also bring my 80 ED for some wider field of view shots. :cool:

Actually I might bring my Doctor 8x56 bino's along as well. :love:

Maybe I take two 8 inch CPC scopes up too. :astron:

If I'm in the mood I might also take up a C9.25 on a CG5 mount, with GPS. :jump2:

And the 25x100, 20x80, and a dozen of other bino's. But I need tripods for those, aha, I just found a box full of them. :camera:

Oooh, and what about that Nexstar 8i in the corner, and the 8 inch Starhopper? A shame to leave them behind. :ashamed:

Oops, I just stumbled over a C14 tube, don't have a mount for that but I might take that up as well. :D

And the Neximager? Oh, why not, and that box with Baader filters is also pretty neat.... Need that container with eyepieces to try them out. :lol:

What are those tubes in the corner, ooooh, telescope tubes, maybe someone want to have those as a guidescope. :poke:

And a few boxes with more junk, might be handy. :o

Oh, now I'm lost! :scared:

I don't think this will fit on my pushbike anymore, I think I need a 3 tonne truck :help3:

So, if you think their is an eclipse on Wednesday, it's just me arriving at Duckadang. :ship1:

Cheers,

[[1ponders]]

h0ughy I think you're going to have to stake out a bit of an area for the IISers to play in when you get there. Better take up some barrier netting or tape. And were depending on you to guard it with your life :lol: Oh and you better find a 100A lead somewhere so Erwin can run all his toys. :poke:

[xrekcor]

Waaahoooo! 2 more sleeps :D :D :D

I'm a definite for Tuesday arrival now, but hey dont be surprised if I show up Monday :rofl: j/k :ashamed:

Wooo! I think I'll try and camp next to Erwin. Just so I look good ;) hehehe

Safe trip all, see you all there

regards, CS

[[1ponders]]

I look forward to meeting you Rob. Just make sure h0ughy has that IIS area pegged out nice and large :D

[xrekcor]

I'll try LOL

And it will be nice to meet you too dewd,

Cheers, CS

[h0ughy]

Well for various reasons my trip has been delayed by a day or two. I intend to leave Monday morning at 7 and stay somewhere over night before heading to the site and setting up camp on tuesday. Now you guys have really set out to welcome us NSW IISers by making it rain to clean the air, reducethe dust and make things green. now you should have done that before we got there, not when we arrive. :poke: :poke: :rofl: :doh:

Now some techy and guru will have to show me how to set up the wedge on the LX200. :D

[Crash Nebula]

Gaah I wish I could come. I won't have a scope but i'd have the binos! Gaaah! I wanna come :(
Geez I'm like a 5 year old having a tantrum :rofl: :lol: :rofl: :lol:

[xrekcor]

Been keeping an eye on the weather myself. Clouds interupted clear albeit jetstream soaked sky last night. But looking at weather and it's movement it maybe gone in a day or so, hopefully. I wanted to image o'l luna tomorrow morning... but might as well leave it to next month if it's touch and go with clouds. So I'm thinking I'll pack everything today. And head up tomorrow morning first thing. They are forcasting light rain over the next day or so. Doesn't look much in it to me. Besides your right. I've had wicked storms here and sometimes I have found the cleanest atmosphere shooting between them or just after they have gone. Besides we're in a family bunkhuse so rain wont be a problem for my tent in the car :rofl:

Should be a fun week, canoing down Brisbane River in the rain :D

regards, CS

[dhumpie]

Weather is not looking too good at the moment. Hopefully it clears up for Astrofest!

Darren

[xrekcor]

I'm currently packing :D will be heading up first thing in the morning. I'm not too fussed about the weather. I think it will blow over in a day.

See you guys there!! safe trip all :thumbsup:

regards, CS

[[1ponders]]

Robby gave me this great web link yesterday. 7 day military weather forecast. Hint: run your cursor over the white boxes at the bottom of the graphic

https://www.fnmoc.navy.mil/PUBLIC/

[iceman]

Which link Paul? Very confusing site.

[[1ponders]]

Hmmmm that wasn't the page i linked too????.....Any whay....when you click the above link the page that opens has a number of boxes in the right hand frame. Click on the Australia NZ box. On the next page go to the table in the right frame and click on the last green indicator for the line "Previous 12-hr Precipitation Rate [mm/12hr] and Sea Level Pressure [hPa] ". That will open the page the above link was supposed to take you to.

[mch62]

Hi Rez Sat pics for east coast.


http://www.ozabove.com/

For Other areas --large size

http://www.ozabove.com/indexfull.asp

Click for animation

[Robby]

Tee hee hee... What else would you expect from an unclassified military site :D
Take you time with it.. It's pretty good. Click on the NZ/AUS picture/link on the right frame.... Firefox users might experience problems with this site. Use IE.
You can find the max heights of waves and pressure at different heights.. All really useful stuff for us land lubers! But the previous 12hr preciptation forceasts are pretty good.
Cheers

[[1ponders]]

Not hard to forecast rain Robby when I rains 300 out of 365 days of the years. :lol: :P

[jjjnettie]

I dropped in to Duckadang on monday morning to have a look around.
I think I'll be setting up in the first paddock/parking area, close to the fence, facing north. Looking forward to doing the rounds of all the viewing areas though.
Made up an IIS banner today. It's about 1200mm long so hopefully it is big enough.
See you there Friday.

[jjjnettie]

Word has it the the mild nights out here are coming to a close, and by the end of this week the temp. is going to go right down. Don't forget to pack your hot water bottle.

[mickal555]

Heh there was ice(in space lol) on the scopes. I pity the cains ppl.