Central Coast Observing - 8th December

[iceman]

Why not get in early.. :)

Next new moon is 10th December, so Saturday the 8th seems like a good night for a get together.

Geoff maybe we could request a fresh slashing a few days before? Or would we be pushing our luck? My shoes were soaked after last time :)

[GTB_an_Owl]

Yes - i had the 8th penciled in Mike

as far as the grass goes - i will see what i can do - maybe someone that has a ute and a ride on mower might go up there and trim it up for us :whistle:

as this will probably be our last get to gether before Xmas i would URGE all and sundry to make a special effort to get there on the nite

so c'mon all you newcastle and sydney ites (and the coast of course)

come and have a look at the pony club and share an ISS xmas party with us

geoff

[h0ughy]

bugger its the wife's birthday!!!!!!!!!!!! OK there is 240 available? Willl need to really work on this one.......

[[1ponders]]

:rofl:
Dontchajustluv a man who lives dangerously. :rofl:

[GTB_an_Owl]

all i can say Dave, is - BRING THE WIFE - and the kids

there is no excuse

we have tables, we have chairs, we have fridges, we have microwaves, we have pie warmers, we have freezers - HECK - we even have MALE and FEMALE toilets (with lights in them)

PS - NEPHEW - this means you too - listen and obey the request from your favourite uncle

geoff

[GTB_an_Owl]

and if you get here early enough, there is a shop down the road where you can buy her a hamburger for her tea

geoff

[GTB_an_Owl]

bring your own birthday cake though

i'm only going to bring the XMAS cake

geoff

[[1ponders]]

:lol: that's even funnier :rofl:

Just to keep on topic; seeing as Lostock isn't in January/February anymore, and I don't have a snowflakes hope in hell of making an October get together, I might have to see if I can do a slow drive down the coast one Xmas holidays and join you all for a darksky night at the Pony Club.

You will have to promise clear skies though. ;)

[GTB_an_Owl]

all we can promise you Paul is that -

the gate will be open - and the fridge will be full

geoff

[h0ughy]

the only possible way is if it was for a school....... (mmm Astro school of hard luck???) as I said I will work on this one - maybe take her out on the friday night????

[[1ponders]]

:lol: It's a date, maybe even a sticky date. ;) Can't have the Astrofest having all the fun.


Shoosh Mike! :lol:

[h0ughy]

Could tell her Rod Stewart will be there (Geoff can you dress up and jump around and sing for a bit???) that might get me there?

[GTB_an_Owl]

did i not mention Dave that on the nite we were hosting children from the local Preschool up the road.

the mothers will be bringing them over around 11pm :whistle:

geoff

[h0ughy]

;):thumbsup:

[xstream]

Did someone mention sticky date!

[Rodstar]

I have often found that a serve of sticky date (pudding) can lead to another sticky date (non-pudding). One has to find something to do to work off those excess calories.:love2:

[h0ughy]

Stay up all night walking around a scope:whistle:;)

[gmbfilter]

Sounds like another fabulous night, with beer and cake as well. I should be able to bring ride on with me and mow before everyone sets up probably only hour or so

[okiscopey]

Looking better all the time! :thumbsup: I'll bring the Coopers Sparkling Ale - goes well with sticky date pudding. Now all I need to do is apply for a leave pass.

[GTB_an_Owl]

so you knew who i was talking about then Geoff :whistle:
thanks - that would be great
we only need to do next to the fences and about 20 yards out onto the field i reckon - about where we were standing to see the comet

and YES - start earning your leave passes fella's - and more important - GET EM SIGNED !

geoff

[MortonH]

Is the Pony Club different from Kulnura? :shrug:

Where is it? :help:

[iceman]

Yes, it's a bit further south-west . You turn off towards mangrove mountain at the main intersection.

[cahullian]

Sounds like a good night. I have a friend from Canada and he is keen to have a look up at the great southern night sky before he heads back.

Gazz

[GTB_an_Owl]

that would be great Gazz

so then, i need to set up a hedgehog slaughter area for you eh!

see what i can do

geoff

[Arthur Alchin]

At this stage I have the night off and will most likely be up the mountain.
If its at the pony club can someone help with the directions from Killarney vale.

Will be taking the LXD75 8"SN and the new Meade mySky to try it out.(although will try and give it a caning in Tassie this week i hope). All i need is the joining lead and then can drive the LXD from the mySky (i just love technology).

See you all soon

Arthur

[Deeno]

Dunno 'bout Rod Stewart but, I reckon he would make a fair Santa.............:rofl:

[GTB_an_Owl]

I guess i could relax the belly enough to fill out a red suit :lol: :lol: :lol:

hair is the right length

i would just have to replace the "Ho, Ho, HO" bit with "Another beer, another beer, ANOTHER BEER" though

geoff

[David]

I hope to get to this on as long as I don't have another downturn in health.

[Inmykombi]

Well,
A good clear dark sky, Beer, sticky date pud, what more do we need. Except, maybe some of those chicken wings that were there last time.mmmmmmmmmmm.
Count me in.

We may also have to perform some sort of sacrifice to the night to reduce that " howling" and " moaning" we heard from down the valley last visit as well....:eyepop:


Now I have my new scope, I am happier than the proverbial pig in a mud bog.:D

Cant wait to get together with you all again, and meet some more Central Coast Locals.

I hope someone else brings a Meade LX200 so I can ask a few questions.


Geoff No: 4.

[Rodstar]

Geoff No. 4, we need to add Hedgehogs to the menu. You will understand the reference in the coming months assuming Gazz ever graces us with his presence again?!

As for the LX200, I would delighted to spend some time playing with her with you if you need any help. It will be like old times (I miss my old friend, now residing in QLD with Odlaw).

[[1ponders]]

The sticky date pud will have to wait about 12 months until I'm able to ge there. Or you could come up to the Qld Astrofest in July. There will be plenty to go around ;)

[netwolf]

I am tentatively in for the 8th, have made my application for the leave pass and will work on it over the coming weeks. I hope to convince my usual companions Kal and Apoman to come with.

[Kal]

I'll pencil it in, might bring along my big binos this time

[maksutover]

Hi guys!

Im really keen to come along this time and meet some of you guys! Also i havnt been under a dark sky for years!! Are there any goers from sydney, in perticular from the south or st george area? I have transport but need guidance :>

[iceman]

I'll put a full map up soon. It's very easy to find.

[Rodstar]

Not quite so easy in the dark....a map sounds good for the uninitiated.:thumbsup:

[GTB_an_Owl]

follow the map till you go past the RED buckets - then turn around :lol: :lol: :lol:

geoff

[Rodstar]

That's exactly what I said to Ausastronomer last time, and he found us eventually!

[Inmykombi]

Here is some short directions that may help getting to Mangrove Mtn Pony Club.

Keep an eye out for Ironbark Rd on your left coming down Wisemans Ferry Rd. then slow down....
Just passed Ironbark Rd ( approx. 200 mtrs on your right) , there will be a driveway on the right hand side near a field.
Drive up the driveway and into the field through some gates on your left as you drive up the driveway.


I kept it basic....Hope this helps anyone wanting to come along.

Geoff # 4.;)

.

[cahullian]

I have about a dozen Hedgehogs so far Geoff, but I might need to get a few more by the sounds of things there are quite a few people going.

Gazz

[maksutover]

Im actually more confused :doh:

[GTB_an_Owl]

Yeh Gazz

looks like being a great turnout

looking forward to it


geoff

[cahullian]

I would hate to see what the complicated directions are lol

[GTB_an_Owl]

i can give you directions via a few of the fire trails and you can come in the back way if you want Gazz :lol: :lol: :lol:

geoff

[iceman]

Map to the Pony Club (http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/showthread.php?t=26142).

[Inmykombi]

Will someone please explain the "Hedgehog" mystery to me........

I dunno what it means but count me in anyway....:lol::lol::lol::lol:

I dont mind surprises.

Geoff #4

[h0ughy]

its an experience

[Inmykombi]

Like I said, count me in....:thumbsup:

Geoff # 4

[Inmykombi]

I also need an answer as to why it is when I buy a new ( 2nd hand ) scope, that the clouds never part for even a small glance at something......anything.
:(

geoff # 4

[cahullian]

Hedgehogs are a rare treat to all who partake of them...need I say more? he he

Gazz

[Inmykombi]

I guess the Hedgehog Mystery will have to remain a Mystery for a while then........
:whistle:

Geoff # 4

[GTB_an_Owl]

well, YES - mystery is part of the hedgehog tradition of the central coast IIS's

geoff

[Inmykombi]

I cant work out if I am to be afraid of these Hedgehogs, or if I should keep away from them........ or if I should welcome them into my life as something I will not be able do do without for many years to come.....

Geoff # 4

[GTB_an_Owl]

If Gazz manages to catch enough of them , you will find out in a fortnight Geoff

meanwhile i can tell you that the waiting and anticipation will be worth it

geoff

[ausastronomer]

I have to work that night which doesn't excite me any. Annual Presentation Night and I gotta be there. Hopefully I can get away about 10:00pm and I will be at The Pony Club at about 11:00pm if I am not too tired. Again I will be without the 18" Obsession as I aint dragging it out that late after working all day.

Cheers,
John B

[Inmykombi]

To Ausastronomer....


If ya dont bring a scope. you are more than welcome to use mine between me chasing hedgehogs or running from them........
I plan on bein there for most, if not all night.




Geoff # 4

[iceman]

I'll be there for an almost all-nighter, I hope. Just keeping my fingers crossed for good weather.

[Rodstar]

The Mary Rose will be heading on another voyage to the Pony Club, I am looking forward to another great night.

I am looking forward to those Hedgehogs, Gazz.

[Inmykombi]

I may take you up on that offer of help for the set-up of the LX200 Rod.

I'll see how I go setting her up etc. If I have trouble I'll holler.

Geoff # 4

[cahullian]

Sounds like another gtreat nights viewing. I am going to try and round up a few more Hedgehogs this arvo. Wish me luck guys. :cheers:

Gazz

[GTB_an_Owl]

you just make sure your wearing your big boots and take care you don't get bitten there Gazz

we don't have any one experienced enough to prepare them if you can't come on the nite

geoff

[Inmykombi]

You better be there Gazz, so I can put an end to the greatest Mystery of all times.
ie: the Great Hedgehog Mystery........

Dont worry, I will be wearing big boots too....

Hope for best weather possible...........

:D:D:D:D

[Inmykombi]

This weather better clear up for the 8th Dec.

I am really looking forward to my 2nd visit up the mountain.

How many coffee drinkers are there out there ?

I can bring a drip filter machine along with some fresh ground coffee if there is a few takers........

:rolleyes:

[jakob]

Count me in. Drinking coffee is probably all we can do since I will have a new EP by then! :sadeyes::mad2:

[Inmykombi]

Done.

If I may have a squiz thru the 16 inch I would be greatful.:D

[gmbfilter]

yes please

[koputai]

I'm hoping to be there. The missus gets back from o/s that day, but I'm sure she won't mind.

Cheers,
Jason.

[maksutover]

Hey Jason,

Just wondering where in Sydney are you? Im looking to find someone so i can follow (the thought of breaking down in nowhere at night with no one around creeps me out!!!!)

[iceman]

Maksutover, the map is in the sticky thread. Get there before dark and you'll have no problems.

The weather might clear up after Thursday!

[cahullian]

Mike is it the same directions for people coming from Newy? or do we have a turn off further north?

Gazz

[cahullian]

I don't mind telling you I get lost looking for my socks in the morning. ; )

Gazz

[iceman]

Gazz, you still get off at the normal place from the Freeway for Kulnura (Peats-Ridge exit). At the main cross-intersection at mangrove, head west instead of north.

[iceman]

Weather (long range forecast) is not looking good for Saturday.. Not happy Jan!

I'll be out there on the next clear night, if it's not next Saturday. Even if that's Friday, or some time during the week after!

[Inmykombi]

Oh dear,
I cant get there the week after.
My Dad will be down from Queensland, which means I will be unavailable for the next week.
:doh:

The weather better clear up for Saturday.............

;)
Geoff # 4

[GTB_an_Owl]

we could always have a XMAS party anyway :xmas:


geoff

[Inmykombi]

Sounds good to me Geoff.
:cloudy:

Geoff # 4

[RB]

I'll be there if I can.
Might even bring my friend, Stogie. :P

[cahullian]

Thanks for that Mike.

Gazz

[koputai]

I'm on the Northern Beaches, so jump on the big road at Pymble. I'm hoping to be able to do it in daylight again, but not sure of the social schedule yet.
It's not really that hard to find, Mike's maps are good. Print 'em and you won't go wrong.

Cheers,
Jason.

[GTB_an_Owl]

should i keep my mouth shut ? :cloudy:

or is it looking positive for sat nite with the current forecast ? :sunny:


geoff

[iceman]

huh? Which forecast are you looking at!?

To me, Friday looked like the best night.. unfortunately my wife has made plans with a friend so if Friday is clear, I won't be able to get away from home.

Let's hope Saturday is clear.. the weather is just so dodgy at the moment.

[GTB_an_Owl]

the DWEATHER forcast Mike

but any one with SUN in it for the weekend will do :rofl:

geoff

[Inmykombi]

I am in for Friday night if the weather decides to do us a favour.

The forecast I heard was Friday will be clearing.. Saturday will be more storms....

Will anyone be there with the key so I can get the Coffee machine up and running.?

If so, I'll be there early to set up .....say about 6 .00 pm.


:driving:

[cahullian]

I can't make Friday as I'm off to Sydney to watch my beloved Jets play the much hated SydneyFC.
If Saturday is clear I will be there with bells on.

Gazz

[Inmykombi]

Wow, At the moment, I cannot see a cloud in any direction on the Coast here.

Tonight is lookin good....
geoff # 4

[Deeno]

Well... I'm keen for Saturday night.
If there are storms, I feel confident it will clear (famous last words:whistle:)

Besides, I won't been marinating the chicken wings till tomorrow night.

[Rodstar]

I am crossing my fingers for Saturday night. I can't do Friday night. Looking forward to those chicken wings, Deeno!

[Inmykombi]

Doesnt sound like there is many takers for Friday Night.
Who has the key for the Pony Club ? in case I go ....

Geoff # 4

[jakob]

I would come depending on visibility:rolleyes:

[GTB_an_Owl]

well i don't think i can make it to-nite

i was sort of hoping that everyone would turn up Sat nite whether it looked doubful or not, so we could have a Xmas get to gether anyway

but i guess if some of you want to go to-nite i can have the key left out for you to pick up

geoff

[Rodstar]

Geoff,

If there is even half a chance of it clearing, I will be there on Saturday night. I may not bother packing the Mary Rose if it is looking a bit threatening because, though she may be seaworthy, she struggles in the hail/heavy rain.

[Inmykombi]

If I decide to go tonight I will call you Geoff....Thx....

I will also be there Saturday to enjoy the company and have the Christmas Party.
Oh, and I must catch one of those Hedgehogs if there are any running around....

[iceman]

I'll be there tomorrow night if it looks like it's got a chance of clearing, though the predictions are for afternoon showers/thunderstorms again. It MAY clear after the storms go through.

I hate to think how long the grass will be after all this rain!

[Inmykombi]

Tonight isnt looking good at all. So its tomorrow night for me.

I will be there about 6 pm, and I will bring my trusted friend. ( the coffee machine ).

[netwolf]

At this stage our plan has been ditched for tomorrow. If it clears i will setup at home. I am hopping it will clear tonight.

[GTB_an_Owl]

well Folks

hail,rain or shine - i am heading up to the pony club saturday nite - no if's or but's

i intend to do some viewing if the weather permits - IF NOT!
I INTEND TO WISH YOU ALL A MERRY XMAS (in person)

SO - be there

i won't even give you my usual "trust me it will clear" speech - cause i know it will

and for those that haven't been there before - at least you will know how to get there next time

and you might even get to sample a "Hedgehog" (especially if the Jets win to-nite - eh Gazz!)

and then there will be the lure of "THE COFFEE MACHINE"

need i say anymore ?

geoff

[Inmykombi]

I will be grinding the coffee FFRREESSHH if anyones interested.

I'll be watching out for those Hedgehogs too, unless they find me first..
" wearing my gum boots " just in case....;)

See ya there Geoff.

[iceman]

It's actually clear at home now! Might be a good sign for a similar pattern for tomorrow night.

Too tired to go out and set up though :( Hoping it'll be clear for the ISS in the morning!

[Inmykombi]

Amazingly, its clear here too. You wouldnt think we had a thunderstorm here this arvo.
But I am also too tired to set up.

Rest for tomorrow night might be in order.

[Deeno]

Will be there with bells on.

If tonight is anything to go by, I'm sure there will be ample opportunity for some observing.
Hopefully be there before dark, depends on cricket.

[Inmykombi]

On ya Deeno, see ya there.

[netwolf]

Its finally clear and i am to tired..

[GTB_an_Owl]

then you better have an early nite and change your plans for to-morrow back to coming to the pony club Fahim

geoff

[iceman]

I setup for the ISS pass this morning, got up at 4am and it was cloudy.. and wet! Dew was horrific!

[GTB_an_Owl]

twas clear out here at 2am - not too wet - there was a slight breeze

so i went to bed early in anticipation of to-nite

think we got a bit of a southerly around 3am


geoff

[Inmykombi]

C'mon Fahim, We'll all see you there.

[Rodstar]

I couldn't believe my eyes last night, was putting the dog out for a leak before locking up, and saw pristine heavens. Nothing was going to stop me! On with the observing gear, and out into the backyard for an impromptu session. I had a nice time with the Mary Rose for about 90 mins until some winds blew up and spoilt the fun.

Man, am I suffering withdrawal symptoms!?

I didn't do any "serious observing", just patrolled some of the gems at this time of year. M42 almost knocked my socks off and the LMC put on a fine show. Ahhhhh, I am a happy man.

I hope we get some decent skies tonight.

[iceman]

Clearing now, ahead of another storm this arvo. Hopefully it'll clear up after the storm.

[GTB_an_Owl]

what is this "hopefully" bit Mike ?

of course it will - trust me :whistle:

and for gods sake - WILL SOMEONE BRING A TELESCOPE this year !

anyone remember what happened last years xmas get to-gether ?

geoff

[gmbfilter]

Geoff, what time are you going to be there? do you think the grass will be dry enough to mow?

[Inmykombi]

This Geoff # 4 will be there at 6 pm.

Its hard to say about the grass.
If there is a breeze up there it might be dry and OK to cut.
Otherwise if ithe grass is long, with no breeze, it may be very moist indeed.
A bit of sun on the coast now and some blue sky.....

Updated forecast is looking good.

[GTB_an_Owl]

i hope to be there around 5pm Geoff

just getting ready to leave now - about 4ish anyway

geoff

[iceman]

I just mowed our grass, wasn't too bad. Though not as long as the pony club will be :)

Come over cloudy here again now :(

[gmbfilter]

Probably wont get away until 6:30ish, see you then

[Rodstar]

I am going to hold back to see what the weather is doing before deciding how heavy or light to pack.....I may not be there until 7.30 or so (barring heavy rain, in which case, I might just watch a double header of The Bill instead).

[RB]

It doesn't look too promising ATM guys.

I don't think I can make it, it's a bit hard to justify getting away when the weather's looking like this, SWMBO won't believe me.......:lol:

[iceman]

I'm making a decision around 7-7:30ish.

Keeping a watch on the satellite, but not looking good :( a friend from Karate was going to come with me.. :cry:

[noelo]

I'm about to leave from Sydney and it looks ok-ish from here.
Is it clearing up anybit ?

[jakob]

I'll start packing.
Loks very mixed from here but what the heck!

[iceman]

I wimped out.. the satellite shows clear but my head outside shows clouds.

I hope you have a good night. I'll be there during the week or next weekend, whenever it clears up!

[GTB_an_Owl]

my thanks to all those folk that turned up for the xmas get to gether last nite
it did eventually clear - trust me

no really - it did
we got a brief veiw of mars through my short tube 80 around 2-30 or 3 and spied one meteor

but it clouded over again
it just didn't get cold enough - shorts and tshirt all nite is just not the usual mountain weather

when we packed up around 3-45am it had started to drizzle

Gazz! - you are in trouble
we had a couple of people eager to share in the hedgehog experience and i had to tell them they would have to wait because we couldn't just tell them what they were

thanks to geoff 2 and 3 for mowing the grass and providing that beaut brewed coffee

geoff

[netwolf]

Apologies gents my clearance pass was on the proviso that it was not cloudy. I need to save my away game passes for the clear nights we might get. Around 10pm it looked clear, I stepped outside with the 76ED for some hand held testing and as soon as i was out there the clouds rolled in. I got to look at a couple of stars. Hope it clears for next month, as i am starting to really need my dark sky fix.

Regards
Fahim

[Rodstar]

Thanks for everyone's company last night. It was nice to have a natter and share in some of the finer things in life!;)

[Inmykombi]

Thanks to all who put in an appearance last night.

It was really great to sit and talk with everyone , so I could get to know you all a little better. And to enjoy the smell of Cigars. Oh, and Rod's Muscat was a hit too.
Deeno's Chicken wings visited again, however the Hedgehogs still remain a mystery until next Month.

For those who arrived early, we had a rare moment, with the formation of some Crop circles in the field. See photo below.

Much later on a view of Mars thru Geoff's ED80.
At one stage around 2 am,the sky lit up with stars, but it was short-lived and we went back to our chairs and tried to contain our anticipation for some more " glimpses".

Good time had by all who came.

Thanks again.;)

[Inmykombi]

I have already pencilled in the 5th AND the 12th January for our next New Moon Session.

[cahullian]

Geoff it was wall to wall clouds here and my Canadian friend was a no show. If it is clear next week and people are going I will be there.

Gazz

[Arthur Alchin]

thank you all for last night it was great although a little to cloudy but nevertheless the company was great. have a great christmas everybody and hopefully will catch up in january if the mountain is to be inhabited

arthur

[Deeno]

So the seing wasn't great but, Geoff was true to his word and it did clear.
A couple of times!

With a few drinks, munchies and great company, a good time was had by all.

Thanks for the stogie RB. Worth the price of admission alone. Could still taste it this morning.

Cheers
Deeno

[gmbfilter]

Another great evening @ the pony club, only thing missing was stars. I was hopeing for the ultimate shootout, my sky (arthur's) v's skycout (mine..) back to back...dark sky...new batteries ...first to id a star, perhaps next time.

[RB]

Although it was cloudy for most of the night, the company- being amongst friends and meeting new members made the whole evening a great night.
Thanks to The Owl for organising the pony club and getting the key and to the person who provided the crop circle machine and made the crop circles for us- sorry not sure who it was but thank you :).


Nothing beats a good Havana huh?
Glad you enjoyed it Deeno, I'll have to bring an extra one next time for Mr Inmykombie :lol:

The view of Mars through The Owl's Short Tube 80 was the best of the whole evening, simply breathtaking. :rofl:

See you guys next time.

:thumbsup: