Gizzy Gathering (NZ astro camp)

[john_drummond]

Hi all,

I just got a Canon 20mm f2.8 lens and decided to create a mosaic of the Milky Way. The attached image is a mosaic of three (6x5 minute @ 800asa) images stitched together. My 10D camera was mounted on an 'astrograph' I am setting up on a pillar on my recently acquired farm for the forthcoming Gizzy Gathering here near Gisborne, New Zealand (Fri 30 Sept - Sun 2 Oct). All are welcome to this dark sky get together.

The images are unguided, no darks, minimal 'stretching'. Eta Carinae is on the left, Altair is on the right.

You 'Aussie neighbours' are more than welcome to come over for this astro gathering where we are going to set up scopes and tents or sleep in my house/sheds and just socialise and chat. If interested please contact me at:

john_drummond@xtra.co.nz

Cheers

John Drummond

[Dennis]

Superb panorama John - looks spectacular.

Cheers

Dennis

[iceman]

Stunning shot John, and gl with the camp!

[[1ponders]]

Too soon John. Too soon. :( I'd love to come over again. I'll save my pennys for next year. Is next year still on around Easter?

[h0ughy]

Paul is broke broke broke :P and that is not financially broke either, but for all the bits that SWSMM (did I get that right Paul :D ) now owns :D , for he has just bought a G-11, hey paul how are you going to fit that on the plane???

Yes I am green with envy, mind you though i would love to go, the airfare is cheap enough! That would be 3 star parties for the year. Noooo can't do that, they would be on the block............................

Excellent tease image there too John, you make it look so easy and pristine!!! :) :thumbsup:

[john_drummond]

Thanks guys. Paul, sorry for the short warning. The Gizzy Gathering isn't an astrophotography camp, it's more of a christening for my new (small) farm where people just observe and socialise with NO formal talks, etc - just plenty of observing (hopefully), chating, and beer sampling!

The astrophotography camp is still planned for Friday 24 - Sunday 26 March 2006, and another Gizzy Gathering for Friday 20 - Monday 23 October 2006 (NZ Labour Day weekend) - and there may be one before then perhaps in late April (a week long one)(?)

It will be good to see you again some day.

Cheers

John

[[1ponders]]

Ok, so that's Good Friday to Easter Sunday. Hmmm Might have to book my ticket early to get a reasonable price. Which airport would it be best to fly into? Palm North or Auckland?

Maybe you Robby and Gary can get together and come over for the Qld Astrofest next year. Thaw your bones out for a week. :)

[john_drummond]

Hi Paul, the astrophotography camp is Fri 24 - Sun 26 April, Easter is 3 weeks later. It may be in Taupo again, perhaps Auckland would be a good landing spot this time (you came via PN last time aye?). Will let you know ASAP Rob and I decide - within the next few weeks.

Yes, I would love to come over for the QLD Astrofest if possible - it's late March is it? And where?

Sorry folk if this is off topic...

Cheers

John D

[[1ponders]]

NP. The Qld Astrofest is the first week in August. :doh: I was using this years date for Easter. Ok I'll plan for that date. NP or Auck? I'll decide later.

If you haven't already check out the posts from this yeas Qld astrofest. The aftermath: http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/showthread.php?t=3338&highlight=astrofest and the leadup to it http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/showthread.php?t=2525&highlight=astrofest