Canberra Spontaneous Dark Knights (Casdak)

[bloodhound31]

Hi all, as a result of Humayun's initial report of Honeysuckle creek and subsequent reconnaisance of the Canberra ranges by myself, I would like to initiate CASDAK.

I reckon this thread can be revived, any time someone wants to have a dark night out around Canberra, to spontaneously invite other astronomers to grab the gear and have an outing, whenever the weather permits. If you enable notify on the bottom, you will get an automatic email. What do you reckon?:shrug:

Scenario: Look outside window, check BOM. All good, check CASDAK thread for others with the same idea. If not, post as early as possible to arrange/invite others to join you. Exchange PM, Phone numbers etc, arrange meeting place, grab gear and GO GO GO!!!

I have a couple of great sites that I did some recon on, that are quiet and dark, Corin Dam and a couple of places up the dirt tracks in Corin Forrest. (2WD accessable.) Humayun also recommends Honeysuclkle campground.

Baz.:D

[vaztr]

Excellent,

I think I've come over all 'Heath Ledger' as a Canberra 'Dark Knight' HAHAHA

Wait till I tell the kids I'm a dark knight - they'll go all Monty Python and be shouting 'ni' all night

Sounds great Barry - now all we need is some seeing weather!!

[toryglen-boy]

Sounds great Baz, and after the jet lag wears off (i was fully awake this morning at 3am for some good viewings of Jupiter) then count me in.

will arrange some time to come over for some 'driting' help to

Duncan

[bloodhound31]

"Why so serious?....."

Ready when you are mate.

[vaztr]

OK my last 'silly' post to this thread (honest)

Just told my wife about my V funny Heath Ledger thingy - she responded - it sounds more like that film where he goes 'bush' with his male friend and they share a tent?

I'll never live that one down :(

Andrew

[bloodhound31]

I hope I have no cause to be concerned......

[vaztr]

If I'm wearing a cowboy hat - RUN :eyepop::P:P:P:P:P

[Octane]

This system has my vote of approval.

Regards,
Humayun

[bloodhound31]

Well, it's snowing right now, so lets wait a night hey?

Baz.

[telemarker]

And just don't it look purdy.

[bloodhound31]

It shore is cletus...guhuh

[toryglen-boy]

LOL

thats not snow ....

;)

[vaztr]

Spoken like a true-'blue' Scotsman!

At least the clouds cleared for the night - pity about the moon - still at least I'll get to try the dob again

[astroron]

What is Duncan? "Scotch Mist":rofl:
Welcome back, by the way:thumbsup:

[toryglen-boy]

thanks fella

;)

[bloodhound31]

Anyone up for it tonight?

[bloodhound31]

Last night was a battle.

I went out to the dam, to the spot I had recon'd a couple of weeks ago. The weather looked good, BOM's forecast and satellite pics looked better than they have in weeks and the forecast, although not perfect, looked in my favor.

When I got there, it was cold and clear. I put on the layers, left the car and hopped the fence and proceeded to the spot on the west bank I had picked. It was then I discovered that my lens was not only not wide enough, but the milky way was straight overhead, from north to south and I couldn't get the reflection in the water. I really needed to be on the south bank but there was no way to get there. Even if I had been able to get there, the glow of Canberra was in that direction too, spoiling the darkness at that end....grrrr...:mad2:

So, I tried anyway. I stumbled along the west bank in the bush in the dark, finding cliffs all the way that I couldn't scale down. Eventually I bit the bullet and jumped a 3 metre cliff, dug my heels into the steep slope I landed on and got myself very muddy in the process.:help:

Eventually I found myself on a penninsula, surrounded by water and decided to try it there. I STILL couldn't get the frame right.:mad2::mad2:

I set off for the car again, thinking I will drive back over the dam wall and try the east bank, to see if I could get the reflection of the milky way as it set in the south west. This time I walked and climbed all the way back to the spillway, thinking maybe there is a better way from there. When I got there, i saw a ladder coming out of the spillway in the torchlight, going up to the top level where I came from. I put all the gear up on the wall, jumped up and looked over at the ladder 30 feet away in dismay as I realised the spillway was VERY DEEP and impossible for me to get to the ladder....:scared:

Back I went to the cliffs and got even more muddy, slipped back down a few times before finally making it back to the car, drenched in sweat and mud. I ate my cold maccas and contemplated giving up.:shrug:

So, "give up" not being in my DNA, I drove over the dam wall and took a walk down the east bank. Much easier. I set up the camera and intervalometer on the tripod, started the sequence and walked back to the car to finish my macca's and attempt to dry my thermals over the steering wheel with the heater on.

After about an hour, I went back to check on the camera, to find the brand new batteries I had just loaded in there had failed. AAARRRGGGHHHH!!!! Then thick clouds came over and put a total end to any thoughts of continuing.:mad2::mad2::mad2:

I packed it all up, very frustrated and headed home.

Along the way, I stopped to take some pics of the snow. While I was doing that, the sky cleared.:D

I continued to a dirt turn-off I had recon'd before and made tracks into the scrub. I came to a clearing, where a lone HUGE pine stood to my south, majestically pointing straight up the milky way! I spent the rest of the night until a little after 3am there, whe the clouds finally rolled in and stayed.:doh::rolleyes:

I got maybe 3 and a half hours total on one timelapse, with a mix of other interesting frames from around the night. I guess I learned a lot about the effort involved in trying to be a perfectionist, and taking a few gambles and risks .

I could have stayed home, but then I would have no story to share with you all.:thumbsup:

Photo's and timelapse coming soon to a forum near you...

Baz.

[vaztr]

Barry,

Sounds like you hd a FUN time LOL

Sorry I missed it, but then again I'm not sure I'd be as brave as you with my 8" dob slung over my shoulder.

I can't wait to get out and do some 'dark sky' stuff - went into the front garden on thursday night with my 13 year old to get a good look at 47Tuc, but it was a bit washed out with the city lighting.

Just realised you'd dropped me a PM!! - I'll have to call you soon and check out your dome - it looks awesome from the outside and the whole family have enjoyed watching it come together.

Andrew

[Matty P]

That's a great idea! :)

I'd love to attend one CASDAK evenings out in the ranges of Canberra. Would love to have an imaging night under dark skies with anyone interested however, it may be difficult finding a venue with mains power. As my laptop can't go more than one hour on its battery. :sadeyes:

:thumbsup:

[bloodhound31]

Matt, if you come in a car with a fairly new battery, I have a plug-in converter that you can run your laptop on during the night.

Baz.

[Octane]

Matt,

Would be great to have you attend.

Get yourself a deep cycle battery and a DC-DC laptop power supply from JayCar. I think they call them Auto Laptop Power Supply.

Regards,
Humayun

[Matty P]

Thanks Barry and Humayun. :)

I am not too sure about running the laptop off the car battery. So I will see if I can get a deep cycle battery for this.

Looking forward to the next clear night. :D

:thumbsup:

[Prickly]

Hi All,

Michael (Tilt) and I might also be keen to join-up. Another possible spot might be on the oval near the camping grounds at Cotter (a little further down the road). Seems to have pretty good visibility, pretty dark I think and only half an hour or so from where I live. Would be pretty easy spot to catch up.

Could even try for a barbeque beforehand!

Cheers
David

[bloodhound31]

Sounds sweet Michael, how's the headlight traffic out there at night?

Occasional car, heaps of cars, no cars?

Baz.

[Octane]

Gents,

I am now not on call until next Thursday. I'm working Saturday until 5 PM, but, would be really happy if we could meet up somewhere, anywhere. Maybe even a social outing if the weather turns to poo.

One of my batteries is pretty much dead so I might head out somewhere tomorrow and pick up a biggun.

Regards,
Humayun

[bloodhound31]

Thinking about going out tomorrow (Tuesday) night. Here's the forecast from BOM. Looks ok.

Current Weather Situation and Future Developments
A high pressure system centred over the southern Tasman Sea is moving slowly east. A low centred over the Bight is expected to weaken as it moves east to be located over the southern Tasman Sea by Wednesday night. Apart from morning fog, fine conditions are expected in the region tonight and on Tuesday.

I have a good site picked. PM me for details, timings and contact number if you haven't got mine already.

Might see you there!! YYAAAAYYY Dark skies!! New Moon!!

Baz.

[toryglen-boy]

I am up for doing something Baz, although at present the weather looks woeful


:sadeyes:

[bloodhound31]

I think you may be right Duncan, the radar was clear last night, but the fog rolled in and blanketed Canberra all night.

Keep checking CASDAK and the skies at around 7pm tonight.

Baz.

[toryglen-boy]

well, the sun is making an effort to chase away the clouds, and is making a fair job of it, will it be clear tonight?

[Octane]

Looks terrible out there at the moment.

Mount Taylor was covered in cloud about an hour ago.

Regards,
Humayun

[bloodhound31]

Keeping an eye out. As a backup plan, I may have a couple of ppl coming over tonight to the observatory for some telescope discussion and advice. Maybe we could get together there instead if the weather is unkind?

[toryglen-boy]

could be a plan, if its clear i am torn between doing some imaging, and doing some observing.

:rofl:

[bloodhound31]

I'm guessing you don't have a mobile power supply for your mount and camera's?

I have one you can use on the night if you need a power source out bush.

[toryglen-boy]

yer a top man !!

:thumbsup:

[Octane]

It's looking beautiful out there now!

I'm a write-off for tonight, sorry.

Regards,
Humayun

[bloodhound31]

So far it looks like it's doing the same thing it did last night. The radar is bringing cloud cover over the Canberra region, and the fog left over from this morning that never quite cleared, is thickening up again in the valleys already.....

[bloodhound31]

I am making a decision at 7:30

anyone interested?

[bird]

Hi Guys, I don't have a portable scope to bring, but I'd be interested in coming along for the social aspect of the thing one of these nights, so please include me in the email/PM/bat signal/ whatever's agreed.

The fog is thick tonight, so maybe when it's gone... probably September at this rate :-(

cheers, Bird

[vaztr]

Baz

Post here when you know whats on

Thanx

Andrew

[toryglen-boy]

i just brought all my gear in, fog moving over from Stromlo, i cant even see Antares with the naked eye any more.


:mad2:

[torana68]

would have liked to drop over but time is at a premium :( sky clear as over here (Qbn)
Roger

[bloodhound31]

Yup! Fog's rolled in again! GRRRR!!

New moon too...

Canning it tonight. Try again tomorrow night.

Baz.

[Octane]

I went for a run at 6:30 PM and I couldn't see five metres in front of me as the fog was so thick. It made for a pretty change of scenery, however, seeing all the trees all ghostly-like. Was quite nice. :)

Regards,
Humayun

[toryglen-boy]

ok, my Canberra buddies ... is it gonna be clear tonight?

[bloodhound31]

Not looking good Duncan. Will make the call at 730 tonight.

Baz.

[toryglen-boy]

kewlio

The last 2 nights i have gotten my image setup ready to go, just as the mist creeps in and i have had to abandon ship, and bring the whole lot inside again

such a shame

[bloodhound31]

This is where a club or society fails, with pre-determined dates for star parties and such.

CASDAK, by it's very nature, comes into it's own when the weather pattern surprises us with a clear night.

Keep one eye on the sky fella's!

Ready and waiting!!

[toryglen-boy]

have you looked outside now?

thats the end of that then

:(

[bloodhound31]

Yeah, I can't tell if it's clear or not. There are too many BIG WHOPPIN' HUGE BLACK CLOUDS IN THE WAY!!!

[Octane]

This is driving me crazy.

The last clear night we had was probably 29th of May.

Regards,
Humayun

[telemarker]

I had to laugh. Looked outside at 10:30 last night and not a cloud in the sky. This morning business as usual. :confuse2: Its killin' me I tells ya. :screwy:

[toryglen-boy]

Dear me, and i thought you boys down under where a tough breed ....

I noticed it was clear last night at about 10.30pm, and got setup and was outside until 3am this morning, and made it up for work at 6am.

and i learned 2 very important lessons.

1. No matter how precise your poalr alignment (and now i have drifting dialled) if your mount is on a deck in the back yard, the slightest little movement will ruin an image.

2. If you fully extend the legs of an EQ6 mount, then even more caution is needed to not bounce the wooden deck up and down.


I am determined to crack this though, although i am starting to realise that if i am intered in photography, then by far my best bet is to have the mount on a permanent base.

:)

[bloodhound31]

I was soooo torn last night too. I was all showered, dressing gowned and going to bed. I looked outside at 1am and discovered a crystal clear sky with no moon.

To go into the bedroom and get all my warm gear, risk waking and really ticking off my peacefully sleeping wife, go out, set up, wondering how long the clear sky would last given the last few nights of fog....hmmmm....hmmm....arrrrggghhh h!!!

To that end, I am going to make up a package of clothing and equipment to be kept out of the bedroom, ready to don at a moment's notice without disturbing anyone else. I think I missed out on a good night last night for no good reason.

[Octane]

I stepped out at 11 PM as well and it was magnificent.

Spewin' I don't have a safe backyard to set up in.

Regards,
Humayun

[telemarker]

This is where you need remote access to your setup. You can sit inside in the warmth and control and monitor it from there. I bought one of those 7" EeePC's for $300 just for that purpose. Its tiny and sits out by the mount controlling the cameras, guiding, mount and camera downloads and I watch what's going on with either the desktop or the laptop via wifi. Once I'm aligned and dialled in to my target, it's all run from inside. Luxury :2thumbs:
And, I was in the same boat as Mr Hound. Call me soft all you like but SWMBO doesn't like being disturbed at all once she is hard at work with the Z's.

[toryglen-boy]

You read my mind Keith, i have an Acer Aspire One at home with a 9" screen ... its being setup as we speak with VNC for remote access and with all the Canon software loaded on it.


;)

[bloodhound31]

Looks like we are all getting a little of topic (me included).

CASDAK is all about getting out as a social group to dark sites, but I suppose I could consider a canopy over the back of my ute as a warm room....... ;)

Baz.

[toryglen-boy]

Your right squadron leader Baz, back on topic. whats the forecast for tonight then?

:shrug:

[bloodhound31]

For me it is my fortnightly social night with a bunch of blokes from church until about 11pm. From there I am freeeeeeeeeeeeee!!!!!!!!!

[toryglen-boy]

i am taking tonight to setup remote access to my netbook that controls stuff, i wanna sit on my behind while the imaging is going on outside

:)

[bloodhound31]

You will bring it along to our first get together so we can all see how it runs?

Baz.

[bloodhound31]

Doesn't look good tonight. Then again, the radar lied to us last night too....

Current Weather Situation and Future Developments
A ridge to the north will weaken as a broad trough of low pressure to the south gradually moves north to lie over the region on Friday. Showers associated with this trough will mostly clear as it weakens and moves to the south on Sunday. The next cold front will bring a return to unsettled conditions as it approaches early in the new week.

Forecast for Thursday
Fine apart from isolated showers about the western ranges. Partly cloudy with moderate westerly winds.

City Precis: Fine, partly cloudy.
City: Max 12
Tuggeranong: Max 12
Chance of rainfall: 10%

[toryglen-boy]

well, it was nice and clear last night mate ... i guess its a waiting game


:)

[Octane]

I'll be free later tonight. I'm on call for work now, but, if we're not too far away it'll be fine.

I'd love to come along for the social aspect.

Regards,
Humayun

[bloodhound31]

Still covered here. I hope there is a clear night over the weekend. Still very keen.

Baz.

[bloodhound31]

That funny grey water vapour stuff you see when you look up has gone a funny sort of...black colour....now I can see these funny twinkly bright thingies....anyone know what they are?

Looks great tonight....moon setting in a 3 hours...

anyone up for a dark site tonight?

Baz.

[bloodhound31]

AAAARRRgghghh!! It's clouded over solid again!

Radar looks pretty clear...I reckon it must be a negative radar image.

Watching...waiting...checking every half hour.

[bloodhound31]

Ah well, half the night gone and still cloudy...again...

Calling it quits for tonight...

sigh...

[bloodhound31]

New moon coming up! You Canberra guys and gals got your gear in the front doorway ready to go?

Nights are looking cool and crisp. Minus 2 tonight and a late rising crescent.

This coming week could be very good!

Baz.

[Octane]

I'm in for this week, Barry.

Got a wedding to photograph on the 25th, but, the rest is all systems go.

Regards,
Humayun

[bloodhound31]

Great mate, we'll stay in touch.

Baz.

[bloodhound31]

OK, tonight is romping in with clarity and good seeing. If tomorrow night is the same, who's in?

I have a great site picked about 35 minutes drive from south Canberra.

Baz.

[bloodhound31]

Looks ok so far. Some cloud on the radar coming from the west though. Will keep watch. Anyone interested? Might head out around 8:30/9pm...

Baz

[Octane]

Baz, I'm booked tonight, sorry. :(

By the way, do you have a spare battery to power a hungry laptop? Or, is there a 240V mains outlet near where you're proposing?

Regards,
Humayun

[bloodhound31]

I can bring along my converter that can turn your car battery into 240v..

[bloodhound31]

If tomorrow night is clear, anyone want to come out to a dark site? The moon won't be up until pretty late.

Baz.

[bloodhound31]

anyone?

[toryglen-boy]

Hi Baz, sorry i have been so non-commital of late, my health has been awful, and i have had alot on my plate.

I cant make it tommorow, i have to getup early to go to an urgent appointment, so its an early night for me, even if the sky is clear.

soz mate, one of these days ...


:lol:

[Octane]

Baz, I'd be up for it if I hadn't got food poisoning.

I've been vomiting since 8 PM last night. Got no sleep. And, can't keep any food down.

Hopefully, we'll make it out one of these nights, soon.

Regards,
Humayun

[bloodhound31]

Thats not good guys. I will have a prayer for you that you recovery quickly and fully.

I am heading out now so you may be seeing some new time-lapses soon.

I'm all excited!!!

Baz.

[Fossil]

Hi all
I've been 'lurking' on this forum for a couple of weeks and have 'dipped a toe in' a couple of times. I'm brand new at this astronomy thingy and have my 'L' plates very firmly attached.
I take it from your preferences for dark sky locations that most of you live southside.
I live in Murrumbateman, which has the potential to be fairly dark - when neighbours don't leave all their outside lights on.
I got my first scope last week, a 10" GSO Dob, and have had it out a couple of times (just in the yard) and had a couple of looks at Jupiter.
I hope to attend the CAS meeting tomorrow night and maybe learn a thing or two.
Cheers
Jonathan (Fossil)

[bloodhound31]

Hi Jonathon, I think we live all over, but southside is the gateway to some beaut mountainous dark sites out that side of town. When we finally all get together, welcome mate.

Baz.

[bloodhound31]

Speaking of which, guys, we have new moon coming up soon, shall we plan a night?

Alternatively, what do you all think about a daytime meeting one weekend at ASIGN Observatory. We can all have a chat, get to know each other, exchanges stories etc etc.

Baz.

[telemarker]

I think this is a good idea. :thumbsup: I would be up for it if I can fit it around the kids various recreational activities. Any idea for day/time?

[bloodhound31]

How about we all meet at the coffee shop at the Tracking Station at Tidbinbilla either Saturday afternoon or Sunday afternoon?

Say....2PM?

Baz.

[toryglen-boy]

I can probably do Saturday mate.

:)

[bloodhound31]

Sounds good mate. I will be there.

All others invited and welcome. Lets get to know each other as locals hey?

Baz.

[telemarker]

I might be able to put a brief appearance sometime after 2. I'll be down Tuggeranong way with a birthday party for 1 of my son's mates. I'd have to go early to get him.

Keith

[bloodhound31]

That's 3! We may even get some more...

Duncan
Keith
Baz

Any more? Come and meet up guys and girls!

[trick]

Why not go all out, I'm bringing my gear as well. Might wander up into them there mountains and do some wide field imaging, so bring you hiking boots.

:camera:

[bloodhound31]

Last time I took my gear out there I shot this:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dfh2OtwF-XQ&feature=channel

[trick]

Well Im ready to learn Baz, seen your widefield images.:thumbsup:

[bloodhound31]

I'll bring the gear and we shall see what happens...

[trick]

Cool:)

[trick]

What happened Baz?

Anyway I will be back out at the reserve tonight. Check here http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/GibraltarRocksDarkSkyChasers/



Trick

[toryglen-boy]

mate, just joined the GRDSC group

:thumbsup:

[trick]

Yeh got ya mate and made you a moderator:thanx:

[bloodhound31]

Absolutely nothing happened mate. I was ther from 10 am this morning and just got home at 5:50 Pm this afternoon. I was pacing the floor in plain view all day with my name on my tag and my logo on my shirt. I am the front man there...hard to miss....:shrug:

[trick]

I believe you asked me if I was OK, was'nt looking at name tags just checking for lost souls in the shop.
So Baz ya did not take a break at 2pm and make your way to the coffee shop where we were sitting?:shrug: Whats your logo? NASA or CDSS.:confused2:

Duncan you did not tell me Baz worked there? :question:

[bloodhound31]

Arrrr matey, that's quite ok. Never mind. We will try again at a later date.:lol:

It was a beautiful day out there and the patrons were asking lots of wonderful questions.

Next time dudes, next time, no worries!
:thumbsup:

Baz.:D

[toryglen-boy]

Had i of known, i would have went in search of him myself.

Been taking some pics of M20 and NGC300 tonight, i am trying to last long enough for Orion to rise, although i am dead beat ...

:rofl:

[bloodhound31]

Asign Observatory.....:P

[bloodhound31]

Kicking myself now:screwy:... I should have approached all the tables and asked everyone if they were IIS members looking for each other....;):lol:

I'm with ya Duncan, in the obs now shooting NGC253 now...falling asleep all the time...

[trick]

Or told us you were working there and would be dressed in your personal observatory uniform with a Baz nametag:screwy::screwy:

Reminder to Trick; buy crystal ball:P;):lol:

[bloodhound31]

Reminder to Baz. Be more specific...

Sorry guys, that was my fault. :ashamed:

Try again at a later date?

Baz.

[trick]

Cool Baz, we will try again. I think an hour at your Obs one night kicking scopes would be great. :)

[bloodhound31]

'Till that day!:thumbsup:

Baz.

[bloodhound31]

Going out tonight. Anyone up for it?

[bloodhound31]

Anyone up for the Leonids in the morning? Heading out at 2am. PM me or back here.

Baz.

[Octane]

Baz,

Leaving now. See you at Lake George in 30 minutes.

Regards,
Humayun

[bloodhound31]

on my way

[Octane]

Well, that was a fail of epic proportions.

I haven't slept all night. I'm going to be screwed at work!

Great to catch up, though, Baz.

Regards,
Humayun

[bloodhound31]

Never a waste of time when you go with a friend mate. Nice to see you again mate. I am just enjoying some scrambled eggs and broth before bed.

Until next time mate.

Baz.

[bloodhound31]

Lads, Thursday night this week? PM me for my mobile number and location/timings.

Thursday afternoon/evening I will confirm based on the weather.

Baz.

[Octane]

What do you have planned, Baz?

Regards,
Humayun

[bloodhound31]

Got a great spot picked on crown land about 40 minutes awaw from south Canberra. Very dark!

[bloodhound31]

I'm still keen, but it's not looking good up there. Big storms, dust and wind...:sadeyes:

[bloodhound31]

I tell you what, tonight is still looking like a no-go, but how about some pre-sun-down and sunset shooting around lake Tuggeranong in an hour or so?

Anyone up for it?

[Octane]

Baz,

Sorry mate, tonight's out for me. I played squash at lunch today and I am totally buggered!

Soon, mate. Soon -- we can even head up prior to sunrise to Booroomba.

Regards,
Humayun

[bloodhound31]

Sounds great mate. In the creek below Gibraltar falls is on the cards for a sunrise too soon.

Baz.

[Octane]

How about tomorrow morning?

I think it'll be a great start to the day.

Meet you at yours and head up together?

Regards,
Humayun

[bloodhound31]

I have one week left at work mate. I got up 4:30 am Monday for a sunrise at Tharwa bridge, up twice this week until after 2:30 am in the dome, up again this morning at 4 to go to Goulburn and still at work. My eyes are hangin' outta my head...

This is a challenge coordinating our lives for this game isn't it? Normally I would go the extra mile, but I'm stuffed mate. Evenings are OK ATM, but mornings no, until a week from now.

[Octane]

That's quite understandable.

Get some rest, Baz. :)

See you soon.

Regards,
Humayun

[bloodhound31]

Anyone want to come out for an evening's shooting with DSLR's?

I am going this evening with a mate or two. PM me for details.

Baz.

[bloodhound31]

Three of us went out there tonight and had a great time at Gibraltar falls. It really is fantastic to share the hobby with others who are like-minded. We learn so much from each other.

[Canon_Matt]

Baz,

Thinking of an early trip for a sunrise shoot? let me know if you are keen.

Matt

[bloodhound31]

How about tomorrow morning?

[Canon_Matt]

Can't tomorrow. Wife has plans for early tomorrow morning, which is why I picked Sunday morning.

If you can't make it can always arrange to go again snother time.

[bloodhound31]

How about next weekend then?

[Canon_Matt]

Keen for that, this trip was no good :( most shots are blown out.

Was still worth the drive down though.

[bloodhound31]

All good for Saturday morning Matt. Anyone else wish to join us for some dawn photography in the waterways?

Actually, does anyone know of any waterfalls around Canberra besides Gibraltar falls?

Baz.

[telemarker]

This is down your way but a bit more remote. Haven't been there myself but was told of it by companions on Ginini and Gingera ski tours. :D Not for a day trip if you want the golden hour.

http://jevans.pcug.org.au/Pages/Walk%20Descriptions/2007_04_17.htm

[bloodhound31]

Thanks Keith, yes, you are right, that one looks like a weekend camp/hike and a good one too. I think I will give it a crack myself and write my own report complete with pictures and maps.

Any others more local?

Baz.

[bloodhound31]

Ok, heading to Gibraltar falls, leaving at 0430 tomorrow morning. Who's coming?

[bloodhound31]

Up for Corin river tomorrow afternoon/evening for golden hour shooting. Anyone want to come with?

Baz.

[bloodhound31]

Hi guys, anyone interested in comin out to Chris's place (Omaroo) next friday night 12th Feb?

So far myself, Humayun (Octane) and Chris are going. Chris has kindly allowed me to extend the invitation to other IIS members in and around Canberra.

We are meeting at the Hume service station on the Monaro Highway at 3PM Friday. If that's too early, then PM Chris for directions.

The dark site is just over and hour out of Canberra.

Cheers.

Baz.:D

[telemarker]

Would it be OK if I came along. I'd enjoy meeting you lads and possibly get some advice on image processing and general photography. What do I need to bring?

[bloodhound31]

G'day Keith, you are more than welcome to come mate.

Bring Camera, telescope or both. Power source if needed. Red torch.

For food and drink you need to be self contained as we are in the middle of nowhere.

I'll PM you the details.

Baz.

[bloodhound31]

Chris, are we still on for tomorrow night?

[Octane]

Looks like an epic fail at the moment.

Forecast is poo.

H

[bloodhound31]

Got a message from Chris, due to bad weather, tonight is a no go.

I have been trying to get hold of Keith via PM, but no answer. I hope he doesn't waste a trip. Anyone get hold of him?

Baz.

[telemarker]

Hi Barry, :hi: I got the message but was hoping for the best.
PS. I think it was my fault, just put together a new guidescope to use and the result..... a weekend of rain :P:shrug:

Hopefully sometime soon we can try again.

[bloodhound31]

Ah great, good to know you got the message mate. Yes, we will definitely try again. I am in the process of putting together some e-mail contacts for CASDAK and other photography outings around Canberra.

Baz.

[Tilt]

Is the CASDAK still going?

[toryglen-boy]

it should be, Baz is as dedicated as anyone i know!

i have made a very poor showing at this, for personal reasons, but after a change of job and fortune, i am finally coming out of myself again.

:)

[bloodhound31]

Well, winter is fast approaching so the clear crisp nights should be getting closer together!

I would love to get out the our marked dark sites and get shooting!!

Baz.

[Logieberra]

Sounds like fun! Thanks for the PM Baz. I should have my kit ready to go by mid May... a long story.

When I saw ASIGN I thought it sounded familiar. How long ago was that interview? Small world.

Cheers,

Logan.

[bloodhound31]

Oohh now you're stretching my memory...A fair few months ago now..Last year?

[stringscope]

Add me to the list Baz, I have sent you an email with contact details.

[Logieberra]

Heya Baz

I've got final exams for the next two weeks, ending Sunday 30 May :sadeyes:

Any chance that the group is meeting shortly after that? Looking forward to it!

Bless ya :hi:

Logan.

[bloodhound31]

Hi Logan, I currently have the worst virus and have had to cancel quite a few things. Other than that, I am booked out until the 15th of June.

That said, We may be able to tee something up a few days leading up to next new moon. If you guys want to pick a night, I have the perfect dark location picked.

[Logieberra]

Sorry to hear that Baz, hope you're on the mend :(

Sounds good to me, but I don't really know when the new moon is doing it's stuff :)

Any dates that work for people out there?

And is there a way to get notified of posts from this page, kind of like a PM? There must be a way to subscribe to this thread for updates....

Cheers

[Logieberra]

Oops...

Just figured out how to do it. Nice.

Forgot to mention, after seeing your unit Baz I made me a few dew heaters (with advice from Omaroo). Will be using these will an old Type VI Kendrick. The soldering part was messy!

[bloodhound31]

Into the homebrew equipment already! Awesome. Just remember, with soldering..less is better. Next time you are over we can have a chat about the correct way to tin your wires.

If you look at the moon phase calendar on the left of the page here, it will give you the moon rise/set/phase times and dates. Usually, three or four days before new moon is good, right through to a couple of days after.

[Logieberra]

Hey Baz

Here are a few of my first guided astro photos. They colour really comes out versus those 30s exposures that I've been taking until now! They're nothing special, but they're special for me :rofl:

I put the pics under my IIS D40 post:

http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/showthread.php?t=59234

[Logieberra]

Baz, how we looking? Got any slots? That moon's on the way out :)

Cheers.

[bloodhound31]

I have a full weekend of out-of-state visitors, but I reckon I'd be up for Tuesday night. How does that sound?

[Logieberra]

Nice! Tuesday it is. Just let me know the timings and where :)

Cheers.

[bloodhound31]

Lets aim for 7:30PM meet at Macca's in Conder. Map attached.

We will head to a selected CASDAK site from there.

Anyone else care to join us for a few hours? You are most welcome!

Baz.

[Logieberra]

I'm there, weather permitting. Fingers crossed!

Cheers.

[bloodhound31]

Praying :prey:

[bloodhound31]

OK! Tuesday night the 15th June looks good!! Who's coming?

[bloodhound31]

Hey all! New moon is on the tenth of August I think.
How would the Friday or Saturday night a couple of nights prior to new moon do?

We could all meet at the Conder MacDonalds before heading into the mountains...

Whaddya think? Who's in?

Baz.

[Logieberra]

Nice, will have to check with the mrs.

Saturday 7th Aug sounds good.

If the weather is good I would bring ALL my gear out and look to image all night... It would be great if we had flat ground and no trees.

How about a drift alignment lesson as well?

Cheers Baz!

[bloodhound31]

Sounds good Logan. Let's pray it's a clear night!

Baz.

[bloodhound31]

OK, set to meet at an agreed location at 4PM, leaving at 4:30pm and driving out to the dark-site. There may be quite a few coming.

If the clouds permit, it will be an all-nighter.

If anyone wants to come, PM me for more details.

[bloodhound31]

Any other takers yet? The weekend is approaching fast!

Baz.

[bloodhound31]

CASDAK was just fantastic tonight! Temps got well below freezing and the sky was magnificent for time-lapses!

Thank you to the three blokes that made the effort tonight. Lets do it again next new moon and see if we can get some more folks to join us!

I look forward to seeing your shots on either deep space, solar system or terrestrial.

Baz.

[Logieberra]

Great night Baz. Perfect location - dark and not too far away from the Sth side.

It was great to compare the view of Jupiter through multiple scopes - thx for bringing out the team Dennis (the ED80/Equinox was a beauty).

Looking fwd to the next CASDAK!

Cheers.

[Den]

Thanks for a great night guys, I was not feeling the best that night. Still sick this bug has knocked out all of my family. I would like to do it again guys.

:thanx:

[bloodhound31]

Mate you didn't sound very healthy. You did well to hang in there all night! Crikey it was cold! It was minus 4C in Canberra suburbs, I'd hate to imagine what it was up there! When I dozed off I woke up covered in jewels of frost!

Baz.