Central Coast Observing - 15th December [Archive]

iceman

12-12-2007, 06:18 AM

Hi all

After the new moon washout, I'm still really keen to get out under some darkish skies.

I'm planning to head out on Saturday night, the 15th December. The Moon won't be a problem after 10pm (under 20deg alt) and it takes me that long to get everything plugged in and aligned anyway :)

..and the weather is looking fairly good so far. Fingers crossed.

Anyone else keen to join me? I'll hopefully be bringing a friend from Karate too.

iceman

12-12-2007, 06:31 AM

Imaging Plan / wishlist :)

Probably way too ambitious.. I really should spend 2 hours on a single target, and I don't even know if Holmes/17P will still be visible - but SNP shows it peaking at around 10-11pm so we'll see.

Maybe i'll spend 2 hours on Tarantula (12-2) and 2am-dawn on Eta :)

Oh and I've gotta fit darks and flats in there somewhere too. :rolleyes:

Inmykombi

12-12-2007, 07:36 AM

I wish I could be there.

I will be in Qld. for my Nephews wedding until the 18th.

I hope you have clear skies and get thru your Imaging list.

I have to catch up soon , so I can get my Beanie too..

iceman

12-12-2007, 07:38 AM

yeh doh, sorry I couldn't be there last Saturday.
If you want it sooner (before xmas for example), just fill in the order form (http://www.iceinspace.com.au/?id=73,393,0,0,1,0) and I'll post it to you (it will cost you an extra $5 though).

Inmykombi

12-12-2007, 08:03 AM

Its OK, I can wait to get the beanie till I meet you in person.
Thx anyway.

All the best on your imaging night.

Geoff

Rodstar

12-12-2007, 08:36 AM

I should be able to make it, Mike! Here's hoping for some clear weather.

wavelandscott

12-12-2007, 09:30 AM

NOt sure if I can make it as I must head overseas for one last trip before year end next week...but, just in case...

Which location?
Paintball or Pony Club?

Cheers!

iceman

12-12-2007, 09:47 AM

Pony club!

GTB_an_Owl

12-12-2007, 01:23 PM

i have emailed Justine to leave the key out for frid /and/or sat nite

geoff

Rick Petrie

12-12-2007, 01:33 PM

I just can't seem to get lucky lately with getting to obs nights up at the mountain.
October was in USA to meet new grandson and see daughter but happened to see Holmes 17/P up close. That was cool.:cool:
Last Saturday night had to attend wife's Christmas Party and was going to come late but alas - nasty sky.
This Saturday have wedding in Sydney and would have been there as the weather looks promising.:shrug:
Maybe January is my next dark viewing -really hanging for a fix.
Merry Christmas to all.:)

Deeno

12-12-2007, 07:45 PM

Gee, dunno if I can make it

Deeno

12-12-2007, 07:47 PM

Kidding....
Just wanted an extra post to make the magic hundred.

GTB_an_Owl

12-12-2007, 07:53 PM

well done on the 100 posts Deeno

we have confirmation the key will be left out from friday

geoff

Inmykombi

12-12-2007, 10:14 PM

I hope you all get favourable weather for the weekend.

I cant get there, but I really hope you all have a nice dark sky.
I expect to read all about it while I am away too.:rolleyes:

Cheers

iceman

13-12-2007, 06:52 AM

Are you coming Geoff (GTB)?
Where do we pick the key up from?

GTB_an_Owl

13-12-2007, 11:15 AM

yep - i should be there
friday or sat - whatever we decide on - or should i say whatever the "weather gods" decree

it was nice out here at 3am this morning - could actually see the milkyway

geoff

13-12-2007, 11:20 AM

I'll be there too, if all goes well.

:)

iceman

13-12-2007, 11:24 AM

I can't make Friday, but will definitely be there Saturday (weather permitting).

ausastronomer

13-12-2007, 10:48 PM

I can't make it unfortunately. My wife has conned me into taking her to see "Billy The Kid", at the Capitol Theatre. Won't that be fun.

Cheers,
John B

iceman

14-12-2007, 06:30 AM

Shame you can't make it John, haven't caught up in ages!

Weather is looking great so far!

jakob

14-12-2007, 06:51 PM

I'm in, just keep the clouds away Geoff!

gmbfilter

14-12-2007, 07:34 PM

With a bit of luck i'm in as well. What time are you arriving GTB?

GTB_an_Owl

14-12-2007, 07:38 PM

at this stage i would say 6-30 ish Geoff

i have a lot to do to-morrow

geoff

Rodstar

14-12-2007, 08:09 PM

I am going to try to get there a bit earlier tomorrow than usual, perhaps by about 6.30pm. See you all there. It looks like it could be a late night!!!!!

Inmykombi

14-12-2007, 11:11 PM

I hope you all have a great night tomorrow night while I am in Qld.:doh:

I will take my 11 x 70 Binos to Qld. though, so I dont feel like I have missed out.

While driving home from a Christmas Party tonight at about 10 PM, I saw Mars out-shining everything else around it. How bright is it getting ?
It looked wonderful, and I cant wait to get my first views of it through my new scope.
:eyepop:
No doubt I will read all about the night next week when I get back....
Sorry I cant bring the coffee this time....

Enjoy.

gmbfilter

15-12-2007, 10:05 AM

GTB could you bring freezer suit (s) for me to try. I think xxl ??? Boots too size 8-9 Thanks

wavelandscott

15-12-2007, 10:16 AM

Alas good fellows of the night. It is with sadness that I must say that I will be unable to join tonight due to imposed mandatory attendance at a Christmas Carol singing event. My wife informs me that my "tune bucket" is duly packed for this event so that I can help carry the songs along with my family.

I hope that you all enjoy a brilliant night under the glorious southern skies...

Rodstar

15-12-2007, 11:11 AM

That's a real shame, Scott - for us, I mean, not for your family;-).

Hope you have a great family Christmas, and that we can catch up in the new year.

15-12-2007, 01:15 PM

Looks like conditions tonight might be even better than last week ! :P

:prey:

Rodstar

15-12-2007, 02:50 PM

I hope so RB, mind you, the air was so thick with smoke last week, we wouldn't have had a chance of seeing anything anyway, even if the clouds had cleared!

15-12-2007, 04:03 PM

:lol:

There's a very high likelihood that this will happen again tonight Rod. :whistle:

iceman

15-12-2007, 04:22 PM

ANyone looked at the satellite? It's NOT looking good! It'll be full cloud in about 1-2 hours. :(

Last night was beautiful :(

15-12-2007, 04:23 PM

It'll clear Mike.

GTB_an_Owl

15-12-2007, 05:04 PM

STOP stealing my lines RB !

i will open the gates then come back to your place RB
i probably won't leave here till 5-30 ish

geoff

iceman

15-12-2007, 05:14 PM

Satellite (http://www.weatherzone.com.au/satellite.jsp?lt=wzstate&lc=nsw&img=sat&ane=1&anf=1&and=1&ana=3&anb=333&anc=3&lye=1&lyf=1)

I will try to share your optimism!

Rodstar

15-12-2007, 05:55 PM

Unless there is a miracle, and there is a sudden evaporation of clouds, I won't be making the trek. What a shame. At least I had a bit of a fix last night. Maybe Sunday night?

jakob

15-12-2007, 06:32 PM

:mad2::screwy:
I recommend 'Starry Night' for a good view tonight!

GTB_an_Owl

16-12-2007, 04:37 AM

my thanks to Geoff, Deeno and RB for sharing another enjoyable gathering to-gether

the views we got of Orion , Mars, 47tuc and Saturn after the clouds parted around 11pm were mostly unexpected

we closed the gates at 3-15 am after the clouds had returned

Merry Xmas to all - will see you in the new year

geoff

Rodstar

16-12-2007, 08:44 AM

Glad you guys had some clear conditions. It looks like the clouds are now set in for another week or so. It has been a very frustrating couple of months....

jakob

16-12-2007, 09:10 AM

I was wrong again:mad2:

16-12-2007, 09:14 AM

Yes it was quite a surprise to see a bit of clear sky last night.
It looked like it was going to clear up well but it was short lived. We then just had sucker holes to keep us on our toes.

Great to catch up with you guys once again and thanks for the look thru your scope Deeno.

Catch up again soon.