Marnoo Victoria the darkest skies

[Gemini2544]

Greeting fellow Star watchers, I have 21 acres with power & space for a star party. It's so black out here I once dropped my torch & could not get home till morning LOL!

I am a NEWBIE but love my private universe above my home.

I am happy to share it with you. Tents & Caravans WELCOME.

36 39 20 south
142 52 1 east

Or email me via my details.

[erick]

About three hours up the road for me. Do you want to tell us some more, Doug? Photos?

[Gemini2544]

Hi Eric, At this stage anyone that wants to drop in & set up a telescope can. If anyone want to suggest a group or club visit, just let me know. The town is a crop & sheep town. Houses are sparse however we have a PUB!

My place is a house with 21 acres of flat ground & few trees. You can see horizion to the east to the west & north to the south. As we have no clubs here this is my 2nd option.

I only ask for a $5 dollar donation per night if you hook up a van to the power. I don't have a URL to attach photos however happy to email some.

Cheers.

[Octane]

Doug,

That sounds awesome.

Would you welcome a Canberran on a trip down some time? :)

Regards,
Humayun

[Gemini2544]

Hi Humayun,
It's not your fault you live in the ACT but then again you had a choice...LOL

We would love it if you to drop in with your telescope when passing through. Just drop us a line as to when you expect to be in the area.

Cheers

[erick]

Um..... can we use your loo?

[Octane]

Doug,

lol! I've only been here 3.75 years. From Sydney, originally. If that helps. :P

Regards,
Humayun

[Gemini2544]

Of coarse, if a star party was to happen the town would setup a porta loo too.

[Gemini2544]

I have spoken to the town doers here & they would like this SKYPARTY to happen. They suggested aiming for March long weekend 2010 as the CWA ladies have a quilt & craft show happening in the town during the same weekend. They said they could put on a cheap feed for who turns up if we want. Just need to get this planned out to be a great success. Maybe this could turn into a yearly event.

Could I have all your interest in attending to gauge numbers.


Regards,
Doug.

[erick]

Doug

A few people getting together for a few nights is one thing. A "Star party" is another.

I suggest you might read up. Here is a recent thread:-

http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/showthread.php?t=53466

Critical is dark and visible skies, weather, ground conditions, car access. reliable 240V power etc. All that matters for quality observing and astrophotography.

Certainly think about public liability insurance, toilets, showers, food and rubbish. Next is friendly and relaxed environment.

Then you have to look at other planned star parties and separate yourself fairly well.

Note that Snake Valley's March camp will attract many. I doubt they would attend another in less than a month.

http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/showthread.php?t=53277

And, of course, you would want a new Moon weekend for maximising observing - and they don't come around often ;) Perhaps the weekend before new Moon is a possibility.

Good luck! I'd like to come for a night or two - if possible.

Eric :)

[barx1963]

Mmmm.... On Sat 7th March the moon will rise at around midnight I think so you will probably only get a couple of hours in. That plus it is close to Snake Valley the following week which is also the ASV Messier weekend at Heathcote. I'd be looking for another new moon weekend.
Or heres another idea. Get youself along to a party, get to know a few people, let them know what you have in mind and see what develops. A fully fledged star party is a lot of work, it would be a good idea to see for yourself whats involved.
Given all that, the area where you are sounds like it would be great!

[Gemini2544]

Ok so it sounds like the timings off & it's all too much trouble. Pity

The town has a Toilet & Shower block Swimming pool & the Navy Blues football team & CWA would have feed you for $2.

For now I will withdraw the idea & sorry for having a go!

[erick]

No need for sorry Doug, it's a great idea and well worth pursuing, certainly given your location and observing conditions - just more complicated than first thought.

[GrampianStars]

G'day Doug
As Eric implied setting up a Star Party is complicated
There are quite a few well organised Star Parties about
ASV (Heathcote), Snake Valley x2, ASV (Nhill), within range
Also the IIS Astro Camp,
to name a few :thumbsup:

Your only up the road from me so for an Astro fix :lol:
here's my 2010 details

[Gemini2544]

Your all right of coarse...I think a starparty is off the list for now. I'm now thinking an informal get together sometime when the StarParty & other big events have passed.

When the moon is right and the entrails favor it we'll do it. We do have a lot here to make people comfortable & I already have 20 million dollar public liability cover. With 8.8 hectares I'm sure a tent or caravan might fit too!

Cheers

[erick]

Sounds good to me, Doug. Hope I can make it. :)