Double up at Cambroon this month.

[[1ponders]]

For those of you who just can't get enough....or for those of use who are weather challenged atm (show of hands please :lol: ) and want to cover both bases, Ron has graciously opened up his dark site for two weekends, Sat 21st and Sat 28th Feb.

So see you there or be square....on one, either or both ;)

[jjjnettie]

I'll be there with bells on, for either or both weekends.:whistle::lol:

[Gargoyle_Steve]

The weekend of the 21st I'm not working at all, the downside is that means I'm definitely working all weekend around the 28th.

Hopefully weather will be good, and will see you Ron (and hopefully plenty of others!) on the 21st!

[[1ponders]]

We could use the entertainment if the weather closes in :lol:

[RobF]

Yay! You're the best Ron. :cool::sunny::party::2thumbs:

Fingers crossed for both - we're due for a good run, even if it is still the wet season....

[astroron]

Haw Shucks Rob:o

[jjjnettie]

I gave up belly dancing years ago.:P
I'll bring along "Black Books" instead, I'd rather have you guys laughing with me, not at me.

[pmrid]

Well, even if it wasn't for the possibility of some clear skies, I'm going to come on the 21st just to see what Jeanette's 'black books' are.

Peter

[[1ponders]]

maybe you could teach Ron and he can keep us entertained :lol:

[jjjnettie]

I'll bring up two outfits and both of you can entertain me!!

[[1ponders]]

You wish!! :rofl: Unfortunately I have a serious back injury. :innocent:

[jjjnettie]

Darn, I thought I might have got lucky there.
After all ,you did do your Village People/Lumber Jack impersonation for us last month.:lol:
I'm still trying to brush off all the wood shavings.:whistle:

[[1ponders]]

:lol:

[AlexN]

I WILL be there for at least one weekend... Hopefully both! :)

[jjjnettie]

I look forward to catching up with all of you.

Peter, "Black Books" is a comedy series.
Last month, due to cloud and rain, Ron and I stayed up til 2am watching NASA videos.

[lesbehrens]

I'll be there if the weather is good.
go a lot of q's to get answered.
les

[pmrid]

Comedy series. Hmmm. Well, you've shattered my illusions. I had imagined something rather different.
Peter

[jjjnettie]

:doh: Should have kept my mouth shut.:P
You'll still come up though, regardless of the disillusionment?

Les, we're due for some good clear nights. If I don't see you before then, I'll see you there.:hi:

[lesbehrens]

i have been dieing for a clear night for months so i could get started. got the ed 80. looks good now i have to try it out i hope the rain goes for a bit so i can try it.
les

[jjjnettie]

The weather is supposed to be clearing tomorrow evening so we might get a couple of hours of dark sky saturday and sunday nights.

[lesbehrens]

i cant wait. do u think i need anything else for my set up?
les

[jjjnettie]

Just wait till Cambroon next weekend, and you'll get all the expert advice you need.

[AlexN]

yep... there should be plenty of advice to go around....

Hey Paul, have you used CCDSoft with a self guided SBIG before? Rons place may be my first light with this thing and im not entirely sure on how it all works yet... the 400 page manual for ccdsoft seems comprehensive enough, if not a little taxing to read! :D

[jjjnettie]

Les, do you have a card table or such to put your computer and stuff on?
A folding chair is a good idea too.
The nights are getting cooler, so some warm clothing is a good idea.

[lesbehrens]

it mite the the 2nd week end i get up there now. but i cant waint to get the info. see you all there.:eyepop:
les

[[1ponders]]

Yep, I've used CCDSoft with an SBIG ST7 and filterwheel. Should be np.

[AlexN]

Brilliant! I dont have a filter wheel just yet.. so I'll be imaging in glorious monochrome, but will enjoy the opportunity to pick your brains yet again! :)

Cheers.
Alex.

[Tandum]

I can do the week-end of the 21st if it's clear but the boy child is having his 18th here on the week-end of the 28th so that week-end is out. I hope the clouds clear for a change, it's been overcast for months now :sadeyes:

[Gargoyle_Steve]

Maybe this would be a good chance for those of us (any of us!) interested in doing some kind of IYA 2009 events, ie footpath astronomy for the public, outreach events, etc, etc - to put on our thinking caps prior to getting together at Ron's so we can discuss some ideas as a group.

See youse all there! :thumbsup:

[jjjnettie]

My sister is insisting on the family celebrating her 50th birthday on the 28th. So that puts me out of the running.
Though a cunning plan did come to mind.:evil: I could come home from Sippy Downs via Kenilworth and get to Rons' just in time for a cup of tea and a comet.

[[1ponders]]

Siblings can be most inconvenient at times. :rolleyes:

[AlexN]

mmm sisters birthday... hanging out under dark skies with great company and telescopes....

Dude.. Tough Decision...

[jjjnettie]

I think plan B will have to be implemented.

[[1ponders]]

You don't think she'll get suspicious if you get lost driving to her place again??? :lol:

[jjjnettie]

I've still got this weekend anyway.

[AlexN]

thats it... 50% attendance is pretty darn good

[jjjnettie]

Some new toys arrived today. Hope it doesn't spoil the weekend weather.
I bought some rings for the little 80mm and a shiny new 2.5x apo barlow.
Hmmmmm retail therapy.

[astroron]

Anyone coming to Cambroon on either of the two Astronights got a Computer monitor they want to sell?
I have two but both are just about on their last legs :) and I am not quite ready to buy another desktop computer.
Please PM me with details Re price ect.:thumbsup:

[RobF]

Jeanette! How could you!!

:windy: :cloudy: :eyepop: :D

[[1ponders]]

:sad:

[jjjnettie]

Well, I give my most sincere apologies for this rain.
I'm very very sorry.
I was looking forward to using the barlow tonight to look at the comet.

[AlexN]

should have known better JJJ.. :)

I've been selling surplus gear hoping that actions would have equal and opposite reactions...

Ie. Buy Astro Gear = Rain. Sell Astro Gear = Clear Skies :) (No luck thus far...)

[Tandum]

Rain rain go away go to Victoria and save the day :(

[AlexN]

Party Pooper.

[jjjnettie]

Didn't it clear up nicely this evening.
I'm heading out soon to bath in star light.

[AlexN]

JJJ... not to be a party pooper myself, but it cleared up stunningly here for about 30 minutes on dusk, those clear skies slowly moved north north west, followed by clouds!

you might be more lucky than myself, however keep an eye on the horizon.. :)

[RobF]

Grrrr - set up earlier tonight too for a star fix, but all cloud currently.... :mad2:

[RobF]

Actually did get a few periods where I was able to check out saturn and Lulin for 45mins at a time. Better than nothing! :)

Ron - I've noticed here in Brissy there can often be lengthy clear periods between 10pm and 3am even with all the moisture that's hanging about. Has it been like that at all at Cambroon?

[jjjnettie]

It did end up nice didn't it.
I've just had a quick process of some .avi's that I captured. Nothing flash, I'll see how they turn out with a bit more work.
It's as clear as a bell at the moment, the moon looks very pretty.

[AlexN]

I caught a glance at Jupiter rising (naked eye) this morning as I was having a coffee before heading off to work! :) Pretty happy with that!! Looked like the few hours before (1am~3:30) would have been awesome for some imaging...

[RobF]

Forecasts so far seem similar for tonight and Fri, but poor for Sat (and Sun) :sadeyes:

[jjjnettie]

It was very nice at times Alex. I thoroughly enjoyed myself.
Not that I captured much usable stuff. Too busy playing around with this and that, experimenting. You know how it is.

[jjjnettie]

That is why it is usually worth while still going up to Cambroon even though the weather might seem ordinary in the afternoon.

Ron, I bought volumes 4 and 5 of those NASA dvd's. I'll bring them up.

[[1ponders]]

was that from the or the ;)

:lol: :D

[RobF]

Yeah - I'm inclined to come up this time regardless of weather too JJJ - sounds like I better bring plenty of beer and chips if there's DVDs and good company on hand.

[astroron]

I repeat repeat repeat,:P just because it is crap down the coast, does not mean it is crap at Cambroon:D
Come and join us , it will be worth the journey:thumbsup:

[AlexN]

lol @ Paul's comment! :)

I noticed the weather looked fantastic here in brisbane at 3:10am this morning... Caught a naked eye look at Jupiter on its way up into the sky.. Was nice to see the return of the king.. :)

The sky looked as though the few hours before hand would have been stunning too...

[jjjnettie]

LOL @ Paul.
Full of cheek.

What sort of birthday cake do you want Paul.
Cream cake, mud cake(choc, caramel or white), date loaf?

[[1ponders]]

I didn't think you had a tin for that anymore :lol:

Yumm mud gggakkee. Aarrgghh. :P

[[1ponders]]

ps, that's chocolate mud ggggaakke.:face:

[jjjnettie]

Wicked man.:lol:
I look forward to payback time.:evil2:

:nerd::nerd::nerd::nerd::nerd:

[[1ponders]]

:lol:

[Xeelee]

Put me down for either weekend

Hope to see you all there so we can catch up

Chris

[jjjnettie]

Excellent!
It's been far too long since we've caught up.
This weekend is looking betterer and betterer.

[[1ponders]]

That's great Chris, it's been too long

[jjjnettie]

Looks like good weather for a few drinkies and DVD's.
I'm just starting to pack now. I've made sure I've got those cards for you Ron.
Still taking the Astro gear, you never never know how things will pan out.
I'd be kicking myself if the clouds cleared.
Reckon I'll be there by mid afternoon.

[AlexN]

I should be there by 3~4pm... Unfortunately I have to work tomorrow, so It wont be a real long visit.. Just pop in to say hi..

[Gargoyle_Steve]

Joy and I are heading up for the Social Factor .... bringing along the usual 3 pairs of bino's, plus the ED80 Pro, just in case of course ;) and our Comfy chairs!

Hope to see plenty of you there.

[RobF]

I'm coming for the night too. Can't make it before 6:30pm though.

Weather looks complex with a band of clouds sweeping through and afternoon/evening thunderclouds likely to form (and hopefully later disperse) - maybe a 40% chance of getting an hour or two of astronomy in here and there.

:prey: :stargaze:

[astroron]

I think that the conditions are not conducive for Astronomy ,It is quite wet underfoot,but as some people are already here and others are on their way I would suggest that if you can leave it till next weekend:(
We will still have a BBQ for those who turn up and if the weather improves I will get out the 16" for some observing:):)
One thing I cannot control is the weather:P
I hope things improve for next week:)
:thumbsup:

[AlexN]

I'll be up for a visit this arvo Ron, and I'll be coming up next weekend too if I can.. :)

See you within 2 hours...
Alex.

[[1ponders]]

I'll be over shortly for a visit.

[RobF]

I won't sue if its cloudy Ron. Promise to behave with my muddy feet too... :D

(still think we're goin' to see the odd star though...)

[Xeelee]

Sadly, I won't be there this week as it doesn't look very good for astronomy. Hope to see you all next week and hope you all have a good night!

Chris

[BerrieK]

Wish I didnt live 1002 km and 14 hours drive away; it would be great to meet all you guys for real!

Hope you all have a great few weekends, muddy or not.

[[1ponders]]

Actually Berrie it's not as far as you think. I'm only 854 km (Check to the right of your avatar - the distance reading) away from you and Ron is a few km closer. Mind you, still a bit of a jaunt for a weekend away :lol:

[[1ponders]]

Whoops, sorry I meant check to the right of MY avatar

[jjjnettie]

It may not have been the best of nights for Astronomy, but as a social event, it was tops.
We did get to see Comet Lulin naked eye, and there were quite a few meteors spotted. Not many by myself and Rob as we were the only ones actually at our scopes for most of the time.
Here's some piccies.
First is Peter, then Ron and his new camera, Steve and Joy and of course the Birthday Boy (Paul) in his new hat.:nerd::nerd::nerd::nerd::lol:
Thanks a million Ron for letting us stay over. Sorry about the quagmire that was once your driveway.

[AlexN]

Was good to see everyone again (even if my stay was only very brief :))

Fingers crossed for an all nighter next weekend. :)

Alex.

[h0ughy]

oh that hat of yours is priceless paul - does it keep the clouds away - nature has a way of avoiding things like that mate:rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl::whistle:

[astroron]

Yes it was a goodnight Jeanette:)
Thanks a million Ron for letting us stay over. Sorry about the quagmire that was once your driveway.
Nothing that a good couple of warm days wont fix:P
Like the photo's:thumbsup:

[Tandum]

Was too wet for me to make a move. :(
At least I got all the astro gear packed up before the 18th birthday next week-end. :)

Might be on the news after that one :prey:

Barambah in April ? The rain might stop by then .....:party2:

[Bender]

Hi Ron,


Thanks for the invite, is there anything I need to know? Hopefully see you there.:thumbsup:

[davewaldo]

Hi Ron, I don't think I'll be able to make it this weekend :(

But I have a new computer monitor for you if you want it! :)

[RobF]

Yay Martin - be great if you can make it - I'm looking forward to a second go this weekend. And forecast good so far.....

Dave - shame won't be seeing you this month. Probably less chance of you being tempted by some new expensive evil toy mind you.....:P

[Gargoyle_Steve]

YES - confirmed just today - Barambah in April!

http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/showthread.php?t=41669

:thumbsup:

[astroron]

Martin, Sorry I missed your post:(
Look at the sticky at the top of this forum for instructions for how to get here.
Bring warm clothes a chair a scope or bino's food for the BBQ or microwave, drink.
If you want to stay the night? a sleeping bag,a tent or ma mattress on the floor.
The contact info is on the map in the sticky:thumbsup:

[pmrid]

Hi Ron,
hope the weather is a bit kinder for you guys this weekend. I'm in Malaysia until the 11 so I'll definitley miss it. Good news is I have given in an d bought a Canon 1000D. Yeah, yeah. I know but I couldn't help myself. I am just so keen to give that Live View function a run. I hope I will see you and any other Cambroonites who want to come down to the new observatory at Ten Chain Hill on March21st.

cheers.

Peter

[astroron]

Here's a few belated pic's from last weekend with my new camera:)
#1 Peter stole my pad;)
#2 Jeanette, Peter
Paul with his cool hat:cool:
Joy and Steve:)

[astroron]

One more :) Jeanette taking a pic of me taking a pic of her:P

[h0ughy]

Classic astro imaging there Ron

[astroron]

:rofl::rofl::rofl::rofl:
One day I may surprise you and actually take an astropic:eyepop:

[h0ughy]

yes ron it would - a dedicated visual observer capturing photons:scared:

[astroron]

Hi Peter, the weather report looks promising for this weekend:)
Look forward to catching up on the 21st, (election day);)
I hope you have a good time in Malaysia:thumbsup:

[astroron]

I do collect photons, but only with my little gray cells;)

[lesbehrens]

hi. i should be there at 1700 sat. cant wait i, have been waiting to come up for months.
les

[AlexN]

Les, If possible, try to arrive a bit earlier, setting up in the dark can be difficult :)

I should be there by mid day Ron... I'll see you then..

Alex.

[lesbehrens]

well ill see what i can do.i mite be able to get there by 1600.
les

[RobF]

Should be up by 5....

[jjjnettie]

Looks like you're in for a near perfect nights viewing.
I've setup here at home, ready for when we get back.
Have a great time everyone!

[astroron]

We had a good turn up last night with 13 members and guests and about ten telescopes in attendance:)
Shawn and son Michael.(007 Borg)
Les (Lesberans)
Mike (sparticus) Chris (xeelee)
Dave (Dave Waldo)
Martin,(Bender)
Rob (RobF
Graham (grb)
Terry and friend John
A friend of mine Gordon.
Ron (Astroron) Me;)

The Sky was clear and dark, which the astro photographer's enjoyed:)

Rob was the last to retire at about 03:00:D
An enjoyable night's observing was had by all:astron::stargaze:

[astroron]

A couple more:D

[davewaldo]

Thanks Ron for your hospitality :thumbsup: A wonderful night, and what a sky!

[astroron]

I should be there by mid day Ron... I'll see you then..

Alex.
What happened Alex, did you get lost.:whistle::whistle::whistle:

[RobF]

Many many thanks again for your hospitality Ron! Definitely great time had by all. :eyepop:

What were those galaxies/objects we looked at last in the dob? M97 and 51 are easy to remember. What was the edge on spiral though, for my records?

Ta,
R

[astroron]

Hi Rob, Glad you enjoyed the night:)
Te last galaxy was NGC 4565 an edge on spiral in Coma Berenices.
Catch up next time :thumbsup:

[pmrid]

Hi Ron,
looks like you finally got a bit of a break with some seeing. Terrific. Sorry I missed it. I have been here in KL now for 2 weeks and I have seen the night sky only once and then briefly and poorly.
Looking forward to ctaching up at TenChain Hill Obs on the 21st. Hope you and other citizens of the Republic of Cambroon can make it too.

Peter

[astroron]

Looking forward to the weekend Peter:)
I hope the weather is kind to us :D
I have been gathering some more recruits for the opening.
I hope you are having a good time in KL.:thumbsup: