Honeysuckle Creek 29th-30th May

[Octane]

I just got back from my first time out at Honeysuckle Creek's Apollo campground.

It was also my first time setting up my G-11. I had a few issues as one of my deep cycle batteries wasn't charged completely and just wouldn't power the mount. This put a bit of a drain on the second battery that I had -- mount, laptop and camera were all running off it.

After all sorts of niggling issues, I gave up on imaging and spent most of Friday night observing. The kangaroos and possums were happy to share in the experience, too. This was the first time I've done proper observing; hopping from object to object and, I thoroughly enjoyed it. Saturday night was a write off -- cloud and rain all night.

I think the sky is quite dark up there. Looks like my trips to the Pony Club might finally be over.

For observing, I was only using a stock standard 15mm (GSO SuperView) eyepiece through the ED80.

The highlights for me were the Small Magellanic Cloud, M8, M7 and M4. For the first time I understand why M4 is called the Cat's Eye Cluster! And, just naked eye observing of the stunning Milky Way. I couldn't get Robert Gendler's latest image out of my head when looking up.

I look forward to going out again. I'd also like to extend an invitation to any other local Canberran's who'd like to head up there on a monthly or bi-monthly basis.

Attached is a photograph I took of my tent, equipment (ED80 with DSI, 40D (modified) with 200mm f/2.8L on the G-11) and surrounds. It really is a beautiful and peaceful spot.

Regards,
Humayun

[Rodstar]

Hi H! Where is Honeysuckle Creek?

Yes, the Pony Club's skies are far from ideal, but better than most of us put up with in our backyards. One place not too far from Canberra which I highly recommend is Wee Jasper. Very good skies there.

[Octane]

Rod,

Honeysuckle Creek is in Namadgi National Park. Only 40km or so from my place in southern Canberra.

It's where the old tracking station (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Honeysuckle_Creek_Tracking_Station) was.

I haven't been to Wee Jasper, but, I have heard favourable reports. It might also be worth a peek in the future. But, for ease, cost and proximity from home, this can't be beat. :thumbsup:

Cheers.

Regards,
Humayun

[astroron]

Hi Humayun, sounds like you had a good weekend Observing:P
I have a niece who lives in Camberra and may get down that way sometime this year:)
I have the same tent:D
Cheers

[Wavytone]

Ah memories...

It's 30 years since I lived in Canberra - so have they removed the Honeysuckle Creek tracking station ? I mean the dish and buildings... There used to be a public BBQ area in the valley just before reaching the tracking station, with a hill between them.. I used to go there occasionally with a 20cm f/7 Newtonian.

As I recall it wasn't all that dark though, there was a lot of sky glow from Canberra even then and it must be much worse now.

Another question - in my day there used to be a lunar ranging station at Orroral valley up a very steep track (most 2WD vehicles wold not make it) - a metal dome with a 50-inch cassegrain and a ruby laser... is that gone too ?

And darned cold now.

[bloodhound31]

I'd be interested mate. PM me and we will get it sorted. I've been looking for an astro dark-site buddy as my wife worries about me going out alone.

[Tilt]

Sounds great Humayun, sorry I couldn't make it along this time around, give me a yell next time you plan to go up :thumbsup:

Michael

[Chippy]

Looks like a nice site. I like your setup! I have the smaller version (tent) :)

[trick]

How much were the fees for camping Humayun?

[Octane]

Ron: if you're down here, get in touch. :)

Wavytone: my understanding is that they have torn down the old buildings. It's just concrete left over now. I could have sworn it was pretty dark out there. Up at the Honeysuckle campground, it's shielded by trees 360 degrees around. So, you see all the good stuff directly up overhead. I couldn't see any skyglow. Then again, I am an observing newb. So, /that's/ what eyepieces are for! :)

Barry: I'll be in touch.

Michael: I got your PM. Next time. :)

Nick: Cheers! That was my mate's tent. I have to get one of my own now.

trick: fees are only $5 per person per night. I also bought a bag of firewood from the visitor's centre for $12.

[Tilt]

Do you register at the visitors centre in person for a camping spot or can you sign up/pay online?

Michael

[bloodhound31]

I have a tent just like that only a little bit bigger. I also have a ute and canopy for all the gear.

All I need is cloudless nights and someone as keen as I am to get amongst it! I have so many dark sites picked. Done recon of them by day so I know the access points.

I will go for a drive tomorrow to check out some more.

Humayan, we really should actively push for anyone to attend and maybe get a regular Canberra thing going.

Baz.

[Octane]

Michael: I rang the visitor's centre and booked in advance. If you get there after hours, you can always just drive back down to the centre in the morning and make the payment there and then. They hand you a little green permit which I suspect is supposed to go on your windscreen somewhere. You can't sign up/pay online as far as I know. Best bet is to call -- they're really quite helpful.

Barry: I'm going to do some reconaissance this weekend, as well, hopefully. But, so far, the Apollo campground is a goer. And, I'm up for a local push to go imaging. I have never been to the deep sky nights that the CAS holds. Thing is, I don't want to be restricted to one night a month of imaging. I would like to be able to go whenever I want -- I'm even up for mid-week imaging sessions. I've got all this equipment, spent a lot of money on it, and, I really should make use of it.

Regards,
Humayun

[bloodhound31]

Mate, you are reading straight out of my own brain. We won't become good photographers by just owning expensive equipment now will we?

Yep. I'm up for mid-week sessions too!

Let's do it! Yeee-har!!

Baz.

[trick]

Baz. I'm up for it, Friday nights are good for me as I finish work 2:30 ish in the arvo. Im into wide field stuff at the moment just learning. I often just go out to tidbinbilla nature reserve by my self on Saturday nights. What other places have you sused out?

Humayan. I might as well go and check out the place I put you onto.
Nice weather too, down to sub zeros soon.:cold::campfire:

[Wavytone]

I've observed from a nature reserve off the south side of the freeway just on the Canberra side of Goulburn, as well as on the ridge along the west side of Lake George. Both quite dark but not for camping - the Bushranger pub at Collector might be warmer.

[charsiubau]

I thought Honeysuckle Creek campground looked like it might be useful for observing when I was there for a scouts night with CAS a while back. Never got around to it though. We go to CAS deep sky nights when we can but that's only a few times a year because of other commitments, bad weather etc. If you advertise on this forum when you're going we might be interested in joining you but probably not until after winter.

[Octane]

trick: cheers for the suggestion, by the way. It's turned out for the best! Get yourself a Hepworth's freezer suit off GTB_Owl and you'll be set. It is so toasty inside one of those things. I might end up having to buy the boots off Geoff, too.

Wavytone: I've stopped several times on the drive up to Sydney (and back down again) at many places, including the driver rest stops, and the sky is beautiful from those locations. But, as you've said, not ideal for staying over night.

charsiubau: I can see this becoming a regular event. I will post in here several days (perhaps up to a week) before I go. If it's a snap decision and I feel like going, I'll post in here so people can come find me if they're interested.

I'm really warmed to see some interest in here. It's a good feeling being amongst like-minded individuals.

Here's to the future!

Regards,
Humayun

[bloodhound31]

My word!

Look, I think this Friday night might be a bit of a big moon, but as it starts to decline, Friday nights might be pretty good.

Honeysuckle is good, I have been hiking all over the mountains there in the bush with a backpack, but I think we should keep it simple.

Overnighters or at least half-nighters are what we should aim for. (For those who have to work the next day) The more complex you make it, the harder it is to organise and motivate.

There is a spot up on Mount Stromlo, a tarred area just before the boom gates that is good to set up and surprisingly dark, so close to Weston Creek.

Another place is out the Cotter and another at Gibraltar Rocks. I will take a drive tomorrow to check out both of these and post back here tomorrow afternoon.

As soon as I have all the details, let's get together and make it solid.

Baz.

[Wavytone]

Stromlo isn't dark, not even close - in the 70's I had the use of the Oddie most Monday nights and the Reynolds 30", and it wasn't all that dark even then.

Gibraltar falls or Honeysuckle should be OK.

[telemarker]

Just noticed this thread. :hi:
Would be interested in an overnighter at some stage with some kindred souls (depending on family/skiing commitments). It would be good to put some faces to the local names on IIS. I'll watch this thread with keen interest.

[Octane]

Keith,

Would be great to have you on board.

Keep an eye out -- I will do as we do with the Pony Club and other announcements -- create new threads for the proposed weekend or ad hoc day/night.

Regards,
Humayun

[lacad01]

Good to know this site as an option :) It's about the same travelling distance for me if I was to go to Ilford.
Found this info here as well which is quite good:
http://www.tams.act.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0005/13685/Namadgi_National_Park_-_A_Brief_Guide.pdf
cheers.

[bloodhound31]

Ok, I went out for recon today.

First, I went to Birrigai, but they are an education department property so that's out. Next I went to Tidbinbilla Nature reserve. The lovely people there were very helpful and the Ranger took me for a drive up to a good vantage point overlooking Gibraltar Rocks. That one is a bit rough though and needs a 4wd to get to, especially with heavy equipment.

Next, I drove up the Corin road and found a lovely couple of spots up the hills from the pine forrests with BIG wide open skies and lovely mountainous horizons.

I went on to Corin Dam, which would be a beaut place to setup. Especially for widefields with reflections on the water.

Last, I went out to Namadgi National park, spoke to a lady at the visitors centre, then went out to Honeysuckle and Booroomba rocks. (Camping is only $5.00 per night.)

Honeysuckle is not a bad site too, probably better for DSO's than widefields with just the DSLR though, as the trees are a bit restricting. That could be a good thing too for framing widefields for effect.

I just happened to be at the dam for a perfect 3 minute window to capture a rainbow.

[astroron]

Nicely framed shot Baz:thumbsup:

[trick]

Baz
I think you will find Tidbinbilla reserve the ranger locks the gates at 6pm winter and 8pm summer. For a 4 hour or so session I just set up on the grassed area outside the gates on the other side of the road.

Forecast Friday cloudy Saturday Late showers Sunday fine

[bloodhound31]

She gave me some forms to fill in that may allow us to stay up there overnight. Pending approval.

Baz.

[bloodhound31]

Great idea Humayun, by the way.

Baz.

[vaztr]

How did I miss this thread????

Count me in guys - mainly for the half nighters - but with a Dob, setup and takedown shouldn't be a problem.

Any location is good for me - I'm a backyard noob and Tuggy always seems too bright.

Baz, I may even be able to offer you a lift once in a while (if you're not doing an all nighter) - I can see your observatory from my place!!

Andrew

[bloodhound31]

No worries Andrew.

I think once this foul weather clears up, I will post a thread as early as possible on the day.

In this game, we should all be used to short notice and spontenaety.:thumbsup:

[vaztr]

If this is a bit too anal - please feel free to ignore, but should we have a 'common' thread name for these future ACT outings? Then I'll know what to be looking for when a thread is posted - in a similar way to the Pony Club thread (that only took me 4 days to figure out where they met - and realise it wasn't for me!!!)

I'll let the waaaay more creative come up with names

Andrew

[bloodhound31]

Started new thread. http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/showthread.php?p=452962#post452962