View Full Version here: : Ten Chain Hill Observatory
pmrid
24-06-2009, 07:35 AM
Those looking to head to Somerset Dam this weekend for the opening of TenChain Hill Obs can draw some comfort from the possibility the Bureau offers of some relief from the rain.
To whet appetites, we did have a few hours last night before atmospheric moisture made seeing too ordinary. But I did manage a few 10 m inute subs of M16, The Eagle.
Hope to see you there.
Peter
jjjnettie
24-06-2009, 07:56 AM
Be there or be square!
I'll be heading over early afternoon I hope. Driving in convoy with Alex so we don't get lost.
Apart from our astro gear and sleeping stuff, what else do you want us to bring along Peter?
GrampianStars
24-06-2009, 08:48 AM
:thumbsup: good work "PMRID" and a successful opening to you
Just a thought with the roof rolled back it acts as a wind tunnel (personal experience) and funnels the wind by sweeping it up an over the wall (nasty) .
what will you be doing to close off the end wall flush to the roof when open
just a thought
Nice size though :)
pmrid
24-06-2009, 10:27 AM
I seem to remember you usually have quantities of homemade brews on hand to warm the observers' palates. This would seem a good habit to encourage. If you a vegan or ciliac, have gluten intolerances, go crazy on beta carotene or harbour other culinary habits, deficits or disadvantages then you should self-cater. That apart, I'll throw large quantities of snags on a BBQ and allow others to bring whatever else they want. Girly stuff like salads, paper napkins, cutlery etc.
Peter
jjjnettie
24-06-2009, 11:39 AM
So alkehol and greens, if you eat them.
Sorry, but I can't help but be a bit girly. I was born that way.;)
How about something desserty, I could bring along a mud cake or similar to share?
Gargoyle_Steve
24-06-2009, 01:52 PM
G'day Peter ... Joy and I are hoping to come visit you and the better half and share your night skies this weekend.
Having said that, I've had the flu for just on 3 weeks now and I'm still trying to get rid of the last of it, so I'm not sure how a long evening out in the cold night air will go yet.
We hope to know what we're doing in the next day or so, but were hoping we could make this trip as our inaugural visit anywhere with the little 13 foot van we bought a couple of months ago. I assume that would be ok with you, and that we can find a little level spot somewhere on your property to park it for Saturday night?
Steve
pmrid
24-06-2009, 04:18 PM
Mudd cake. Yumm!
P.
pmrid
24-06-2009, 04:21 PM
Great news Steve. Plenty of room and power for a van. The site is about 1 km back from our road frontage and access is via an earth track. I suggest you give me a call in the morning to see which track is best suited to your van. 54260185. Much depends on how much more rain we get tomorrow.
It doesn't sound as though the van is too heavy so you should be able to take our grass track that we use during periods of wet. We have a black soil track that is used in dry weather but turns into slush at the drop if a bucket.
Peter
Gargoyle_Steve
25-06-2009, 12:25 AM
Thanks Peter, will do - still waiting to see how I feel, have had a sore throat again tonight believe it or not. This is about the 3rd time around.
(And No, it's NOT sore from cheering on the Maroons during tonight's State of Origin broadcast. I cheered very quietly, under my breath all the way to Qld's win.)
Come to think of it, since the match finished I AM feeling a lot better!
;)
pmrid
26-06-2009, 07:41 PM
Well folks, it's raining BUT the forecast is for it to clear early tomorrow. So we may just end up with one of those spectacular nights when the dust has been rained out of the air and you can see the neon sign outside the restaurant at the end of the proverbial universe.
So, keep the faith and be here tomorrow - just in case.
The latest on the state of the access track is:
TAKE THE GRASS TRACK.
DETAILS:
At the front gate, the grass track goes off to the right. Light vehicles will have no trouble here but as with all soggy ground, the trick is to keep moving, don't stop and try not to spin your wheels. There is only one difficult spot that is quite close to the front gate and you'll see it. If in doubt, use the treack that goes straight ahead. It is a bit grassed over and also has a sloppy patch or two but is solid enough. The two teacks meet up a couple of hundred hards in from the gate and head east.
After aout 500 metres or so, you'll see that the track splits with a grassy track going off to the left through the trees with the earth track more or less going forward. In view of today's rain, the grass track is the preferred path for all vehicles. It has no really boggy spots but does have a few small potholes. So keep moving, watch for the potholes and keep a slow but steady pace.
As much as the rain is proving to be a nuisance, it has also been a blessing so we are not complaining.
For those wondering about accommodation, we have a large 3-bay shed next to the observatory with basic kitchen facilkities, BBQ, kettle, toaster, coffee and tea-making facilities. TV/DVD also and a gas BBQ.
Plenty of room for folding cots and the like.
Plenty of power points also. Toilet facilties are at the main house a 200 yard walk from the observatory although, gentlem,en, there are plenty of stops along the way for the simple and obvious answer to nature's call.
Ladies may need to more usual facilities of the house.
Observing sites abound. Try to get here in daylight.
Peter
jjjnettie
26-06-2009, 08:23 PM
Thanks Peter.
I'm looking forward to this.
Can you please post your address again as all my info is on my other computer.
astroron
26-06-2009, 08:34 PM
Hi JJJJ its on my post in the thread for the last Cambroon night
Cheers
jjjnettie
26-06-2009, 09:17 PM
The location: 3336 wivenhoe-somerset rd, crossdale via somerset dam.
Gargoyle_Steve
27-06-2009, 07:32 AM
I'm sorry and disappointed to say Peter that we're not going to be able to make it after all. I still can't seem to shake off this damn flu, even though it's been almost 4 weeks now, and I'm just not up to spending an evening out in the night air yet.
I went back to the docs this week and he's prescribed some different antibiotics, but they haven't kicked in yet and I'm still not fit for a night outside, nor I suspect fit enough to pack the gear in the car either.
I do hope we can come down another time for a visit, but for all those who do go along this weekend please have a great time, and soak up a huge bunch of photons for me because god knows it's been ages since I've gathered up any myself!
jjjnettie
27-06-2009, 07:35 AM
Sorry to hear you can't make it Steve. Take care of yourself and get well soon.
pmrid
27-06-2009, 07:50 AM
Aha. A clear sign that you are suffering photon deficiency. The symptoms are well-known. The condition is quite debilitating and if unchecked can lead to hairy palms and a nervous tick around the sphincter. I earnest;y recommend you deal with this as quickly as possible and extend the offer of TenChain for a full immersion cure at any time.
Sorry to hear it Steve.
Peter
jjjnettie
27-06-2009, 08:10 AM
Peter, do you have a toaster in the shed?
Cause if anyone wants a bit of crumpet with their cups of tea and coffee during the night, I've quite a few packs of crumpets and muffins from work to donate to the cause.
astroron
27-06-2009, 09:43 AM
Hi Peter, I am sorry I wont be able to attend as My car is playing up.
I hope I can make it out to your place in the future.
Cheers
I'd love to be there for the big event Peter, but seem to have caught a nice headcold from my son and loaded up with stuff I need to complete for work.
Hope the weather holds out for the faithful! I'll just have to hope you have another viewing session in the not too distant future.
Rob
Tandum
27-06-2009, 10:42 AM
I have the astro trailer all packed up and I see a couple of tiny bits of blue through the otherwise solid cloud cover.
The glass is half full :lol:
pmrid
27-06-2009, 11:57 AM
Answers: yes to the toaster.
I beg your pardon but yes? to the offer of crumpet with my tea.
Peter
pmrid
27-06-2009, 11:59 AM
Sorry to hear that Rob but the invite stands any time.
Peter
pmrid
27-06-2009, 12:00 PM
Ahhh, Ron. Sad news indeed. I'll get you down here yet.
Peter
jjjnettie
27-06-2009, 12:30 PM
Looks like I'll only need to bring one packet of crumpets along Peter. (full of cheek and bad manners, that's me)
But on a high note, all the more mud cake for us!
jjjnettie
27-06-2009, 12:37 PM
The forecast has changed from fine to afternoon showers and a chance of a thunderstorm.:shrug:
What do you reckon Peter?
Tandum
27-06-2009, 12:56 PM
Mainly blue sky here now, I recon it'll only get better, see ya there :thumbsup:
jjjnettie
27-06-2009, 01:02 PM
The skies are getting darker and darker over here Robin. I think Peter will be pm'ing you in a minute about it.
Tandum
27-06-2009, 01:12 PM
Not Again ..... :rain:
pmrid
27-06-2009, 01:14 PM
Another cancellation, folks.
The weather has turned back to wet, wet, wet and more wet. So we'll call it off for tonight and try again when the gods are a bit more favourable.
Perhaps some of our casualties will be over their flu and colds by about this same time in the lunar cycle next month. I'll post again in July when it looks better.
Peter
astroron
27-06-2009, 01:48 PM
Peter I should have my new car by then:D:thumbsup:
I know its bloody selfish, but I'm excited at the thought of July - be doing everything I can to be there....:cool::stargaze:
pmrid
27-06-2009, 04:30 PM
Right, well, in that case. Let's target Saturday 25th July. All in favour raise your illuminated reticles!!
Peter
jjjnettie
27-06-2009, 04:58 PM
It's me dear old Mum's birthday but I reckon I can get away early enough so I can set up in daylight.
Tandum
27-06-2009, 08:27 PM
25th looks clear for me.
Did you get that storm tonight? It's almost clear here. Should be perfect once the moon sets :D
jjjnettie
27-06-2009, 08:33 PM
At first glance it looks good, but there seems to be a lot of high cloud.
Tandum
27-06-2009, 08:40 PM
I got it shooting an hours worth of darks out back, we''ll see what it's like after that. Time to plug the QHY8 into the Vixen. I'm certainly gettting a lot of drift alignment practice lately :)
pmrid
28-06-2009, 12:07 AM
Hey who can figure. I've just come inside after spending the past 3 hours in the obs - not a bleedin' cloud in sight.
I had my daughter here for the night so we spent the time doing some visual stuff and just enjoyed the outing with a glass of wine and not taking it too seriously.
Peter
Rod66
28-06-2009, 06:46 AM
It really did turn into an incredible night last night - the build up with rain all week, and clouds on Saturday didn't look good at all.. who knew..
[1ponders]
28-06-2009, 04:25 PM
Shame guys. I should be able to make the 25th. Someone should have phoned me. I could have told you it was going to fine up. It was absolutely stunning on the coast around 1:00 am this morning
pmrid
29-06-2009, 12:46 AM
Good news. Book it in. Ron should be right also. And everyone elkse with colds, flu, sniffles, etc should be cured and rarin' to go.
Peter
Now the wife says she has something on Sat 25th July. I'm still aiming to come though even if I have to set up in the dark dammit....
pmrid
30-06-2009, 07:58 PM
Well, at the risk of inciting marital discord, may I say "Good Oh.!"
Peter
pmrid
30-06-2009, 08:04 PM
To maintain you in a fever-pitch state of excitement, I attach further titillating examples of TenChain skies. Taken Monday night in half-moon but still good seeing.
Peter
astroron
09-07-2009, 07:46 PM
As Arfer would say,I've got a new moter:P so will be joining the happy throng:cool::astron::stargaze::thum bsup:
I'm still planning to make it this time.....
pmrid
10-07-2009, 03:45 AM
Mate, bring Arfer with you. Must be good to have new wheels!. See you on the 25th. Rob, you too. The sky gods owe us one I think. Hoping Alex can still get up and hang out.
Peter
Just curious Peter - what's your northern horizon like? What's the lowest angle objects you can see in the direction?
There's a few low N messier objects I'd like to capture. I'm hoping to get some shots at Ron's this Sat, but wondering if 10 Chain is ok to the N (lower than 20 degrees off horizon I'm talking). Realise seeing etc is likely to be rubbish that low. ;)
Ta,
Rob
AlexN
14-07-2009, 07:58 PM
I should be there Peter! And hopefully my tiny little setup will come along for a first light too.. provided I have all the little bits and pieces I need...
jjjnettie
14-07-2009, 08:59 PM
I'll be bringing along my NEW SCOPE!!!!
An 8" Black Diamond with all the optional extras and mods!!
Hmmmmm new scope.....drool.....
AlexN
14-07-2009, 09:02 PM
JJJ. You've gone bigger, I've gone to a teeny weeny little scope!! 70mm APO :D woooh!
jjjnettie
14-07-2009, 09:13 PM
Ironic isn't it.:lol:
AlexN
14-07-2009, 09:18 PM
Indeed it is... I'm looking forward to wide field imaging again! Just in time to hunt down M31!! :)
jjjnettie
14-07-2009, 09:34 PM
oooh yes, M31, it's been soooo long.
jjjnettie
14-07-2009, 09:35 PM
Are you coming to Cambroon this weekend?
AlexN
14-07-2009, 09:41 PM
I won't be able to attend Cambroon this weekend due to prior commitments.. I may be able to squeeze in some imaging from home... Thank god for narrow band filters.. :) I'll surely be coming to ten chain hill however...
I thought you were going VC200L Jeanette? Looking forward to seeing the new beast though. Good onya! Life is too short.
jjjnettie
14-07-2009, 10:58 PM
Wish I could have gone the extra bucks for the Vixen, but I'll be quite content with the Black Diamond. I hope to put it through it's paces this weekend, if it gets here on time.
pmrid
15-07-2009, 07:53 AM
Hi Rob. Northern horizon is pretty goodl; the only skyglow in that direction is from Kilcoy 30 km away and it's barely visible. The approach path to Brisbane airport lies that way though but generally these planes are below a few degrees off the horizon. And if you are really pushing the bondaries, the highest point on the property If you need, is more towards the front of the property, is about 1 km from the observatory that opens the horizon even more in all directions but you can get the flash of the odd passing car from there.
Peter
pmrid
15-07-2009, 07:55 AM
Alex, I do hope you can get here, with or without your APO. I have an 8" GSO Newt on a pier you're welcome to use for imaging or a 5" achromat on a tripod visually.
I really need your help with alignment of the RC though.
Peter
pmrid
15-07-2009, 08:24 AM
Some clear skies and a moon getting later, got in a couple of test sequences on some favourites to try out the new scope. Despite guidng am still getting a degree of elongation so I assume it's a mix of alignment and perhaps also balance. Alex - the need is great.
Hope this whets the appetite for the 25th.
Peter
AlexN
18-07-2009, 09:27 AM
Not a problem mate... I'll attack your alignment, collimation and we'll sort out any guiding glitches without worry!!
Yea my little set up will be running by then.... Should even have guiding for the evening! wooh!! Exciting! the APO gets first light tonight, I look forward to bringing it to dark skies and giving it a real run for its money! :)
Rod66
20-07-2009, 11:08 AM
Peter,
I think this sounds ideal for my little setup and a first go at a really dark sky location. How much of M31 can you see with the naked eye at your place, that's a really good indicator for me.
Also I use a green laser to point my scope - do you have any rules about laser pointers?
My final question - can I pitch a tent somewhere?
thanks
Rod
AlexN
20-07-2009, 03:22 PM
Rod, you could use a lazer pointer, however im sure if you stick a lovely green beam through someones 20 minute long exposure they will likely stick a fair sized snowboot in your rear :D Imagers are touchy with regards to pretty beams of light flying through the skies.. :)
Peter, I too would be interested to know what your view to the North/North east is like... Early AM there will be some pretty targets floating about out that way... M31, M45, M33, M42 etc etc...
Would love to have a go at M31 again!
Rod66
20-07-2009, 04:20 PM
That's what I thought. I'll have to find a remote snow covered peak that takes hours to trek through blinding snow and hail, lugging my heavy gear, just to make sure I don't interfere with someone's 20 minute exposure. I guess its back to the drawing board...
Hopefully most astronomers are non-violent..
pmrid
20-07-2009, 05:08 PM
The eastern sky is terrific. Also the southern. The west is less so and the north is good to excellent if you choose your spot well. It is interesting that you ask about the vision to the north. So far, since I have had this obs working, I seem to have been looking south and east. But M31, 51 and 101 are all on my list for tonight if the clouds clear. At the moment they seem to be drifting in from the west a bit. I've had a good clean and clear view of M31 in the past from a great spot quite close to the house, but I haven't tried anything more adventurous - such as M51 or 101. Judging by the view of M31 though, I'd certainly expect a clean shot at 51 and even 101 if I shoot from an elevated position closer to the front of the property.
Green lasers are interesting devices. Perhaps mine have flat batteries or weak beams but I have difficulty seeing them unless I'm shining it on my own foot. I'd be interested to see someone aim a scope with one. The approach to Brisbane airport for flights from overseas and north Qld seems to be north and east of us so I would urge a lot of care in the use of a laser but that apart, am not inclined to offer physical violence to those that are able to make good use of them.
You may certainly pitch a tent. But bear in mind that I have a 14 metre (3 bay) shed next to the obs set up so astro guests can just throw a camp stretcher in there if they don't want to bother with a tent. There's a good table and camp chairs, fridge, BBQ, TV/DVD, kettle - all the comforts of home except a loo. For that, it's a wander across to the house.
Peter
AlexN
20-07-2009, 05:08 PM
hahah.. im sure provided you announce where you're planning to shine said lazer before firing it off you should come out unscathed! :) And yes, the firm majority of us are non-violent! :) haha
Always best to call out across the field to see if you're about to destroy 20 minutes worth of imaging time...
I'm really looking forward to this outing Peter. Bringing my tent too just in case, but shed sounds tempting. Not sure I'll be able to stay up until M31 is high, but there's bound to be plenty of other fruit to pick. M101 below 10 degrees, so not going to hold it against you if that's out of reach.
I'm a bit worried I may be arriving on dusk or even in the dark - will it be hard to find my way in?
Actually Peter, could I trouble you to repost the directions to find 10 Chain from Brissy? (I'll probably be coming from Fernvale, then road to East of Wivenhoe down to your way).
I can't find the original thread with the detailed instructions any more......:help:
pmrid
21-07-2009, 07:42 AM
Directions:
We're on the Wivehoe-Somerset Road that runs north-south up the east side of Wivenhoe Dam. We are about 6km from the northern (Somerset Dam) end of that road, on the east side of the road. There is a post at the gate with the number 3336.
If coming from Brisbane via Fernvale: go north from Fernvale about 5km and take the right turn onto Wivenhoe-Somerset Rd and follow for 33.4 km.
If coming from Brisbane via Mt. Glorious, when the Mt. Glorious road meets Wivenhoe-Somerset Rd, turn right and follow for about 19km
If coming via Kilcoy, go through Somerset Dam village by about 2km and turn left over the bridge over the Stanley River onto the Wivenhoe-Somerset Rd. Follow for about 6km. 3336 will be on your left.
ALL: the house is not visible from the road. At the gate, follow the track to the right and just follow your nose about 1 km through the spotted gum plantation. You'll see the shed/obs then. There are plenty of site options for setting up for visual or imaging - each with 240 power options.
Keep all gates shut please. There are about 50 head of extremely dumb cattle on the place and they would just love to make a dash for freedom.
Peter.
jjjnettie
21-07-2009, 07:55 AM
4 sleeps to go!
astroron
21-07-2009, 04:22 PM
Jeanette what time are you leaving your place, perhaps I could join the convoy with you and Alex:D
AlexN
21-07-2009, 05:00 PM
Oooh.. yes.. good idea.. the convoy idea...
JJJ.. please pm me your address again and I'll meet you at your place! :)
Oh, and by the way, how far apart are the rings on the 120mm F/5? Im going to make a bracket to piggyback my ZS70ED on top, but could do with some measurements... Cheers.
jjjnettie
21-07-2009, 05:15 PM
I don't know what time yet.
Early afternoon I suppose. Around 1pm?
Got to find out what times suit Alex and Les.
Rod66
21-07-2009, 05:27 PM
Ok thanks Peter.
With my budget I have installed the Mark 1 eyeball goto feature on my scope and coupled with the 10mw green laser upgrade, can find most things reasonably quickly. The frequency with which I use it though, it won't work with me calling out every 5 mins to get permission to turn it on.
I think I've found an alternative dark sky location many kilometres east of you so looks like I'm all set. (dare I point it west and see what its range is:P)
Its pretty easy to see most green lasers, you must have flat batteries in yours. Unless its less than 5 mw? Note they are notoriously bad on cold nights and need a bit of pumping to get going.
cheers
Rod
pmrid
21-07-2009, 07:51 PM
Well, I've just run off a few subs on M51 which is at +47 deg so you'll have no difficulty with M31 and friends at +41. All you haqve to do is stay awake long enough.
Will post some M51 later when I have time to process. I'm having a run at M86 and friends at the monent and have decided to walk away so as to avoid the temptation to tinker.
Peter
pmrid
21-07-2009, 07:53 PM
Well, I'm sad to hear you won't be here Rod. Not much I can say, I suspect, to change your mind. Hope you get good skies though.
Peter
Many thanks for the detailed instructions Peter.
No family complications now, so I'm planning to arrive about 3 - 4pm.
Rob
More questions....! :)
What's the lat/long there Peter so can have this set up ready to go before the night? (I'm going to jinx the weather if I get too organised I fear....!)
AlexN
21-07-2009, 08:27 PM
Cheers Peter... Yeah if you can Image M51, M31/M33 will not be a problem... M31/33 are breaking the horizon at 2:15 am at the moment... so I might MIGHT be able to squeeze in an hours data just pre dawn... That would be fantastic if I could.. Staying awake is not a problem for me... I can go 4 days with no sleep without much hassle at all...
pmrid
21-07-2009, 08:58 PM
152 deg 34 min 25 sec E by 27 deg 10 min 49 south.
Enough about jinxs. Positive energy required from all.
P.
pmrid
21-07-2009, 09:01 PM
What a greaat night it is out there. Just lost M86 to the horizon so I'm having a run at M57 before I go indoors and process this lot. Wahoo. Good stuff.
P.
jjjnettie
21-07-2009, 09:04 PM
It is beautiful out there.
Did you see that very short very bright meteor at around 8pm? Bright enough to cast a shadow!
pmrid
21-07-2009, 09:32 PM
Missed it. What was that punchline in those Toyotas ads, the one with the sheep dog that tried to jum into the back of the ute bust missed and landed in the mud. It was a delightful one-liner that has become part of language and folklore - except the moderator would shut me down if I use it here. But it is very apppropriate in just such circumstances as these.
P.
pmrid
21-07-2009, 10:42 PM
Well, I said I'd post an M51. Here it is. It was well down into the twilight (hence that reddish glow I couldn't get rid of) and my tracking was off but it was visible. I managed a few of the M86 cluster of galaxies too but tracking was not up to it.
P.
Well, at least you got the little blighter. How many minutes was that Peter?
pmrid
21-07-2009, 10:58 PM
I got 5 x 5 mins that I could use - at ISO800. Not very good seeing but hell.
P.
Rod66
24-07-2009, 04:25 PM
My prediction for the future - they will have telescopes that are affordable to the ordinary man that are so sensitive at capturing light, the viewer will be able to see this detail when they look through an eyepiece..
I can dream can't I.....
AlexN
24-07-2009, 05:06 PM
Rod... Just have one eye removed and have a very sensitive CCD put into your skull attached to your optic nerve.. :) Then you'll see detail even through a nice little 70mm refractor!
I want warp speed and time travel - I want to see if the Great Orion nebula really is just a bit of smoke when you get there......!! :D
jjjnettie
24-07-2009, 08:52 PM
:lol: You can already do something like that!
If I just feel like observing, I hook my Gstar-Ex video camera up to my little iOptron refractor and Cube mount to view galaxies and nebulae in real time on my computer or television.
This camera is so sensitive you can even see the Horse Head nebula.:eyepop:
Gargoyle_Steve
25-07-2009, 12:53 AM
Back on topic for a second .... ;)
Peter at present I'm going to say we should be making it down this afternoon to visit you and accept your invitation for a nights observing at 10 Chain Hill. We're really looking forward to it!
The plan at present (again) is the same as last month, ie that Joy and I will bring our little van (nicknamed "the Clubhouse" by my son) along for it's debut trip away to ANYWHERE and stay overnight.
My brother Don is also planning to come along in his new "microcar", he's been off the road with car and health issues for well over 2 years. Don used to get out to Ron's a fair bit but he's barely been there for a night observing in the last 18 months, so this will be the first overnight trip anywhere in his "new" car. It's also only the second time his 10" dob has been to a dark sky site in it's 18 month life too so he's keen as mustard!
We're planning to leave here around lunch-ish and I figure we've got a 2 hour run down - we'll probably travel together, and Don's car is a 3 cylinder, 543 cc engine powerhouse, 80 - 85 km/h will be about his best highway speed - so I figure we'll see you no earlier than 2pm, hopefully no later than 3-ish if we get away on time. Fingers crossed!
:thumbsup:
jjjnettie
25-07-2009, 07:04 AM
It will be lovely to see you all again!
AlexN
28-07-2009, 06:18 PM
A big thanks to Peter for having us all last weekend... It was a fantastic, and judging by some of the images posted so far by Jeanette, Les and myself, a very productive night!
I look forward to next time! :)
Thanks again for your hospitality Peter!
Alex.
astroron
28-07-2009, 08:37 PM
Thanks Peter for your Hospitality:) It was great to give my Camper a run and to meet up with you and the other members who normally frequent Cambroon.
Next Astro Stop is Duckadang:thumbsup:
pmrid
29-07-2009, 01:45 AM
Thanks all. Isn't it ironoc that Monday night turned out to be one of those absolute pearlers - so much so that I didn't get to bed until about 5 a.m.. I just kept getting whacked with great sights and to top it all off, who should come marching over the hiils to the east but our old mate M42 and all his cohort. So I managed to get my images of 31, 33, 42, and to top it off, got 57, the Tarantula and ... nope that was it. But a great list of sights I'd been waiting for for ages - all in one night.
So excited by all this, I went over again tonight and decided to do a hard one and tried the Saturn Nebula - elusive little blighter it turned out to be. I set up a 4-hour process of 10 minute subs and went to bed. It's now 2 a.m. and I've just processed all those hours of nothing. Got some lovely proof that my tracking works but my aim doesn't - not so well anyway.
Ah well, dem's the breaks.
See you all soon, somewhere.
Peter
The odd tantalising success here and there is all it takes to get addicted though isn't it Peter! Thanks again for such a great stay. We all had a good catch up around the fire anyway until the clouds parted again - we can't blame you for a bit of moisture. Looking foward to next time.
R
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