Dark Skies?

[Colsmith]

Hey Guys,

I have just taken delivery of my SWED80, but live in a Melbourne suburb (Boronia) flooded with light pollution! I intend to go for a drive this weekend to seek darker skies - maybe around Yae/Marysville and was wondering where you all (Melbournites) do your viewing? I will be looking for a spot for regular visits within a 2 hour drive.

Cheers,

Colin.

[Robert9]

A good place for starters would be Jell's Park, Wheelers Hill. Not far from you and worthy of a first-up test-site.
Robert

[Spanrz]

Jeez, I forgot about that place. I've been trying to think of a good dark spot.
I'm in Narre, and I get flooded with ambient light on the horizon from Fountain Gate Shops and Dandy. Last night I had a viewing outside, but stuff down low on the north side of things is a waste of time anymore.

I had a great night about 1 week ago, the sky was dark as. Best night in ages. (just before the moon got up).
But that didn't last long.

I've got to think of more places. Someone here suggested there's a place down on the Mornington Pennisula, where they go to (club).

[Starkler]

Thats Mornington Peninsula Astronomical Society site at The Briars Park just south of Mornington. Its not dark dark, but its convenient and a hell of a lot darker than Narre Warren :D

[JethroB76]

I can't imagine Jells Park is all that dark anyway; maybe at ground level, but not the sky..is it?

[erick]

The sky from Jell's Park will be shocking. OK, not as bad as from Fed Square, but not really conducive to observing other than of the Moon and Planets and bright open star clusters.

Try Gembrook Sports Ground. 40 minutes drive from Knox. Get down near the practice cricket wickets. Fri and Sat nights may be parties and lights at the sports club and the netball courts, however :sadeyes: