What secret observing locations do you have??

[Lumen Miner]

Just interested to see what secret sites we have out there.
I know they would not be so "secret" if you posted them here, but we love to share.

Specifically, I would like to know if you have discovered some unusually dark areas, or just perfect locations near your home location...

The thread arises from the fact that I'm now setting off with tripod and camera in hand to discover some new location within walking distance of my home...
The aim specifically is to find a site to shoot the Milky Way minus the trees I have in my backyard.

I'll post pictures of what I come up with..



So do you have any secret locations that you believe are above average and less known to us...

Feel free to comment....

Cya in a few hours... :)

[DavidU]

Years ago this area near Wilsons Promantary (the road in center of pic) was about the best dark skies for miles.There were so many visable stars it was very difficult to make out the constellations.
It's been about 10 years since I have been there and I will try to re-visit it soon.
http://maps.google.com.au/maps?hl=en&q=Wilsons+Promontory,+Victoria+3960&ie=UTF8&cd=1&geocode=Favsrf0dy2C5CA&split=0&sll=-25.335448,135.745076&sspn=38.161973,47.373047&ll=-38.823928,145.933456&spn=0.1102,0.348473&t=h&z=12

[MrB]

Yeah I have one,
It is a fair drive away along ....... highway, not far out of ....... there is a side-road that leads a few k's to a private residence. If you make it to ......... roadhouse you have gone too far.
I have set-up a few times on this side road to get some decent comet pics. Very dark and very few trees.

And no, it's not realy a secret! Replace all the blanks with Brookton ;)

Edit, hey it's my 1111th post!

[Kevnool]

Its a hard topic only because with no street lights or city lights out here you will find us out set up on any claypan any where so there aint really no secrets but in the city it may be.

Cheers Kev.

[jjjnettie]

My new favourite observing site is at a friends place a short drive from where I live. Being on top of a ridge, they have completely unobstructed views from within the observatory. Good company, good skies, can't get much better than that.

[Moon]

I predict this thread will have only 10 replies and 3454 views!

PS my fishing spot is secret too!

[Lumen Miner]

That's interesting David. Was their anything especially unique about that particular road? or was it just a spontanious "dark" spot?



LoL! :) Sounds like your very own personal observing location.
sounds like your on to something!!



You lucky devil!! out here, I am surrounded by light, chasing a dark spot. :)




Oh!! I agreee any spot with friend and conversation trumps all!
Hot coffee as well? :P



:rofl: Yup, you could be right!!

[Jen]

:question: MMM let me see if i told you it wouldnt be a secret anymore :lol::lol::P

[stephenb]

Years ago it used to be between Bendigo and Pyramid Hill in north central Victoria. Nowadays it's somewhere south of the Bendigo area.

[astronut]

If I told you, I'd then have to kill you!!:lol::lol:

[AstralTraveller]

If you search the archive you will find this topic has been canvassed before.




This is the tenth reply, so the thread is locked!!! :lol::lol:

[erick]

Nudge Nudge Wink Wink!

OK, I don't use it any more so it's yours:-

Gembrook Sports Ground, Melway Map 312 D9 - down by the cricket practice nets.

[DistroMan]

6 metres NNE of AstroNuts scope. :D

[DavidU]

I'll have a look at that one (quite close) thanx Eric

[erick]

Northern aspect has the hill up to the main oval, so you cannot get objects low to that horizon. Melbourne sky glow washes out the west. South and East not bad for a place so close to the SE suburbs. Fri and Sat nights - may be sports ground and club in use. If so, go East around the Oval and set up behind the rise.

[Davros]

I have a site that i have been thinking about for a while but i have yet to try it out. I suspect Brisbane skyglow will be a problem to the East.

[Ric]

My secret dark sky spot is just outside my back door.

Cheers

[pgc hunter]

The summit of Mt Baw Baw could be a good location to set up, theres a few car parks up there and you've got about 4000ft of elevation to boot. Never been there myself but would worth checking out IMO.

[AstralTraveller]

I never been there either but the satellite photo shows a lot of buildings. It would be worthwhile to up during the day to 1) see if there is a dark location and to 2) ask permission from anyone who lives up there. I doubt anyone would mind but they might get a bit jumpy if you just fronted up and started doing strange things at night.

[pgc hunter]

I'm willing to bet it's a hell of alot darker than anywhere near suburbia. It's only a few buildings. The carparks on google earth look to be hidden behind trees so any stray light is probably blocked and furthermore those would be public carparks aswell as they are used by those going to the snow.

[Rodstar]

I highly recommend the camping areas at Wee Jasper (45 mins drive south of Yass, or about 1 hr 10 mins from Canberra), especially the Micalong Reserve. The ranger is very supportive of astronomers, and will usually let you turn the toilet block lights off, and have access to power. At only $7.50 per adult per night, fantastic! The skies are very dark, comparable to Lostock, although not quite up to the standards of Coonabarabran. There is a swimming hole and bush walks during the daytime, and even limestone caves to visit!

[erick]

Secret observing location with a toilet!! With power!!! What is the world coming to! Actually sounds like a good spot, Rod.

[Rodstar]

Yep, I have had two family holidays there, the kids love it, and so do I!:thumbsup:

[sheeny]

Yeah, my place!:P

The reserve at Burraga Dam. The reserve allows free camping and there is a pit toilet.

I have been told by a couple of other astronomers who have used the area that it's very good. Back in my rescue days I have spent enough nights out in that area on searches and road crashes to appreciate the skies are impressively dark.;)

Al.