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montewilson
04-02-2008, 08:42 PM
Hi Guys - The SPSP is coming and we are busily preparing for what we hope will be the best in this series of Australia's largest and longest running annual star party. I would like give you a better feel of what we are planning and also ask for your understanding with some of the changes we have decided to make.

In the last five or so years Astrophotography has become increasingly popular and this year we have made improvements to the way we cater for people wanting to image over the weekend.

There will be a dedicated astro-imaging section of the main field. Monitors and computers will be allowed. This area is separated form visual observers by a hedge and we hope it will offer convenience to both groups. Generators are not allowed anywhere on the lower main field for use with astro equipment or for camping. They are allowed up at the house.

The house which is about 300m to the West of the main field has been set aside to meet the needs of astro-imagers. Generators are allowed there if they are small and quiet. Light from monitors and laptops will be acceptable if its not bothering others.

There is enough room for about couple of dozen imagers and there is a toilet and shower in the house.

Last year there were problems with queues for the showers and toilets. We appreciate nothing would be more frustrating for our guests and we will be renting two portable showers in addition to the two installed units we have had for some time.

While everyone likes to have a shower in the morning between seven and eight we suggest you consider having your shower at less orthodox times such as in the early hours of the morning after your observing. There is rarely a line then.

This year we will not be opening the gates until Friday at 9.00am. This is a departure from the normal way we have operated but the size and popularity of the event means we just can't run it for more than a few days anymore. Please don't come earlier.

Last year we had 200 people on the site by Thursday night and this was a major cause of the queues for the facilities. Wiruna has no mains water. Our showers are supplied by the tank water we capture during the year and while 300 people for a few days is not a problem, for more days it would be.

We know this will cause some inconvenience but we have no option and we apologize if some people are not able to justify traveling larger distances for a two day event.

PM me if you have made plans to come from a considerable distance and this will greatly effect your ability to attend. Don't forget the Wiruna site is open every new moon weekend for three to four days so if the SPSP is not practical a normal new moon weekend maybe.

Best regards

Monte Wilson
Secretary ASNSW

Inmykombi
04-02-2008, 09:38 PM
Please excuse my ignorance, as I have never been to a star party before.
I would love to get my scope undewr a "real" dark sky.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I have a few questions I hope someone can answer.

How can I get directions to find Wiruna?

Do I need to bring a tent?, or is there other accommodation or a local Motel or Pub I can stay at nearby while there ?

what about 240 volt power to re-charge my batteries ?

Do I need to bring water ?

Thanks in advance for anyones answers.

Geoffro

montewilson
04-02-2008, 10:06 PM
Hi Geoff,
All the directions are included in the kit you will receive if you register.

There is no power but there will be battery chargers available. These are powered by the big generator we hire for the hall.

You will need to bring a tent/camper. There is no accomodation during the SPSP.

There are many local motel/B&B options. They are listed in the rego kit.

You shouldn't need to bring water. We have enough tank water for showers and drinking.

Food is available for sale but it is advisable to bring snacks and staples as the food available is more of the comfort food type.

Inmykombi
04-02-2008, 10:55 PM
Hi , Thanks a million for the super quick reply.

Sounds like it'd be a great weekend.


Geoffro.

Rodstar
05-02-2008, 08:34 AM
Geoff,

There is always a contingent from IIS there, and everyone from ASNSW is very friendly...you will have a ball.

The skies truly are magnificent. You will be amazed how much more you can see in your LX200 than under usual conditions.

I always recharge my power pack each day from the power points near the main hall, and have never had a problem with that.

I always pack plenty of fresh fruit to balance the fried takeaway style of food catered.

It has become something of a tradition that we go to one of the neighbouring towns for a full hot cafe breakfast on one of the mornings. It warms the cockles after a long night of observing, and insufficient sleep to have someone make a full breakfast for me, and to endulge in some freshly ground coffee!

Inmykombi
05-02-2008, 05:47 PM
Thanks Rod.

Where do you stay when at SPSP?
Do you stay nearby or on site ?

Geoffro

iceman
05-02-2008, 06:00 PM
Hi Geoff

Almost all of us camp on site. Rod loans out the other half of his large tent for me to occupy :)

iceman
05-02-2008, 06:01 PM
Thanks for all the details, Monte. Sounds great.

I guess it's a shame for those that can't come earlier than Friday, but I can fully understand the reasoning behind it.

qld
05-02-2008, 06:31 PM
monte please tell the bretheren what they have to do to become members of asnsw that it is a great club with lots of helpfull members good lecture nights and of course wiruna go out and get them to join up qld:D

montewilson
05-02-2008, 06:35 PM
www.asnsw.com (http://www.asnsw.com)

Inmykombi
05-02-2008, 08:42 PM
Looks like I bring my Tent then.
Although my tent isn't big enough to share half with anyone or anything.... except my esky...:lol:

Thx

Kal
05-02-2008, 10:35 PM
Monte, when I was there last year I arrived rather late Saturday and the camping area was quite full. I set up my tent + telescope in the hedged off area next to the dirt road that leads up to the hall, which was almost completely empty at the time. I assume that this is the area that will be dedicated to asto-imagers on the main field?

Will camping be prohibited from this area? I must admit I found it quite convenient having the tent + car + scope all together there last time.

montewilson
06-02-2008, 04:47 AM
I don't think there is anything against camping there. It will however be a bit lighter than other areas because monitors and computers will be in full use there. I will check and try to remember to post an answer. Remind me by PM if you don't see an reply soon.

Inmykombi
01-03-2008, 04:31 PM
Hi again,

I am trying to get one of my sons to come along to the SPSP, but cant get him motivated as yet.

I am hoping there are some good daytime activities at the Site to keep him interested during the day.

ie: Is there bushwalking ? or freshwater swimmimng holes?

What is there for Teenagers to do during the day ?
What happens during the daytime besides the obvious catching up on sleep?

Cheers.

Geoffro.

wavelandscott
01-03-2008, 06:39 PM
There are some activities during the day for kids...but, if your son is a teen, he might be a bit old for them. However, my 6 and 10 year olds love them.

Inmykombi
01-03-2008, 07:49 PM
Thx.

What activities are they ?

Geoffro.

Rodstar
01-03-2008, 07:50 PM
Geoff, because the facilities are very basic, there is a lot of work involved to bring a child and keep them happy. I imagine a teenager who is not particularly fussed with astronomy may be bored rigid.

I take my kids to some other star parties, but I find that the facilities at SPSP are just too basic. There are certainly no swimming holes.

There really is nothing much for kids to do, other than some astronomical talks arranged for newbies and kids for one or two hours of the weekend. Some of the families who have been going regularly over the years have children that play together, but obviously your kid would not fit into that situation.

During the day there are astronomy talks for the grown-ups, vendor displays, the astro comp, etc. For most of the time, people just chill out, discuss their equipment, and as you have indicated, catch up on some kip.

You might consider coming by yourself this year, and then you will have a better idea of whether it would be appropriate to bring a teenager along next year.

Inmykombi
01-03-2008, 08:18 PM
Thx Rod.

It looks like I will be there on my own.
My wife doesnt like camping, and my Son probably will be bored out of his brain without his MSN and computer games.

I look forward to seeing what The "Mary Rose" can do under dark skies.

Cheers.

Geoffro.

GTB_an_Owl
01-03-2008, 08:38 PM
any one would think it was getting close :whistle:


who's staying sunday nite ?

think i will if it looks like being fine - seeing as how i will be doing the vendor stall, i will have to go to bed sometime friday and saturday nite.
sunday will be my chance to have a good nites viewing i guess.

geoff

Inmykombi
01-03-2008, 09:13 PM
If you are staying Sunday Night, then I think I will as well. As long as I can have a "squiz" through that dob of yours.

Another night under dark skies sounds great to me.

Does anyone have directions to the site ?

Geoffro.

GTB_an_Owl
02-03-2008, 12:56 AM
try this Geoff

i think i'm pretty close

http://maps.google.com.au/maps?f=d&hl=en&geocode=9410062480787885331,-33.014205,149.782572&saddr=gosford+nsw&daddr=Old+Ilford+Rd+%40-33.014205,+149.782572&sll=-33.36569,150.55953&sspn=1.105651,1.851196&ie=UTF8&z=9



geoff

GTB_an_Owl
02-03-2008, 01:00 AM
PS

or go via Katoomba if you want to stay on the good roads

geoff

Inmykombi
02-03-2008, 04:42 AM
Thx Geoff.

Is there a sign near the entry point so I dont miss the turn off ?

Rodstar
02-03-2008, 10:09 AM
Geoff, you will be amazed what such dark skies do for any scope. I will be interested to hear how impressed you are with what you can see in your scope at SPSP. I remember when I first went to SPSP with my 10" LX200 I was floored by how much more detail I could see in familiar objects.:thumbsup:

Inmykombi
03-03-2008, 05:37 PM
Rod,
It will be great to share this experience with a few of the Central Coast locals.
Even though I have had a telescope since I was a paper boy, ( only a few years ago ):whistle: .... I have never really been to anywhere with really dark skies, so I am very excited about the whole event.

Cheers

Geoffro

Rodstar
03-03-2008, 07:02 PM
You will be in for a treat, then, Geoff.

In relation to your question regarding signposting, it is all very well signposted. I had no difficulty the first time I drove there, so I am sure you will be fine.

Inmykombi
08-03-2008, 12:42 PM
Is it possible to set up camp near to the viewing area? Or does everyone have to take their heavy scopes to another spot away from the tents and vehicles?

Geoffro.

iceman
08-03-2008, 01:26 PM
Camping is away from the observing fields. You CAN set up your scope next to your tent if you want, but not many people do.

You drive to your scope setup spot, set it up, then drive back to the camping spot. (or leave your car at the scope if you want).

GTB_an_Owl
08-03-2008, 01:40 PM
be patient geoff

all will be explained this evening

geoff

Inmykombi
08-03-2008, 01:50 PM
:bowdown:

Sorry Geoff, I must learn to be patient and wise like the OWL.

GTB_an_Owl
08-03-2008, 02:12 PM
EXACTLY

geoff

Inmykombi
13-03-2008, 11:24 PM
Thanks to Geoff ( Wise Mr. Owl ) for the photos of last years Star Party.

It looks as thought I will be able to camp near the other attending IIS members, and meet loads of other people as well.

The site looks marvelous, and I cant wait 'till I get some time at the eyepiece.

See ya all there.

Geoffro.

netwolf
14-03-2008, 12:47 PM
Is there any kind of internet connection available onsite?

iceman
14-03-2008, 12:50 PM
No. But if you've got Telstra NextG wireless modem it should wokr.

netwolf
14-03-2008, 09:40 PM
Thanks Mike. Is there any mains power? If not what is suggested as the best solution to powering laptops?
For my the Mount i have a jumpstart battery but i am not sure if i can use this to power the camera's, hubs, and mount.

montewilson
14-03-2008, 10:08 PM
Next G works well there. I use it regularly.

As for power there is no mains power. You can bring a generator and use it at the house area. If you ask nicely you can probably get a charge from someone who has a generator.

You can't use one on the main field though, the noise of a dozen generators would ruin the ambience of a good night.

Tilt
24-03-2008, 01:29 PM
Ok, I'm now registered for the SPSP. I don't own a telescope but I plan to buy one soon, probably after the star party. Got my eyes on a 10" or 12" Dob, but I thought it might be an idea to get along to a gathering such as this one to hopefully check out some of these Dobs in action first. I hope to gather some much needed knowledge from the regulars/more experienced observers on the weekend :)

xstream
24-03-2008, 01:33 PM
Well you'll certainly be at the right spot! :thumbsup:

xstream
31-03-2008, 04:58 PM
Well only 4 sleeps to go boys & girls. Anna and I are heading of Wednesday morning and will take our time getting up there, going to have a good look around Cowra this time check out the Japanese gardens etc.

We are looking forward to seeing old and meeting new faces once again; The SPSP is always one of the highlights of our year.

See you all there!

Rodstar
31-03-2008, 06:33 PM
Safe travels, John and Anna.

I'll have a nice bottle of red to crack open with you when I arrive on Friday!

iceman
31-03-2008, 07:22 PM
I'm very much looking forward to it too! No trailer yet, so i'll only be taking the widefield imaging setup, not the 12".

Looks like Friday might be the pick of the days for good weather, at this stage.

GrahamL
31-03-2008, 08:15 PM
hope you all have a great time :thumbsup:

asymptote
02-04-2008, 04:48 PM
Hi.

This will be my first SPSP and I'm hugely excited :). Question is what do I do with my little daughter? She is usually well behaved but likes to have the occasional bad day - obviously impossible to predict what she will be like on the day.

So to the veterans: do people get their toddlers along? And is there any particular area on the site where people with kids can hang out without disturbing the serious business?

Any help/advice would be much appreciated!

Cheers.

GTB_an_Owl
02-04-2008, 05:01 PM
Bewise - Betold ......... you know the rest


just had a look at the forecast for Mudgee for the weekend

friday nite - DOWN TO MINUS 1 - yes i said -1

sat and sun nite a lot warmer at 4 degrees

:cold: :clap::clap::clap::clap:

geoff

iceman
02-04-2008, 06:31 PM
Hi there and :welcome: to IceInSpace!

You'll love SPSP, but it's really going to be tricky with toddlers.. there's really not a lot for them to do there to keep them entertained. Also who will look after them at night while you're observing? :)

During the day there's really nowhere you can't go with or without toddlers, obviously just keep them away from the telescopes :)



That's cause Saturday night forecast doesn't look great (cloudy = warmer)! At least for Sydney.

What's the Mudgee forecast look like?

Rodstar
02-04-2008, 06:48 PM
For those who don't pick up the subtlety of Geoff's post, you will be needing a freezer suit to cope with those temperatures, and, lo and behold, young Sir Geoffrey sells freezer suits.

I would not even dream of attending SPSP without a freezer suit after my experience two years ago, when it was so cold I could not sleep.

GTB_an_Owl
02-04-2008, 07:12 PM
d-weather for mudgee says

frid - sunny 21 to -1
sat - mainly sunny 21 to 4
sun - sun and clouds 21 to 4

geoff

h0ughy
02-04-2008, 07:19 PM
have fun guys and gals, sniff- i will miss you all......

h0ughy
02-04-2008, 07:21 PM
hey mike they can play with your scope:D;) Uncle Mike's daycare:rofl:

Enjoy the temps peoples:whistle:

xstream
02-04-2008, 07:56 PM
Nice and mild here in Cowra at the moment down to 4 tonight top of 16 tomorrow.

Inmykombi
02-04-2008, 10:46 PM
WOW minus 1 hey.

Sounds like we will have to have a serious look at those freezer suits....

I hope you have heaps of stock Sir Geoff....

Cant wait

Geoffro.

gary
03-04-2008, 12:17 PM
Dear SPSP attendees,

We are looking forward to seeing you all and just wanted to make the timely
reminder to please drive carefully when going to and from the star party.

Kangaroos, wombats and other wildlife and stock can be a hazard if they venture
out onto the road and they can appear quite suddenly at any time,
day or night and sometimes faster than you can humanly react, even if you are well
below the posted speed limit. In particular, be vigilant in the afternoons around dusk
and during the evenings. Attendees in the past have hit wildlife resulting in very
expensive vehicle damage.

Please also drive very slowly along the gravel road to the property and in
particular dead slow past one of the neighboring properties where the house
is close to the road as dust from hundreds of vehicle movements in a day
can be an obvious problem for these neighbours.

If you haven't registered, then you can register on site. Ignore what the weather
reports say what is happening in Sydney or Mudgee. Ilford regulars know that
Ilford has its own set of rules with respect the weather. We've seen situations
where it is teeming rain down at where the old Ilford Roadhouse is yet be
perfectly crystal clear a few minutes away at Wiruna ... and vice versa!
You can get all four seasons in a day, so bring a hat and sun glasses but
also bring additional clothing as if you were spending a weekend down at the
snow. As has been noted above, it can get very cold at night.

Don't own a scope? No problem. There will be scopes for sky tours on site
including some 25" aperture scopes and there are plenty of other attendees always
happy to share the views.

And finally, even if you don't do anything else, be sure to attend the first
guest speakers talk on the Friday afternoon. :thumbsup:

Best Regards

Gary Kopff
Mt. Kuring-Gai

iceman
03-04-2008, 12:38 PM
Wouldn't be you giving the talk by any chance, would it Gary? :lol:

Look forward to catching up! :thumbsup:

gary
03-04-2008, 01:16 PM
Who? Me? :whistle:



Looking forward to catching up with yourself and all our IceInSpace colleagues!

Best Regards

Gary Kopff
Mt. Kuring-Gai NSW

netwolf
03-04-2008, 09:01 PM
My first star party and i am all packed and ready to go. I am really looking forward to looking up in the dark skies, and meeting all of you in person.
Drive safe and see you all there.

Inmykombi
03-04-2008, 10:09 PM
Hi Fahim, This is my first Star Party too. :eyepop:

I will look forward to meeting you after watching your many posts over the past months.

Have a safe trip. And I'll see ya there....

Geoffro

h0ughy
03-04-2008, 10:40 PM
remember to take the warm clothes be pretty cool there overnight

GTB_an_Owl
03-04-2008, 10:52 PM
i'm taking PLENTY of warm clothes h0ughy :lol: :lol: :lol:


geoff

Deeno
03-04-2008, 11:29 PM
One more sleep.......
Looking forward to it!

Bassnut
03-04-2008, 11:40 PM
Cold?, OH yeah, cold it can get, pack triple thermals or you will SUFFER. It was the single killer downer on my 1st SPSP, be warned.

RB
05-04-2008, 02:40 PM
Sorry guys due to unforeseen circumstances I've had to miss this years SPSP...:sad:
I even tried to leave this morning to get there after lunch but got held back because of work commitments.

Hope you guys are having a blast and the weather is being kind to you.

Clear skies and a safe trip home to all.