Queensland Astrofest 2008 - July 25th to August 3rd

[firstlight]

Hi everyone,

We are finalising our preparations for opening registration to this years event. The Queensland Astrofest will be run from afternoon of Friday the 25th July until the Morning of Sunday the 3rd of August. Gates will open for registration on-site at around 4:00pm on Friday.

I will be putting up info on the website as soon as the host can get us back up online. Apparently there has been some sort of electrical discharge and the host is currently rebuilding servers... So at this stage at least we don't have a presence online.

This year we are hiring a large coldroom to hold our supplies, the coldroom at the rear of the kitchen will not be available to any participants, as this will be used by the managers/caterers. Speaking of which, Sue and Ian have moved on, and the Lions Club have appointed new managers. Our committee will be meeting with them after they have had a chance to settle in, but at this stage we expect that the food arrangements will remain much the same as previous years.

Our fee structure is hoped to remain the same, but as we are spending more money on basics, it may rise a dollar or two per person per night.

More info to follow, hopefully on the website in the near future

Tony

[firstlight]

Finally got the hosting problems sorted out and the website is now up, steady AND I can update it.

I have done a little updating, but until after the committee meeting early next week, there won't be much to go up as yet.

Cheers
Tony

[Dennis]

Thanks Tony.

You, Anne-Louise and the incredibly hard-working organising committee do an absolutely fantastic job and make the event so enjoyable to attend.

Cheers

Dennis

[[1ponders]]

Thanks Tony, but you'd better stand back. I think I just saw the h0ughinator heading for the registration page. Don't want to get hurt in the rush. :lol:

[h0ughy]

:thumbsup: quite true, now where do i sign.....

[[1ponders]]

:lol: I knew you would be in here like a shot :lol: It's a wonder Dennis and I managed to post a reply before you. :lol:

[matt]

Excellent. July 25-August 3.

My birthday falls in the middle of this and I was planning on taking a week or two off during this time anyway.:D

Great!

[h0ughy]

on another note, I will miss Ian and Sue

[h0ughy]

:P bugger I cant register yet - will be there from sunday to sunday............:whistle:

[Crash Nebula]

I might be coming this year, depending on what assessment is due when for school. :)

[Davros]

I might be jumping the gun here but i cant get the links on the website to work for online registration. Is it possible to find out if any events are scheduled across the various days. I am thinking of attending for the whole period but if i cant it would be nice to know what was happening when.
P.S. be gentle with me, its my first time ;)

[firstlight]

We are getting the bugs ironed out of the reg form at the present time. Keep watching this space as to when the form is glitch free.

I knew it would be a tricky job, but I can't believe just HOW tricky.

Tony

[AlexN]

Keen as mustard!

[firstlight]

Registration online has now been opened. There is a button in the Notice Board, and on the Registration Information 'page. We have been testing the page pretty exhaustively, but if anyone encounters a problem, please let us know at either registrar@qldastrofest.org.au, or web@qldastrofest.org.au

For some reason I haven't been able to update the links in the menu, and the PDF isn't uploaded yet... still more stuff to do :D

Tony

[firstlight]

geez h0ughy, only just got the page up and you haven't refreshed... I hope.

[h0ughy]

LOL i have done it - i registered (along with Al meehan)

[Analog6]

Well, I'd sure like to come, have to work out finances.

[peter_4059]

I'm done!

[firstlight]

Great to see that some people are coming to the camp on the first Friday with the committee. Welcome Peter.
Tony

[[1ponders]]

You know I'll be there Tony, with sticky date in tow ;)

[Davros]

There was mention of you and your sticky date last night at Barambah :D:D:D

[firstlight]

Whew... I was afraid to ask, but then I remembered something about a pudding? :D

[[1ponders]]

:lol:

[Davros]

It was fondly remembered;)

[Davros]

Question re registration. I am thinking of bringing a camper trailer up for the week. Are there powered sites available close to an observing field? Also is power available to the non imaging field?
cheers
Mick

[firstlight]

Hi Mick, there are 12 sites that are across the "road" from the visual (Northern) field. Currently there are at least 11 sites available for the entire camp. Check out the live tables on Noticeboard and on the registration page.

There is a bug with the table on the reg form in IE, where the last column (Saturday) is missing... more work for the web developers :sadeyes:

Cheers
Tony

[WeeGraeme]

Pardon my dumb question of the week, but what happens at an Astrofest? How long do most people go for?

[AlexN]

if you break it down a bit... Astrofest. Astro-Fest. Astronomy Festival!

Astronomy takes place in rather epic proportions under a very dark rural sky.

As for how many people, I'm not too sure myself, but they have photos from past events... I guess you could make an accurate estimate enough from them (fail that, the max amount of registration spots!)

Alex.

[EDIT]: Took my time, but im registered from tuesday till astrofest end!

[iceman]

Hi Tony

I've sent you a PM!

[h0ughy]

you coming mike?:shrug:

[iceman]

Nope, I wish!

[[1ponders]]

Ahhh, c'mon Mike. More than 50% of you moderators will be there (we're yet to work on RB and JK ;) )

WeeGraeme: This year it's on for a whole 10 days instead of only a week :cool: :cool: :cool:

[AlexN]

Going for the whole 10 days Paul? I would be... pesky reality bites me in the bum.... cant exactly afford 10 days off....

[RB]

Oh how I wish I could come along Paul.
It's just impossible for me to be away that long and that far away.

:sadeyes:

[Davros]

Yay, finally got organised and registered. I am there for a week or so. Hopefully the sky gods are good to us.

[AlexN]

Davros, I've organised a group of mates to preform an intricate rain dance in Melbourne to try and draw any bad weather conditions in that direction... Best I can do to help :D

[thunderchildobs]

Just wondering, are there any other astrocamps, anywhere, that go for 9 nights/10days.

Brendan

[Dennis]

Getting withdrawal symptoms already Brendan!:lol::lol:

Cheers

Dennis

[AlexN]

Getting Closer !

(chomping at the bit!!)

[alan meehan]

are we there yet ......counting the days

[acropolite]

I've been thinking of giving it a miss, the fuel cost from Tassie and fares across the pond will run to at least $1400, but then again, fuel is only going to get more expensive and then there's that sticky date pudding....:whistle:

[Gargoyle_Steve]

C'mon Phil, you KNOW you want to .....

;)

Seriously though, we can all appreciate the huge committment it would take for you (and HRH again?) to come up again - but would be great to see you there again!

Paul maybe you need to set up an online booking form, for people to sign up for the Sticky Date pudding again, with tick box options for the Cream, Ice Cream, and or hot Caramel sauce.
:lol:

Guess I should mention that I'm probably only coming for 4 nights this time, and probably early on at that. Maybe Saturday to Wednesday? Haven't booked yet, still trying to stretch my holiday time molecule thin so I can cover everything I'm trying to do this year.

[firstlight]

Thanks to Mike and IceInSpace for supporting the Queensland Astrofest again this year.

The online registration page is off-line for a few days, while we try to shake an internet robot that has generated over 1000 registrants in the past 24 hours. If you want to register online, email the registrar@qldastrofest.org.au for a link to be emailed to you for the time being.

Tony and Anne-Louise
Queensland Astrofest committee members and Registrar

[AlexN]

those bots can be a massive pain in the back-side.. best of luck getting rid of it...

[jjjnettie]

I finally got around to registering this morning.
Again I'm only going for the last Friday and Saturday nights.
I'm looking forward to it very much.

I'm back in training for the counter weight toss.
Look out!

[h0ughy]

Look forward to seeing you JJJ. :thumbsup: Now that I booked and paid for this you event organisers have to guarantee the event cloud free from beginning to end. That Ponderosa fellow is scarring me with 60% chance of rain predictions.:scared::scared: I am bringing a secret weapon with me this year for unveiling …………..:whistle:;)

But fuel is going to kill me this year - originally thought it was going to be about 1.40 at the beginning of the year, now it is 1.70 a litre!!!

[RB]

hmmm what can it be with a 127mm aperture ???

:shrug:

[h0ughy]

:whistle::rofl: OK two secret weapons

[[1ponders]]

He's finally gone and bought himself FLI - ProLine PL4240 CCD Camera (http://www.optcorp.com/product.aspx?pid=319-320-322-1028-9417). Good onya Dave. I'm glad you had the b.......ravery to bite the bullet :cool:
:thumbsup:

[jjjnettie]

Ooooh I think I know what one is.
I hope that it's as good as what they say it is. We'll have to turn on some sunny weather for you.

[h0ughy]

nope both wrong......:lol:

[AlexN]

the weather better clear up or i'm going to go nuts! I too will /should/ have a swag of new toys at astrofest! I gotta admit, the prospect of new toys still excites me as much as when i was 5:)

[acropolite]

Given some thought to my statement a few posts back about cost and after discussing it with several people, I've come to the conclusion that with rising fuel costs this may well be the last opportunity to make the trip, it most probably will get progressively more expensive. So at at this stage we are contemplating booking some boat tickets.... (it's really the sticky date pudding that's the real attraction...):D

[AlexN]

hehe the lengths people will go to for a good sticky date pudding! :)

[[1ponders]]

Gets them every time. I can see I'm going to have to make a very big lot this time. :lol:

[h0ughy]

:thumbsup:

well I thought it was to see my secret weapon.......:whistle:;);)

anyway it will be a pleasure:thumbsup:

[[1ponders]]

I know....I know.....you're finally going to use your TV Guider. :cool: You won't regret it Dave :thumbsup:

[h0ughy]

I am enjoying this ----no not that either Paul!!!:rofl: But I am looking forward to using it then:thumbsup:

[[1ponders]]

:lol:

[acropolite]

Well things have taken a turn for the worse. HRH Liz's employers won't let her have time off over the Astrofest period, so they've made the decision for us, no Astrofest this year. :sadeyes:

[jjjnettie]

Dang!
That's rotten luck.

[AlexN]

Heh... I'd have quit :P

[firstlight]

I have just finished off the pdf registration form and put it on the website for those who don't trust the new fandangled internet thingy. If people want to print a few copies to distribute at club meetings and gatherings, just grab it from the 'site.

Cheers
Tony

[[1ponders]]

Bummer Phil. :(

Now I'll either have to eat your piece for you or post it down. :confuse3: Now which one :confuse3:


:D

[Gargoyle_Steve]

Phil that's a damn shame, would have been great to see you and HRH up here again. :sadeyes: Maybe you can organise a Tasmanian Star Party of some sort, timed to coincide with some spectacular Auroral displays, and we'll come down to visit you instead next year!

In the meantime however we shall mark your absence at Astrofest by having a ceremonial burning (not too burnt though) of your 2 serves of the sticky date pudding to commiserate, followed by which we'll smother them liberally in caramel sauce, ice cream and cream - nothing is too good for you and Liz after all!!

Finally we'll have a special Honour Guard dispose of the 2 scrumptious pudding servings while suitably ceremonial music plays in the background.

Paul ... obviously I'll volunteer to assist with all of this.
:D

[acropolite]

We were really looking forward to the trip up, for us it's an opportunity to visit friends and relatives on the way and enjoy some warm weather and good company, but it's no real problem as we'll be up in November anyway.

The stork is delivering grandchild #3 to Brisvegas mid November so we'll try to make the pilgrimage to Ron's place on the new moon.:face:

[astroron]

The stork is delivering grandchild #3 to Brisvegas mid November so we'll try to make the pilgrimage to Ron's place on the new moon.

Phil look forward to you and HRH joining us then:thumbsup:
Ron

[jjjnettie]

Gee, neither of you look old enough to have grand kids.

[Sharnbrook]

On the basis of a round trip of about 1600km, and with a consumption of say 10 lit/100km, you will use some 160 litres. At 30 cts over your budget of $1.40, that's going to cost you an extra $48. Bring some jerrycans, and with the lower price of fuel in Queensland, you'll almost be saving money.:whistle:

[RB]

Shame about Astrofest Phil but hopefully you'll drop in on your way up in November, the wine should be palatable by then........:whistle: :lol:

[Davros]

Counting down the days, must get the Dob projects under way soon so that they get done in time. Should have the new 4wd by thn so i will have to make a mount in it to transport the scope as well. Ah so much to do in a month.

[rodroger]

Hope to be at this years Astrofest myself, if I can get my transport back in good order, we have had some very nice nights here in the south east, where I am anyway and expect it to be quite clear for the Astrofest, fingers crossed. :)

[h0ughy]

Paul I need you to save me a few spots for when we arrive on saturday (late afternoon - possibly dusk) for a g11, eq6 and a heq5pro.........

[[1ponders]]

:lol: I've already asked Tony and Anne-Louise to spray paint you an area for your marque :P

I'll see what I can do on the day I get there.

[AlexN]

i'll be devistated if I dont get my EQ6 before astrofest!!!!

[h0ughy]

Newsflash - -- -- -- - -- -- -
Paul

After some discussion with Alan and myself , all we are bringing are the eq6 and the heq5pro, ed80, orion 80 short tube refractor, the 127APO, and two toilets tents.

No marquee or trailer, losmandy or vixen r200SS ----> they are all bulky (but very nice to have items

We decided this to save weight and fuel and rationalise the trip. There will be a heap of scopes to look at and this year I might even venture over and get Ron to show me the skies…..in the dark zone……..where imagers fear to tread…………:scared:

[[1ponders]]

No Trailer!!!!! :eyepop:



Oh! OK, I see. You are going to buy what you need when you get here. Good move. :thumbsup: I'm sure Tania won't notice that you left without a trailer but arrived home with one full. ;)

Or are you going to have a Striker type auction at the end of the Astrofest. Smart idea. ;)

[[1ponders]]

Hey this is not such a bad idea. You could rent out a small garage or shed to store it and then you wouldn't have to bring gear up each astrofest. :clap:

[h0ughy]

sounds tempting but no not the case:sadeyes:

[h0ughy]

had thought of that but NO :lol::whistle:

[[1ponders]]

Just make sure you bring your TV Guider with you and some good camera lenses. I'll have two mounts there and can supply guidescopes etc. I know you like to make the most of your week in astrophotography heaven. Let me know if you need anything brought out and I'll see what I can do.

[jjjnettie]

Sorry Dave but Ron's not coming this year.:(

[h0ughy]

:sadeyes::sadeyes:

[h0ughy]

:thumbsup:

[AlexN]

woo! Eq6 will be here by friday! Imaging here i come!

[Davros]

Question from the newby. Is there 240v power available to the observing sites for running laptops. Alternatively is there 240v available for recharging batteries?
Counting down the days now. Need to sort my setting circles and find a better table but getting there.

[Davros]

Oh, one other question. Will there be any vendors at the camp. i am kinda thinking i need a good wide field eyepiece. I would like to see what others are using before i through money down though.

[firstlight]

240v on all the fields. There will be several "power stations" set about the fields, if you require more than one point, you will bring a power board. It is called a "camp" but who wants to visit the 3rd world? :)



Ron Gibson from Sirius Optics will be vending on both weekends of the camp... York, Star and possibly Bintel will be there on the second Friday and Saturday. If they are coming up for the first weekend, they have not registered with Anne-Louise.:shrug:

[firstlight]

Did someone tip you off about the raising of land tax at this years Astrofest, Dave?;)

Bloody leaks are not only in Federal Cabinet!:mad2:

[Davros]

Thanks Tony, that puts my mind at rest, i can concentrate on planning now.

[AlexN]

Well Im all geared up and ready! :D

Be warned people... Im going to pick everyones brain.. until it hurts, then i'll move on to the next subject.

[firstlight]

Won't take long for me :)

Just to remind people that pre-registration is closing at midnight on the 20th. We won't be able to confirm payments before we have to leave for the camp otherwise. Registration is still available at the camp as always, but it is on a "first in best dressed" basis.

Cheers
Tony

[h0ughy]

tony,

just a question! if one had to pull out of the camp, when would be the last date to do so (Ie sick)?

[AlexN]

You dont mean that :P

[Tandum]

David,
I've just looked at all your happy snaps on their site from previous years and they convinced me to booked for Friday/Saturday. Maybe Thursday as well, work dependant. Who will take the site shots this year if you withdraw ? You did such a good job ...

[[1ponders]]

C'mon h0ughy, all you need is good old fashion 3:00 am, -3 deg, crystal clear Duckadang air and you'll be as right as rain. :thumbsup: You won't even remember you've been sick. :)

[h0ughy]

It is very fatiguing at the moment:shrug: I have had only 5 hours sleep in 4 days - not good. :( i suppose the same could be said for being there.:shrug:

[[1ponders]]

But up here at least you would be having a good time feeling miserable. :lol:

[h0ughy]

:P quite true

[firstlight]

Hi David,

Our policy on the website is:
Up to 12:00 noon on the Monday (21st July) preceding the camp, 100% of the fees will be fully refunded.
Once the camp has commenced, refunds will only be given under extenuating circumstances and with committee approval.


I imagine the policy would apply to the period after the 21st until the start of the camp. The key is we need to know if someone is not coming so beds can be allocated to others.


Come on, just because NSW plays league like a bunch of fairies, shouldn't make you want to pull the pin :P... Anne-Louise says the camp won't be the same unless we have you to increase global warming with all of your gear.


Tony

[h0ughy]

thanks Tony. i have a week to get past this. As for global warming;).......................... ........

[[1ponders]]

Global warming, nothing. I was looking forward to seeing how much gear was needed to be held in one spot to change the shape of the earth gravity well, thus causing the moon to move closer and eventually getting slung (???) shot out of orbit. :P

[jjjnettie]

Which lens and what camera settings would be best to image that?

[acropolite]

A minor consideration IMO, I'm concerned that the ensuing debate over who gets the spare portion of sticky date pudding will result in some sort of uprising.:whistle:

[Dennis]

:rofl::rofl::rofl::rofl::rofl:

Dennis

[h0ughy]

Lets see,

if I get there i will only have the two setups, the 127 with an ed80 guidescope on the eq6 with the cooled 350D and robofocus (no software yet so manual adjustments) and the TV guider with a 20amp 240-12 volt converter to supply the mount and the dew straps and the camera coolers etc and one laptop, then the other rig will be the Heq5pro mount with a ed80 and a orion 80 guidescope with piggyback camera facilities, 20 amp power converter with dew heaters galore and a laptop and guide camera. and a spare laptop to process, thats all - honest;). I would have liked to bring the G11 and the vixen but would need the trailer for that. There was an interested party in the lightbridge but he hasn't enough funds to purchase. If he committed then I would have to bring the trailer, so then I would obviously bring the extra gear...... Paul Mayo labelled Me "NTS" (Newcastle Telescope Supplies:rofl:)

[AlexN]

HAH! thats tons of toys... I'm having trouble deciding if I want to bring both scopes or just the newt + mount, lappy, cameras, lenses etc etc....

If you're unwell, wrap a few dew heaters around your throat and nose.... burn the cold/flu out of ya! :D

[Nightshift]

Hi Tony and Anne-Louise,

As I am bringing my 9 year old daughter this year I was wondering if the canoes would be down on the trailer next to the river this year?

For that matter, do you know how much water is in the river? Is it flowing? I am guessing it is due to the recent rains.

Thanks in advance, Dennis.

[firstlight]

Hi Nightshift,
I don't think there will be a problem with the canoes. The managers did not wave any red flags. The people who want to do canoeing only need to approach the camp managers and I believe that adults must be supervising any children... that leaves out h0ughy and me :D

Cheers
Tony

[Davros]

Most important question..............are there fish in the river??????

[AlexN]

Now lets be serious... If you still have enough room in your car for a fishing rod, you do not have enough astro toys! :D

[jjjnettie]

There'd definitely be catfish, eel tail and fork tail.
We used to live a bit further up the river and when it was in flood we'd setup on a causeway and throw a line in baited with a bit of worm, and bring in fish after fish after fish. They'd be literally jumping out of the water to try to get the hook first. After you run out of bait, you could still nab them with just a plain hook.
Great fun!
I think it was the Eel Tail catfish that we used to keep to eat.

[dhumpie]

Is it too late for me to register?

[firstlight]

Never too late, however it is too late to do it online or by mail, as it is too hard to check the financial side before the camp. You can register at the camp, but it is a first come, best dressed basis. On the bright side, the bunkhouses are only at about 50%... LOTS of people are camping etc.

When are you coming and for how long? If you want the Astro-Feast you better phone us... the number is on the info page on the website.

Tony

[dhumpie]

Thanks Tony....if I do come I will be at the astrofeast and it will be a one nighter again (in the all nighter bunkhouses like the years before ;)...will call to confirm as soon as possible.

Cheers,
Darren

[Tandum]

Is there an address for the camp I can put into my GPS to get me there?

Avoca Esplanade doesn't do it, thats in kingaroy someplace.

[GrahamL]

Linville ..george street ...then keep on driving the main road out of town (theres only one) you'll find it

[Tandum]

Cheers, that works. Kyecat picked his dob up this morning and is on his way. We just got it into his truck :lol:

[h0ughy]

:lol:

I reckon the Subaru will look like that when it is packed tonight:rofl::rofl:

I look forward to seeing Kyecat when we get there - ask him if he could take some astrofest prizes home for me;):whistle:

[Tandum]

There's heaps of room :lol: There's nothing on the roof yet :lol:

[h0ughy]

I hope you QLd Folk have brought out the best sunny clear skies for our trip up there for this next week?

[spacezebra]

Hey David

The Astrofesters will suck up all the photons before you get there - by the sounds of it!

I hope you Al have a great time!

Cheers Petra d.

[AlexN]

David, Its been raining for the past 3 days straight... however its started to clear up a bit this evening and forecasts predict a nice week ahead.

[[1ponders]]

Beautiful morning this morning. :D

[AlexN]

Isnt it Paul.... clear, crisp... absolute stunner..

[Tandum]

I see it clouding over again tonight :( Only patchy rain on the radar ...

http://mirror.bom.gov.au/products/IDR503.loop.shtml?looping=1&reloaded=0&topography=true&locations=true&range=true#skip

[Davros]

Potential rain on Monday but clear skies for the rest of the week according to the BOM. The site is above the dams and that area never gets rain :thumbsup::thumbsup:

[Tandum]

Does anyone know of a cloud radar in Oz? BOM only shows rain ...

[Davros]

BOM satellite image shows cloud cover. I have cloud cover at the moment in Caboolture which is reasonably close to the Astrofest site. I am not worried though. I am heading up there tomorrow for a week. BOM is predicting clear skies from Tuesday.

[Gargoyle_Steve]

I was supposed to go up yesterday for 4 days, had to make the decision just Friday night to cancel the trip for health reasons.
:sad:

NOT happy at all, so wishing all those who do go the best of weather - fingers crossed!

[Davros]

Sorry to hear Steve, hope you are better soon. One sleep to go.

[GTB_an_Owl]

that's tuff Steve
knowing how much you wanted to be there

geoff

[AlexN]

Steve... No good at all mate... Guess I'll have to catch you next time up at Cambroon instead..

[dhumpie]

I am hoping to get up there for a night this coming Sat....need to call to confirm if they still have room for the all nighters bunks and Astrofeast :)

Clears skies to everyone...

Darren

[jjjnettie]

Geez it would be cold there tonight.
The wind chill factor would make it below zero.

[AlexN]

Yeah its pretty damn cool here.. I'd hate to think of how it will be up there on wednesday when I arrive... :eek:

[Tandum]

It's a little chilly now but it looks to be clear from tomorrow on :)

http://www.weather.com.au/qld/kilcoy/current

[edit]
That temp has dropped from 6C to 4.8C since posting ....

[Tandum]

I am out as well. It appears I have broken a bone in my foot which needs to be screwed back into place before they immobilise it :doh:

Enjoy yourselves .....

[wmzaphod]

Gees, that's bad luck - what did you do that for ;)

[Tandum]

Well, it never rains, it pours. The boy had a near head on in his car last night and written it off. No serious injuries, but I would have been called back to sort this crap out anyway.

[Davros]

Just got home..............wow, i am cold and stinky :D:D:D it was very brisk for a few mornings with ice everywhere. I think i heard someone talking about -6 degrees. It sure felt like it. Beautiful skies with some fancy meteor action thrown in. Heaps of piccys taken and heaps of new ideas to mull over. Time for a shower and a nap. :thumbsup::thumbsup::thumbsup: cant wait for next year.

[acropolite]

Pictures please.....

[AlexN]

Just got home. Great event, got plenty of pics, will post soon.. but first.. its bed time :D

[Redcliffe Nova]

Great 2008 Astrofest, and once again a job well done for all the organizers, specially the hard work of Anne-Louise, what a lucky guy Tony is!.
Our family and I had a ball, cant wait for next year!. I have attached a couple of pics (some BAS members and weight throwing comp).:thumbsup::thumbsup:

[[1ponders]]

These are the only pictures I have ready atm. I'll dig my camera out and see if there are any terrestrial ones on there.

1. Rho Ophiuchus complex. 20D (Modded) & 85mm f/1.8 @ f2.8. 12 shots @240sec. ISO800. ICNR (only way to keep up with the dropping temp)

2. Veil and Gamma Cygni Nebula and part of the Nth America Neb (more of this one to come later) 20D (modded) & 85mm f1.8 lens @ f2.8. Total of 10 shots @240sec. ISO800 ICNR.

These were done quickly for a demo, but they show promise, so I'll go back and complete them when I do all the others I took :D

6 Cracker nights of imaging for me :D Very little sleep. (4:45 a.m. this morning) A few hicups but I got enough to keep me busy for a few wet nights.

[AlexN]

Those look really nice Paul...

I've just finished making my prioritized wish list in excel.... dew heaters, refractors, cables, side by side plates, cables, a ton of double sided velcro and some cables...

I gotta say, I loved astrofest.... My wallet hopes I never EVER go back ! :D

[AstroJunk]

That was a great weekend! And what a night last night - Hi to everyone who stopped by to share the fun :)

[jjjnettie]

I thoroughly enjoyed myself.
I had only 12 hrs sleep over 4 days.
Images coming soon.

[h0ughy]

I had a mixed bag - lots of learning - lots of hardware problems - great company, wonderful meteors the whole time, and a message for those that know - no good news there!! only have one real image - but because of an approaching front I packed up forgetting to get flats, darks etc, and to cap it off one of the shots has a jet flying right through it. Unfortunately it will be my last Astrofest for a while, and i wont be going to lostock either this year - not one day :(

Al and I left Duckadang with a three star Salute from Paul, Dennis and Jeanette, travelled through the fog and frost on a crisp clear morning for a 12 hour drive to Newcastle. I loved the company and the camp was well run by AnneLouise Et Al. I came second to a NSW bloke from Coffs Harbour - so NSW still won the counterweight toss.............;)

I wish you success for the next Astrofest.

[peter_4059]

I had a pretty good year - the meteors were amazing.

With the added complexity in my gear this year I also had my fair share of hardware and software issues and I've got some work to do to track down why the comms between the laptop and EQ6 kept dropping out.

Still haven't got round to processing all the DSLR images but I'm happy with the individual frames.

I'm also pleased to report that I finally managed to get the dunny tent back into it's bag :P

[AlexN]

Ahhahhahahaha!! Nice one Peter, I thought that tent had you beat! :D

[Dennis]

What Peter and Alex are referring to, for those that either did not attend Astrofest, or simply missed this incredibly entertaining interlude, was the sorry sight of several astronomers trying to fold Peter’s toilet tent back into its carry bag.

Normally, astronomers are bright, clever, resourceful folks. They can pack cubits of gear into car spaces too small to fit it, then transport it to a dark sky site and set it up, in the dark under the feeble rays of a dim red torch, without the manual. Then, they can star hope to the dimmest of faintest fuzzy and locate it with ease.:eyepop:

But, try getting them to fold a tri-fold dunny tent back into its travel bag and you have the astro-comedy of the year. Confidently, each one strode up to the challenge, genuinely believing they were up to it; not one succeeded, myself included.:lol:

We followed the instructions; A to B then twist C to D and hey presto, the tent with a life of its own would neatly acquiesce and fold itself back into the carry bag.:shrug:

Linda did manage to put her genie back in its bottle in the short space of three tries, but it was a two-fold dunny and not the vastly more complicated 3-fold model!:whistle:

I sincerely hope that someone managed to record this tragi-comedy on camera!;)

Cheers

Dennis

[AlexN]

jjj and paul got a few shots of the pack up attempts.

[jjjnettie]

Truly Peter, we weren't laughing at you. It could have happened to any of us.
I think at least 6 different "experts" attempted to get that dunny in the bag!
You'll be pleased to know that you may have instigated a new competition for next years Astrofest.

[jjjnettie]

:rofl:
I only wish I could have photographed each and every "expert" attempting to wrestle that tent into the bag.
Open the .gif and the black noise goes away.

[earthlight]

When I asked if I could try I was told it was 'IN' the bag and it wasn't going to be taken out! :(

When I saw Pat beginning to dismantle his (same tri-fold):DI was all ready to have a try if he showed any of the signs of trouble but in a few seconds his was folded and in the bag. :eyepop:

Was there something wrong with the other tent? Could the wire have been twisted? That would make the folding almost impossible.

Earthlight

[earthlight]

Question:
How many astronomers does it take to realise a car won't start in 'Park' before you call RACQ?:shrug:


Answer:
4 didn't! They had to call RACQ back 10min later and explain.
:rofl::rofl:

[earthlight]

What a great camp!
Weren't the meteors amazing in the beginning of the 9 nights! I haven't seen so many bright ones since the Leonids back in 2001. And what a bright one to miss! :eyepop:The ground lit up as bright as day! What a trail! Did anyone get a shot? I tried but failed (DEW:mad2:!)

The nights were all clear (some dewy) and even on the 1 cloudy night there were people observing till late. I was expecting 2-3 rainy nights when the weather reporters started saying 'a day or so of rain' on Thursday (24th). It was about time, as we haven't had a rainy camp since 1998 (5 nights of rain I think).

I wish I had been able to do more astro-photography, just too tired :zzz2:

I can't believe the temperature fluctuations at night, from 15 deg one night to -3 deg on others. The manager said the birds were ice skating on the bird bath water on Sunday morning. :lol::lol:

It did seem to be the year of electronic failures. Computers dying, hard drives rattling, cars breaking down stopping people coming, cameras failing, cables being forgotten, fuel running out etc... The list could go on and on.

I'm so glad to see everyone else had a great time too!

45940

Anne-Louise

[Dennis]

ROFL! Thanks Jeanette – your clever animation brought back the memories of this hilarious happening! Great work with the camera!:thumbsup:

Cheers

Dennis

[Dennis]

Hi Anne-Louise

I was hoping that you’d drop by here. Once again, you and the committee pulled off a really enjoyable, successful and very well run Qld Astrofest. Anyone who has ever organised and run one of these events knows how much dedication, time and effort goes into them and I thank you and the committee for providing those resources and doing it so well.

The food for vegetarians was pleasantly varied and tasty so next year I’ll bring less but eat more if that makes sense!

As Gerald mentioned in a separate thread, seeing the troopers at work when the camp is being readied for the week and then being returned to its previous state, represents a task greater than the 12 labours of Hercules combined! You guys rock and I sure hope that you enjoyed the camp as much as I did.

Is there any news about Mike and the nasty bump from the portable fridge – please pass on my best wishes to him and I hope he is well.

Cheers

Dennis

[Redcliffe Nova]

Hi all,
Its interesting you mentioned the portable fridge, when someone decided to fix it up with a sledge hammer in the middle of the night everyone accross camp thought someome was having a go at their scope! great loud banging!.
We found it interesting how the camp once again divided itself into groups, we had the very professional looking bunch, with very expensive scopes with wires hanging just about everywhere, the home made section with scopes made even out of toilet paper rolls, and for the first time there was a dobsonian section!, it was all cool and great people though!.
and yes to end the weekend I sat and watch 6-8 people trying to fit a danny into a bag, what a crack up!, add it next year to the weight throwing comp!, I bet my kids can do it quicker!.
CYA.
:hi:

[dhumpie]

Ahh I missed out on all the action...bugger....next year maybe...

Darren

[allan gould]

Peter - sorry, I was laughing at you

[AlexN]

i was laughing.. Near you.. :) nah i was silently thinking 'i'm never getting one of those..'

[thunderchildobs]

I saw only two groups, those with dunny tents and those without.

[GrahamL]

Out of curiosity were the crew with the toilet problems the same ones who later couldn't get the car into park to allow it to be started?:D:)

[Davros]

Heres a couple of happy snaps i took while wandering around. More to follow.................

[Davros]

Another one

[jjjnettie]

Some Astrofestians.

[jjjnettie]

More

[jjjnettie]

lucky last

[spacezebra]

Who is who JJJ?

Cheers Petra d.

[RB]

I like the one of Mr Ponders saying grace before his meal, must have been good tucka !

:lol:

[jjjnettie]

OK, I may need some help filling in the gaps.
Apologies for any mistakes.
1. Chris Thomas
2. Wes Smith and his beautiful wife.
3. Al Meehan and Graham
4. Mark
5. The Houghmeister
6. Graham
7. Bill - Argonavis
8. Anne-Louise - Earthlight
9. Bob
10. Alex - AlexN
11. Renato
12. Houghy
13. Moi - jjjnettie
14. Nearly everyone
15. Rob McNought
16. Dennis and Tam
17. Houghy yet again
18. Paul Russell- 1Ponders

[jjjnettie]

Paul was squinting in anticipation of the flash.

[AlexN]

Lol... typical me... blinking in a photo.. :D

[Davros]

love the photo of Bill, looking very cheerfull :)

[Sharnbrook]

And here is actual proof that Dennis was in fact Rolling On the Floor Laughing.

[AlexN]

Hehe.. I remember hearing your camera burst off that series of shots... :) was a funny moment.

[[1ponders]]

6. Mark Hodson

I had my eyes shut so no one could see how red they were after so many fantastic clear nights and little sleep :P

[Sharnbrook]

Yes thanks, Mike is fine, a bit tender on the day, and others were more concerned than I was, but thanks to Anne-Louise's tender ministrations, I was able to continue packing up.

(Mental note, next time I shall have to make it more convincing if I'm going to get out of the work!)

[Sharnbrook]

The Champion Tosser of the Astrofest was a quiet, shy, retiring bricky from Grafton, one Peter Moriz. Here he is in action, and after at the Prizegiving, when he modestly announced that NSW had won the event.

[Sharnbrook]

And Last, but by no means Least, is Jeanette, winner of the Ladies Comp, who seems to be not so much throwing the counter-weight, as doing a series of graceful dance movements. Poetry-in-Motion. Well done JJJ!!

[firstlight]

What happened Darren? Didn't you get Anne-Louises email? Looked for you but couldn't see you.

Tony

[Dennis]

I thought that Photo 6 was of Graham from Newcastle?:shrug:

Cheers

Dennis

[[1ponders]]

Sorry, you are correct Dennis. I must have misplace 2 fingers sometime during the day. :doh:

[jjjnettie]

Frosty car.

[jjjnettie]

A couple of interesting and one very expensive setup.:)

[EddieT]

Hi Guys,

Hey it was really good catching up with you all at the Astrofest. It was particularly good fun this year and the weather just worked for us.

Good to see some pics from after we left. Looks like we missed all the fun!

Really looking forward to next year! I'm going to have a system working by then that I won't still be making parts for the night before we leave :) That's the plan anyway....

[IanL]

It looked as tho everybody had a great time. Once again hats off to the organisers and helpers for making it such a wonderful event. I would have loved to have brought the kit and stayed a few nights but as the wife is 39 weeks pregnant I had to stay close to home. Last year in the counter weight toss Dennis caught a counter weight in full flight. This year he caught a milk create. What will he catch next year? :rofl:

Ian

[GTB_an_Owl]

a few Dunny Tents as they fly off in the wind - by the sound of it :lol:

geoff

[AlexN]

heh.. I thought that crate was going to take his head off for sure... Shame, would have made a great photo.. :)

[peter_4059]

JJJ, thanks for the reminder - Luckily I have a few pics of my own to contribute :D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D

[Dennis]

:lol: I have been trained by the English cricket team in the gentlemanly art of catching wayward counterweights and plastic milk crates. Shame I didn’t take tumbling lessons too; I may have executed a more stylish dive!:whistle:

Cheers

Dennis

[h0ughy]

I packed up three dunny tents - two were the fold over origami versions (they were pretty easy really - done in less than 30 seconds) and that was in the dark:whistle:

question - how many queenslanders does it take to fold a toilet tent........?

[AlexN]

Houghy, I dont know, but after the counter weight toss, I think we know that NSW boasts the best tossers :P

[h0ughy]

:rofl::thumbsup:

[h0ughy]

a gentleman to the end Mr Simmons;)

[peter_4059]

Houghy - consider yourself entered in the 2009 astrofest dunny tent folding competition - get training!

[jjjnettie]

Nobody like a smarty pants Dave.:P

[thunderchildobs]

It is now one year to the start of 2009 Qld Astrofest.

It seems so far away.

[AlexN]

can we have 2 a year PLEEEEASE??

[firstlight]

Sure. When do you plan to hold it? :D

[AlexN]

uhhhh .... hrmm.. Nevermind :)

[Zubenel]

Is this the last post for Astrofest 2008. If so I though it was pretty av.:whistle:

[AlexN]

i got pics to put up... but am lazy.. :)

[firstlight]

If anyone wants to post some images to me to put up on the Astrofest page, I would be most happy to accept them. Images should be only 300 px on the longest side. PM me and I will give you the address to send them.

Also there are already quite a few images on the Astrofest gallery site already, check them out to see what you missed/did.