New Moon observing Central Coast Pony Club....Aug / Sept.

[Inmykombi]

Well its time to start planning the date again.

Saturday the 30th August or Saturday the 6th September.

Which is the best for everyone ?

The 6th would be better for me, only that Koolang Observatory sometimes asks me for my volunteer help.... when they are expecting a large crowd to attend. And the 30th is the night they need my help.

Geoffro.

[GTB_an_Owl]

i'll be at Border Stargaze on the 30th

so remind me to organise the key (or tell some one how) before the wednesday

geoff

[gmbfilter]

Be a bit strange without GTB...might have to be the 6th

[RB]

I should be able.
It'll be great if we could squeeze both dates in.

I'm hanging for another great night.

[Rick Petrie]

I should be OK for either night. Lookin' forward to it.:thumbsup:

[RB]

Just wanted to share this one with you.
What chance have we got getting that streetlight turned off for us at night when they don't even turn it off during the day !!! :mad2: :doh:

[iceman]

haha nice one.

I'm keen for another meet up. Either date should be fine with me at this stage. I need to get up to Lostock for a visit soon too so I'll just go on the alternate date.

[gb_astro]

I think the 7th is Father's Day so the 6th could be a problem for some?

gb.

[Inmykombi]

Oh yeah I think your correct with that. We cant miss Fathers Day.:whistle:

Maybe its better we meet this coming weekend then.

Although I will be assisting Kooland Observatory first , till about 10.30 or so, then I will be right along.

Coffee will be absent this trip folks.:sadeyes:

Sorry.

[GTB_an_Owl]

WELL

just remember to make your minds up early enough to organise the key

i try to email Justine by the wednesday to give her fair warning

geoff

[iceman]

hmm yes fathers day, the Sat night before is definitely out for me then.

The weather for this weekend isn't looking crash hot :(

[GTB_an_Owl]

so - since when is fathers day celebrated on SATURDAY NITE ?

if i remember correctly - sat nite is BOY'S NITE OUT !

plenty of time to observe till 4am and get home (by 6am even) for the kids to give you your presents

geoff

[RB]

Yep weather's looking !blah! for this w/e.
I don't mind next weekend.

Either one or both. :whistle:

[Inmykombi]

So whats the weather doing ?

It will clear.......trust GTB........:whistle:

[gmbfilter]

I would like to get away both weekends also

[GTB_an_Owl]

a few hours ago BOM was saying fine for sat - now they are saying chance of showers

ME - i have no idea at this stage

geoff

[Deeno]

Keen for either and/or both nights

[Rodstar]

G'day all! I get back from three weeks in Byron Bay this Sunday, so I can't make it this weekend. The following Saturday night would be fine with me.

May I just make the observation in passing that if it is Father's Day on the 7th, the Saturday night is the ONE night in the year when dad should get to do what DAD wants to do.....ie, come observing. Dad can then decree that He shall sleep in on Sunday morning, and look forward to a hot breakfast being brought to his bed, at an hour that suits in the late morning, with a fresh newspaper and possibly a scantily dressed wife....

Then again, I guess I have been on holidays too long....reality check, Rod.

[GTB_an_Owl]

great thoughts Rod

i couldn't agree more

geoff

[gb_astro]

I see ABCTV is forecasting the 30th as a possible clear night.
On the other hand it would certainly be good to see The Mary Rose again.

gb.

[wavelandscott]

In my paraphrased quote from Billy Crystal's real mother from the Diner scene in the movie "When Harry Met Sally" ...I'll have what he is having!

Sorry folks I won't be able to make it either weekend (business travel)...I'll need to re-apply for membership. But I'm not keen to go through the initiation ceremony again!

[Inmykombi]

I would love to do both weekends too.

I cant pick up the key this Saturday though, as I will be arriving too late.

Also, everyone will have to excuse my lights driving in at the late hour.
I will try to drive in with the Parkers only, but just be aware in case you are imaging.

Fingers crossed for the Weather.

[gmbfilter]

I can pick up key, will need directions.

[Deeno]

I hope to be there before sunset and can pick up the key.

[GTB_an_Owl]

guess you want me to send an email then ?



geoff

[GTB_an_Owl]

email sent asking for key to be left out for both weekends

i'm off to Border Stargaze in the morning

have a good nite if you go up

geoff

[RB]

Have a safe trip Owl, we'll miss yah !!

Clear skies all.

:thumbsup:

[Deeno]

Thanks Geoff
Have a good trip.
Going to a bit odd without the Owl.........

[GTB_an_Owl]

just don't let too many go home early

i will be there in spirit

geoff

[Rick Petrie]

See you next one O Wise One.
Cheers and don't get too cold down there.
Hoo Hoo to you too.

[Deeno]

errr..
Shouldn't that be spirits??

[gmbfilter]

Have a good one geoff

Anyone know where the is left?

[GTB_an_Owl]

PM sent Geoff

check with Deeno

geoff

[gmbfilter]

Deeno, what time do you want to meet?

Great first light over in deep space, by the way hope you bring the new gear.

[Rick Petrie]

It ain't looking real good weatherwise for tomorrow night at the PC.
I guess it's because our guru weather cock (owl) has gone south for the winter to the BSG. But we live in hope!!!:(

[jakob]

I would like to join in.

By when will it be certain that the show will be on?
It looks like it cold be a mixed night, but as long as there are a few patches of clear sky i'm happy.

( I would leave home about 4pm )

I will bring the coffee machine etc. Loking forward to practice focussing with the DSLR on the LB! :screwy:

Jakob

[gmbfilter]

I am going to get there about 4:30-5:00
Anyone wants to be earlier let me know
It will be great

[iceman]

Weather was beautiful last night.. predictions aren't good for tonight. I'll be keeping an eye on the sky and will be there around 7:30-8pm if it's clear.

[Deeno]

Could be a bit of a lottery weatherwise...
Picking up the key at 4.30
Fingers and toes crossed

[RB]

I've did my back in the other day guys, trying to recover at the moment but I'm hoping to show up anyway.

You know me........:whistle:

[Deeno]

Nasty, hope you have the time to try and take it easy.

[RB]

Yeah I've been quite busy lately and typical me I thought I could move something by hand that looked lighter than it really was. :doh:

So now I've been forced to slow down 'a bit'.
Hope to be there tonight though.

[Deeno]

Cool.
Need to some of your expertise on the finer points of drift alignment??

[RB]

Yeah mate we'll give it a go, can't wait to see the new scope.

[Inmykombi]

Dont know if I'll be going anywhere tonight.
That includes Koolang to help them.
Weather isnt looking good, so they probably wont need my scope there anyway.

I rolled my ankle today while doing the front lawn with my son.
I've torn a tendon or two by the sounds it made at the time.
Its now swelled up like an egg on my foot so I will have to see how it goes.

I am getting sympathy from my wife which is nice too.....some special treatment is good now and again.:D

UPDATE.

Ankle is stable but sore, I will make an effort if there is others going too.

See ya there.

I hope your back is OK too RB....


Geoffro.

[RB]

What do you reckon guys, shall we meet up for a social?

Let me know and I'll turn up.

Thanks Geoff my back is getting better, needs some pony club time to relax me thinx.

I'll check back later to see if anyone's going.

[Rick Petrie]

Sorry to hear about your back RB hope you are on the mend soon. I'm sure a few 'tonics' up the PC will ease the pain.And what's this about your ankle Geoff, you know you shouldn't be doing those type of chores before a PC visit and compromising a good night by also being in pain. Only digressing here and I hope you guys if you are going up tonight have a good time.

I don't think I will make it tonight as I have been cleaning up at my late father in laws house and feeling a little down at the moment. I've also been weather watching all arvo and it is not looking real flash right now. So that's my excuses but if the weather was good I would definitely be dragging myself up there later. Maybe next weekend the weather might be better.
Haveagoodone.:thumbsup:

[RB]

Sorry to hear Rick.

If you feel up to it come up later anyway just to unwind, would love to catch up mate.

[Rick Petrie]

Thanks for your thoughts Andrew. I still don't think I will make the journey up the mountain but will definitely have a few quite ones though, put the feet up and maybe enjoy a stogie and be thinking of you guys. Bummer about the weather Eh!
Cheers:)

[RB]

Wow what a great night we had !!!

Once the dew stopped, it started raining, not a star in sight all night. :lol:

At least we had nice company, Deeno, Geoff (kombie) and Geoff (gmb) were there when I got there.

Usual banter and laughter, shop talk and the occasional cuban.

Thanks for your company guys.
Hope your ankle heals soon Geoffro.

Till next time guys.

:)

[jakob]

I'm glad you still had a good time!
From where I was looking, I expexted the gate to stay locked!
Looking forward for this saturday.

Jakob

[gmbfilter]

Always good to remember it's about having fun

[Inmykombi]

It was still a good social night....Thanks to those who came along.
I learned a bit about the technical aspect and passion ( and maybe obsession....only kidding ) behind Astrophotography among other topics discussed.
It rained on and off, but a few beers or bourbons and a savanah with everyone went down well.

Lets keep fingers crossed for next weekend.

[gmbfilter]

Obsession

Passion

Depends on the medication

[GTB_an_Owl]

good to hear some of you went up on sat

looking forward to next week

geoff

[Inmykombi]

Hi Geoff, Hope ya had a great BSG weekend.

I am hopeful for next weekend. A few others are as well it seems.
Look forward to catching up.

Geoffro.

[Rodstar]

Sounds like it is on this weekend, weather permitting? I am keen.

[iceman]

Me too!

[Sue Lang]

Hi all,

Don't know if I will make it to the pony club next weekend. My daughter is moving into the house my son moved out of in July. I said I'd help her out but I'm not sure whether it will be Saturday or Sunday. And while some of you guys can claim father's day privilege, I'm the one who co-ordinates food, visits etc so I'll see what sort of balancing act I may be able to perform. I know where I'd rather be, but duty calls. Can anyone tell me why every time I open the IIS website or change pages, I get a pop up telling me this website wants to instal adobe flash? I already have it. How do I get rid of the pop up?

Cheers

Sue:)

[Inmykombi]

I have permission to go again this Saturday night :thumbsup:....weather permitting.

So it'll be good to catch up again.

Dont work too hard with the move Sue, and you may have some energy left for the Pony Club.
Maybe the pop up is an update ???? You may need to do an update to get rid of it.

Note to RB.
I think its about time we saw a scope make the trek to the PC with you .
I'll start calling it the "Phantom scope " if I dont see one soon.:whistle:

Geoffro.

[iceman]

Hi Sue
It's due to the countdown timer in the left column. Adobe wants you to install the latest version of the flash player.
See this thread for more: http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/showthread.php?t=35069

[ausastronomer]

I hope to be there this Saturday. I should be able to bring the Obsession 18", having shaken the cobwebs off it at Border Stargaze.

Cheers,
John B

[RB]

:lol:

OK Geoff, I promise, if I make it this Saturday I'll bring my scope.

It'll either be the LX200 12" Classic or my Tasco 40mm Classic. :lol:

[Inmykombi]

Hi Andrew.
Even the 40 mm " Classic" would be enough to redeem yourself.:whistle:
Although I dont realy expect you to bring the big one if your back is still crook.

Geoffro.

[gmbfilter]

Hows this for redemption?

A 40mm Romeo y Julieta!

[RB]

....and I hope we're talking about diameter not length.......burn my eyebrows otherwise :lol:

[GTB_an_Owl]

all i am going to say is -

DON'T give up on Sat nite

it MIGHT clear

geoff

[gmbfilter]

Mate, I MIGHT be about to go underwater!

[GTB_an_Owl]

well - make sure the lid is on the bourbon
you don't want the water getting into that


geoff

[Deeno]

Conditions can change, and quickly.
Forecast is optimistic

[Rick Petrie]

They say you can view through the eye of a cyclone!:shrug:
Your right though Deeno it could change quickly and I'm also still hopeful.
I guess we'll have to monitor during the day.:)

[Inmykombi]

You guys sound more optimistic than I do while looking out my window this morning.

I will take Geoff's ( Mr. Owls ) words to heart though....

Fingers crossed.

[RB]

I suppose we can still run a workshop on how to wash mirrors, if it's still raining tonight. :whistle:

[GTB_an_Owl]

yep - run em through a bit of detergent and stick em outside to rinse off :lol:

i been watching the BOM pretty close and i must say i didn't expect the system to turn back on us

thought it would slip further down and out by now

but heh - there is still a slim chance i reckon :prey:


geoff

[Rodstar]

Do you stock rain coats, Geoff?

[GTB_an_Owl]

just put the hood up Rod - we'll be right

:windy:

geoff

[Rick Petrie]

Just looked at the BOM and Mangrove Mtn has had 158mm(6") of rain in the last 36hrs. :rain:
It would definitely be gummies underfoot and we could organise a new sport. "Night Water Polo".:P
Not lookin' good so far. :(

[gmbfilter]

Mate,

Picture from sunny Yarramalong

Rick that 150mm ends up here on front paddock, the road's under it

I'm now on the wrong side of Yarramalong (Wyong) River.

The stopper out of the Turkey...no rain's getting in.

We had better think carefully about setting a new date, don't want any more rain

[Inmykombi]

An early opening ceremony of my Fathers Day Rum looks hard to beat tonight, and especially with a warm wife beside me;)

It aint looking good folks.

I will stay at home tonight unless there is a miracle.

[Rick Petrie]

And have one for me Geoffro....rum that is!:P;):)

[RB]

My lovely wife thought I was crazy last Saturday night going to an observing night when it was cloudy and ready to rain.

I don't think she'll be that understanding if I say I'm going again tonight, when it's been pouring rain for the last few days. :(

[gmbfilter]

Are you a man or a rough tough astrophotographer?

Could saturday 21/09/08 be OK for next night?
It's abouut the autumnal equinox.

Whats the moon doing?

Moon, can be good too as Andrew and Geoffro have recently demonstrated

[RB]

I'm a man who wants to continue being a rough tough astrophotographer.

:scared3:

[gmbfilter]

Well said

[GTB_an_Owl]

stars out up there yet RB ?

geoff

[RB]

No it's raining. :(


I'm interested if anyone else is interested, heck I'd go even on a full moon !
Just let me know who else wants to go.

:thumbsup:

[GTB_an_Owl]

still raining here - but not as bad

geoff

[Inmykombi]

Sorry people, my warm and cuddly wife wins on this occasion.

Geoffro.:cool:

[bones]

Hi y'all. I missed ya's last Saturday night as I didn't think anyone was going because it was raining at home. Now since in the last few days anyway we've had a bucket load - better have got some in the Dam.

It's finally stopped raining outside but cloudy all over. I've got a dead flat backyard and have had the pump on in the backyard to drain it out - it barely kept up today. I suppose I learnt the reason why my street is called Laguna after the first lot of rain we got after we moved in 10 years ago.

I'm assuming all bets are off tonight. I check the site in the future to see what's going on for next time.

Tony

[GTB_an_Owl]

i can see the moon and a couple of stars

has it cleared up there yet RB ?

if it hasn't it won't be long

geoff

[Deeno]

Shame it took so long.
Clear as a bell now......

[GTB_an_Owl]

would have been a bugger loading the car in the rain then staying sober while we were in the shed waiting Deeno

geoff

[iceman]

Clear as a bell this morning.. Who would've thunk it.

[GTB_an_Owl]

Psss't - i did Mike

i had a feeling it would clear about 10 or 11 oclock

but there was the problem of getting the scope into the car in the rain earlier
and convincing you lot that it would clear

geoff

[Deeno]

Yea.. had the same feeling.
Would've had to wait for the moon to set anyway for some decent observing.
Then again, the field was probably similar to the quagmire that is my backyard.:shrug:

Deeno

[gmbfilter]

Ladies and Gentleman

We need to recover our spirits and plan for the next night.

If I read my Starynight correctly the moon does not rise on 21/09/08 (someone please check)

Anyone else?

[Inmykombi]

Hi,

My estimation for the 21st is that the Moon will rise ( last qtr ) about 2 am.
The sun will rise about 6 am.

This would give us a dark night until the Moon glow gets us before it rises.

Although I am working in Sydney that day and it may be a late one. ( I hope not though )

I intend keeping an eye on the weather.

Oh and Geoff, I think you mean " replenish " our spirits too.




Geoffro.

[Rick Petrie]

Hey guys, are we talking about Sunday night or Saturday night the 20th.
My charts indicate that on Saturday night the moon rises at 11:27pm which would only give us a few hours of darkness. (that's if it's not raining again).
Being very pessimistic aren't I? But I guess a few hours of darkness are better than none. Sunday the 21st may be hard for some but what's the consensus?
The following weekend or even the one after that may be better. being closer to the new moon. I'm open for any suggestions as i am hangin' for another good night.
Cheers all.:)

[RB]

I'm willing to make it anytime, 20th, 27th, no worries as long as work/health permits I'll be there.

:thumbsup:

[Inmykombi]

Just thought I'd be the 100th post on this thread.:P

I will try those dates as well.

Geoffro

[iceman]

27th sounds good to me. Will be away the following weekend (long weekend).

[astro_south]

Hi All

I will be in Sydney (Darling Harbour) with the family on holidays over the weekend of the 27th and was wondering if anyone was planning on going up there from Sydney.... and if they had room for an extra bod and probably his camera gear (can't bring the scope down :( ) and wanted to split the fuel costs?

If so, let me know and we might be able to organise something :thumbsup:

[Sue Lang]

Hi All,

Can do 20th or 21st can't do 27th. It's my stepdaughters 30th birthday at the Cricketers Arms at Prospect. I'm in withdrawal but will set up at home on the 28th instead. Have a great night.:) See you at the one after!

Cheers Sue

[iceman]

The one after is IISAC! I hope you'll be there!

[gmbfilter]

I'm up for this Saturday night 20 September
Hoo else?
I'll also be in for 27th.

[iceman]

What time will the moon rise? Would only get a couple of hours wouldn't we?

[GTB_an_Owl]

i'm out this weekend - family birthday to attend

but i should be ok for the 27th

geoff

[Inmykombi]

Moon Rises 11.25 pm.

Only a few hours of dark observing by the look of it.:(

But some observing time is better than none....:D

[gmbfilter]

Looking like 27 then??

[iceman]

Forecast looks clear this weekend

[RB]

Are you thinking of making it this w/e (20th) Mike?

[ausastronomer]

Yes it should be.

I will wave to you all from my balcony on the "Sun Princess", as it sails past Broken Bay on the evening of Saturday 27th, with me aboard :poke:

I hope the weather holds out for you guys, but I will be elsewhere. I will see you all at Lostock at IISAC 2008.

Cheers,
John B

[iceman]

I'm considering it, RB. I also need to take a trip up to Lostock in the next week or three to make sure they haven't put any fences up where I don't expect them, and to work out where the marquee will go, etc.

[RB]

I should be able to make the PC this Sat, would love to bring a scope along and do some observing.
I can't make Lostock with you (for company) within the next few weeks as work is very heavy ATM.
It does look like I'll make IISAC though with my girls, fingers crossed. :)

[iceman]

Fantastic, RB.

Well i'm happy to go up this weekend, especially if the weather is good. I'll just head home at 11:30 or midnight or so.

[GTB_an_Owl]

but you always do that Mike ! :lol: :lol:


well do you or don't you want this weekend ?

have to have the key left out if you do

geoff

[Inmykombi]

I'll have to give it a miss this weekend.

My wife has organised a night out that I cant get out of.:doh:

Sorry folks....

It'll have to be the 27th for me.

Geoffro

[RB]

LOL Geoff looks like I'll have to take a pic of me and my scope in front of the clubhouse for you. :lol:

[gmbfilter]

So will I

[GTB_an_Owl]

is any one going up to-morrow nite ?

if so - i have not organised the key

geoff

[gmbfilter]

Me

[iceman]

I'm a likely starter, though won't be there until 8ish.

[Deeno]

I have a wedding to go to this arvo.
Would like to come up if anyone is up there but, it will be quite late and probably won't bring a scope.

[GTB_an_Owl]

Key is in the letterbox boys

can whoever is going to pick it up let me know cause i have a message for them

also
there will be equipment set up on the ground ready for an event to-morrow - please don't move it etc.

and don't forget to turn the water off - apparently we have forgotten a couple of times (probably me !)

geoff

[gb_astro]

Can't make it tonight but 27th is OK.

Greg.

[gmbfilter]

Key boy will be there 6-6:30pm

[Rodstar]

If I come, I will need to set up early to cool the mirror down....that timing sounds good Geoff! :thumbsup:

[Inmykombi]

Oh dear, are your serious ?
You mean the time you take your scope, I aint gunna be there ?:doh:

[Rodstar]

Leaving now!

[iceman]

Thanks for the company guys. Was just me, Rod, Geoff and John Bambury.

Conditions weren't great, the sky wasn't very dark and the seeing was pretty ordinary.

But it was nice to get out there with the scope for the first time in months and the company is always worth the effort.

[gmbfilter]

Another good night.
For me It was great to share some time with such a bunch of experienced observers

[GTB_an_Owl]

me thinks any time spent ironing out the kinks is time well spent Mike

now if only next weekend will deliver for us unfortunates, that couldn't make it this week

did you get all the dust off The Mary Rose Rod ?

geoff

[Rick Petrie]

Glad you guys enjoyed last night. I was another unfortunate last night,:( however like Geoff said, hoping next weekend will deliver and hopefully have another toy to play with by then.
Cheers

[RB]

Sorry I had to pull out last night guys, I told John.B I'd be there around 8pm but I was still feeling crook and very tired so had an early one instead.

Have to catch up next time.

[Inmykombi]

Sounds like an enjoyable night , even thought the seing wasn't real good.

Cant wait till next weekend to get together again.
See ya there.

Oh........ and I hope you are feeling better for then RB........

Geoffro

[bones]

G'day all. I couldn't make last weekend - had other plans which were cancelled when my son got crook. Unfortunately, I can't make it this weekend. I'm Mr Mum again as my wife's away for the weekend. She always seems to go away when it's a new moon weekend. Not her fault - requirements for a course she's studying. I hope the weather and seeing is good for all. By the way Rick, what's the new toy??

[gmbfilter]

Bring your son.
It will help bring down our average observing age :lol:

[Rick Petrie]

I didn't know you were that old Geoff-So now we know the cause of our 'average' ages.:lol:
The 'toy' Tony is a visual paracorr which I hope will make views to the edge of the FOV a little clearer for us 'Old age observers'.;)
Cheers Rick

[Rodstar]

Thanks for the company - John, Geoff and Mike!

Yes, like Mike, I was pleased to dowse myself in starshine...it had been 6 weeks since even observing from the backyard!

I had problems with my Argo Navis....for some reason the memory had been completely wiped, and notwithstanding John's valiant efforts, we could not get it sorted out. Ah well, a nice night of star-hopping ensued.

Not sure about whether I can make it this weekend....I will try my best to get a leave pass.

Hope you are feeling better Andrew. Always nice to see you, when you are able to get there!

[Rick Petrie]

Looking like Saturday could be a definite goer according to the weather Gods.:astron:
Opps sorry I didn't check in with you GTB. What's it really going to be like?
Looking forward to catching up to all. Can't believe I've missed the last two.
Cheers :)

[GTB_an_Owl]

is there anyone that can give astro_south a lift up on sat nite from Sydney ?
he is down from Qld on hols and wants a nite out

any takers ?

geoff

[GTB_an_Owl]

now to the weather
my little weather whisperer is saying, SUN SUN SUN, for frid/sat/sun


geoff

[Inmykombi]

Fingers crossed again.:rolleyes:

Geoffro.

[jakob]

I will be up north, at the Barambah Camp :eyepop: this weekend ! :whistle:
I trust you have a good night.

I hope to meet up at Lostock!
J.

[iceman]

I'm heading up to Lostock for some site recon this weekend. Hope you guys (and I!) have good weather.

[Rick Petrie]

Speaking with Deeno last night and we are looking to get up the PC around 4.30PM. We can pick up the key GTB if you wish, so just wondering if we need to contact or have you already done so to leave out.
Is all the usual suspects going still as it looks like it will be a good one according to BOM.
See yawl there.
Rick:)

[GTB_an_Owl]

we have clearance for sat nite Rick

we don't need to pick up the key anymore
we have our own

if you want to get up there that early, you will need to pick the key up from me at terrigal

geoff

[Rick Petrie]

Roger Roger.
Good that we now have clearance Clarence.
What's your ETA and what's your Vector Victor at Terrigal to pickup key.:P

[Deeno]

WOW!!!




A key to call our very own....
No more late night jaunts down that narrow, pooly lit goat track:rofl:

[GTB_an_Owl]

thats right Deeno - our very own - and no more early morning returns down that road

the only problem we have now is getting that other Geoff to go get the red buckets when we have finished :rundog: :lol: :lol: :lol:

( a couple of them small remote control helicopters maybe ) :whistle:

sent you a PM Rick

PS there might be a bit of cloud early :thumbsup: but trust me ...............clear

geoff

[Inmykombi]

Originally posted by GTB

the only problem we have now is getting that other Geoff to go get the red buckets when we have finished :rundog: :lol: :lol: :lol:

( a couple of them small remote control helicopters maybe ) :whistle:

sent you a PM Rick




Been there........done that........LOL.

You couldnt get me there if I had a whip and a chair....


Please note that I will be late getting there as I have been asked to give some volunteer help to Koolang Observatory again.

I hope to be there around 10pm.
So please just be aware that I will be driving in the gate with my lights on around that time maybe.
I dont want to spoil any imaging going on.

Geoffro

[GTB_an_Owl]

Roll call people

who can we expect to see ?

geoff

[gmbfilter]

Me

[Rodstar]

The Mary Rose is planning to set sail to tonight. I feel a gnawing appetite for distant galaxies.

[RB]

Guys I'm not planning on attending tonight, I'm sorry.
I'm hoping to setup at home.

Hope you have an awesome night, I'll certainly miss your company. :sadeyes:

[GTB_an_Owl]

so what time do you want us to pop round for port and cigars RB ? :whistle:

(and be careful how you answer - because we will not be far away) :lol:

geoff

[RB]

LOL Geoff, I knew you'd say that. :lol:

[Rick Petrie]

See Yaz up there:)

[Inmykombi]

I am there after about 10pm.

looks like a cracker of a night coming up too.

[gb_astro]

Greg will be there.

[GTB_an_Owl]

well, I am afraid we have to report one very ordinary nite

the only thing good about it was the good company as usual

just as we were packing up conditions seemed to get a bit better - but it was too late

we closed the gates so the ponies couldn't get out at 4am

geoff

[RB]

Yep nothing special here either and the wind picked up which played havoc with the imaging.
:sadeyes:

I did get some frames but have to see how they turn out.

[Rodstar]

Yes, I found it hard to get a steady view even as low as 130x (and there was no alcohol involved).

Still I had fun munching some galaxies. The Grus Quartet was probably my favourite of the evening....all four quite bright, three framed nicely in the 22 Panoptic, the fourth a little outside the FOV, but easily snared with a deft nudge of the scope. NGC 253, 247, 55, 1365 all made worthwhile targets as well, and we snared a galaxy cluster in the Tucana region, which was something new!

Joe brought his extended family. It was nice to give them a bit of a tour, and to have the merriment that they brought.

Also good chatting with Emmanuel (welcome), and Gary was welcome company, as was Deeno. And of course, the multiplicity of Geoffs, and Rick et al.

See you all at Lostock. (You had better be there, RB, or we will start getting a complex.....:P).

[Deeno]

Definitely a night for the lower power eyepieces, with the 24mm Panoptic occupying the focuser nearly all night.

Good fun chasing down galaxies in the giant footsteps of the Mary Rose. Often requiring a little imagination and convincing that something actually occupied the same patch of space that was easily revealed through the serious aperture of the Mary Rose only moments earlier!

Can't help but be impressed with Ricks new Parracor. Something else added to the wish list......

Good to see such a healthy turn up and looking forward to seeing everyone at Lostock.

Deeno

Lucky I drove home again to retrieve the scopes dew shield to keep the non-existent dew off the primary..

[Rick Petrie]

How deceptive can our atmosphere be?:screwy:
Beautiful clear night but.....! But on looking at the westerly jet stream that was and the prevailing northerly wind intertwined, made everything awash,just like the proverbial washing machine.
Just when you thought the cycle was over we got spun out, wrung out and hung out in anticipation of a good load to finish. Amongst the wash however was some reasonably good views of galaxies and a few clusters.
On the bright side, wouldn't have missed it, as meeting up again with everyone made for a great night.
Thanks to all again for looks through scopes and to Rod on filling us in on a few good targets with the Big Mother Mary R. With the rocky road (Geoff 1) and tim tams (Deeno & Geoff 2) and cigars (Geoff 3) certainly sweetened things up on the night. (Geoff's not necessarily in that order).
Nice to meet Emanuel on his first venture to the dark side and hope to meet again, and to Joe and family and Greg.
See yawl next time and here's looking to Lockstock (Lostock) hopefully with some smokin' barrels.
Cheers:)

[RB]

LOL yes you know me better than that, I don't miss pony club sessions very easily (even if it's raining).
Last night was my last chance to image M31, The Andromeda, so I really could only do it from my place.

Glad to hear everyone had a good time even though the conditions were ordinary.
It certainly changed through the night and put an end to my imaging session due to high wind.
Still I did manage to get some good data so I'll be posting once I have had time to look at it all.

Hope to see everyone at Lostock, lest I cause a mass RB 'complex' septics society. :P :lol:

[gmbfilter]

The fun continued at pony club.
It's a great bunch of observers with different interests and approaches to astronomy that make it such a great night

[Deeno]

Just finished unpacking the car.
Forgot to fire up the stogie RB..........

[RB]

I didn't have one either, just not the same without company.
Save it, we'll have some when we meet.

:)

[gb_astro]

I should of put the scope away and practiced naming stars and constellations, however I had a Starry Night Bluestar adapter to get working, which I did, until I tried Astromist's T-Point-like pointing improving function and it all fell apart. Back to the manual.

Thanks all,
Greg.