Anyone going to Coonabarabran this weekend?

[okiscopey]

Since I couldn't get to IISAC this year I thought I'd make up for it by attending the Festival of the Stars events in Coona, from Friday 23rd to Sunday 25th October. Keen to say 'hello' to any IIS folks there.

A brief run-down of events:

Friday at the Royal Hotel from 6:30pm: "Science in the Pub". $5 entry, $18 for buffet meal.

Saturday:'Galilean Nights' (part of the IYA2009 happenings). Sidewalk astronomy ... byo telescope if possible. Targets: crescent Moon and Jupiter. I'm taking my 8-in LX90. Weather forecast a bit dicey though.

Sunday: Annual Siding Spring Open Day. Bus transport and BBQ lunch available. In evening, Annual Bok Lecture by Prof. Bryan Gaensler.

For further information see: http://sidingspring.blogspot.com (3rd item down).

[chrisp9au]

I managed to get to Coona on Sunday and Monday this week after a great weekend at IISAC09.
Unfortunately I have to be back at work this coming Monday which is a real b**ger!

Have a great weekend Mike, hope you get a good few turn up!

Cheers :thumbsup:
Chris

[Outbackmanyep]

I'll be there helping out Donna with things, so we might have to wear a nametag to announce ourselves! hehe

Where are you staying at?

[okiscopey]

All Travellers Motor Inn ... seems to be right in middle of town (cnr. Johns and King). My phone: 0412 580 162. See you there!

[gary]

Rod Berry (aka Rodstar) should be up there at the moment.
Enjoy your time at Coona!

Best regards

Gary Kopff
Mt Kuring-Gai

[jjjnettie]

Astroron should be turning up.
I'm sure he'll make himself known, but if you see a white haired gent with a Liverpool accent, please make him welcome.

[Outbackmanyep]

Will do Mike!
I'll be staying at the Warrumbungles Motor Inn with others from our club!

Keep the beers cold for tomorrow night! :thumbsup:

[Outbackmanyep]

Will do, just make sure he'll definitely announce himself!

Cheers! :thumbsup:

[okiscopey]

Thanks for the replies folks. Just about to leave from beautiful downtown Kandos ... with fingers crossed for the weather on Saturday evening.

[Allan_L]

MMMM!
Tempting!!!
Why did I spend a day unpacking the van from IISAC.

[Outbackmanyep]

Well i am officially back at work now, had a great time, im sure that Okiscopey can fill you all in with a story or two and some pics........

Was good to meet up with Okiscopey again and had good chats with AstroRon, but missed introducing myself to a couple of others!

I had fun!

[Rodstar]

We had a great time in Coona, too. Was great to see Mike (Okiscopey) and Ron (Astroron) there. I did not know about this thread before heading to Coona, wish I had known to look out for Outbackmanyep too! Sorry we didn't see you there, Chris - we were looking out for you, but we arrived late Monday afternoon, so we were probably too late to see you.

I took my three kids. They were a tad bored with the exoplanet discussion, but found Okiscopey's antics more than made up for it! Thanks for your attention to them Mike - was also great just to sit with someone for the night and have some decent conversation. Having been in a mudbrick hut without power all week with three kids, I was ready to talk to an adult.

I thoroughly recommend Coona's dark skies from an observing point of view. I had a succession of crystal clear nights, and at times had to pinch myself to believe what I was seeing through the Mary Rose. I hope to post some observing notes in the coming weeks.