Border Stargaze 2010 - (1st - 5th September)

[spacezebra]

Greetings all

Planning for Border Stargaze 2010 is now in full swing.

We will now be running Border Stargaze in two parts this year starting with a special student event during National Science Week 14 - 22 August in collaboration with Charles Sturt University.

The main Star Party event will be held - Wednesday 1st to Sunday 5th September. Registrations go live 1st February 2010.

Our program will include hosting the general public on the evening of Friday 3rd.

At this stage we have a draft program that will include a physics challenge where interested participants can enter a machine (aka trebuchet) that tests accuracy, distance, strength and design, more details will be made available. The succesful trivia night on the Saturday will be returning with our host Miles.

We will post more details of the event throughout the year along with an updated 2010 guest information pack as regular as possible.

No changes to the registration fee, (accommodation rates may change), free breakfast on the Sunday catered by (Outback Catering) - and so much more..

We look forward to hosting you at Border Stargaze 2010.

Cheers Petra d.

[ausastronomer]

Hi Petra,

Sue, Jake and I plan to be there again this year.

Cheers,
John B

[spacezebra]

Excellent John

Looking forward to catching up with Sue, Jake and yourself. A small change to the trivia - beware;)!

Cheers Petra d.

[Octane]

See you there, Petra and David!

Any chance of a hot female astronaut attending this year? I missed Megan last time.

H

[spacezebra]

Hi Humayun

We will do our best ;) Great news to hear that you are coming back to BSG. See you there!

Cheers Petra d.

[Omaroo]

With bells on Petra :)

I wonder if the new owners have done anything about the grass camping areas near the tennis courts in the past year. Drainage was a problem, but then again we certainly did get hit with some serious weather last year. Might have to co-book a cabin near the pool instead I think. Dave, Greg and the other guys did it right last year. Humayun - you in?

[spacezebra]

Hi Chris

We will be doing a site recon in the next few weeks, will keep you posted re the grassed area. Sharing near the Tennis Court is a great option and we encourage that where possible.

[JohnG]

Been to them all so far, better not miss this one :lol:.

Cheers

[Hagar]

I'll be there again. Not bringing any money to spend at Andersons stall this year.

[Omaroo]

That's OK Doug - you outdid yourself last year, so my shout for a few this year :)

Gawd... what have I just said? :lol:

[spacezebra]

;)

[spacezebra]

Thats so true John - looking forward to catching up.

[Hagar]

Cost me $200 FOR ONE HELL OF A HEAD ACHE. It was only 8 bottles.

[sasup]

Ill be there :thumbsup:

[spacezebra]

Excellent news sasup! We have already had quite a few enquiries, and regos are not open yet - it very encouraging for our 4th event.

Cheers Petra d.

[Omaroo]

...and they were such teeny wincey little bottles too.... :lol:

[gary]

Hi Petra,

Thanks for the heads-up and looking forward to it.



Now you wouldn't happen to know anyone who happens to own one of the
aforementioned machines, would you? :whistle:

[spacezebra]

Hi Gary

Looking forward to catching up with with you both at Coona - and BSG. Its goning to be a very busy year!

On the subject of machines that toss, I think I will need a helmet - I think that there are plans afoot to toss a ASAW Secretary. Yikes!:eyepop:

Cheers Petra d.

[spacezebra]

Hi all

Just a quick reminder, Border Stargaze registrations go live
1st February 2010 :thumbsup:.


http://www.asaw.org.au/index.php?page=38

Cheers Petra d.

[spacezebra]

Hi all

Registrations for Border Stargaze are now live and WOW! what a response we have had to the new September date!

David needs band-aids for his fingers after typing so many confirmations in just our first week!:eyepop:

Thanks to all that have registered so early!

Cheers Petra d.

[barx1963]

Woo Hoo!
Just put in my registration! As I am not going to SV in March, am counting down already, only 7 months to go!!!

[spacezebra]

Excellent Malcolm

More information to follow - see you there.:thumbsup:

Cheers Petra d.

[spacezebra]

Hi all

National Science Week 2010 Grants have been announced!!!!

http://www.scienceweek.gov.au/National/Pages/2010.aspx

This means our student program received a HUGE Green Light.
Another exciting year for Border Stargaze!:eyepop:

Cheers Petra d.

[leon]

Not this year guys, :sadeyes: but i will be thinking of you lot have a great time.;)

Leon :thumbsup:

[spacezebra]

Thanks for the post Leon. Hopefully we will see you for a future BSG.

Im so surprised that accommodation is filling so fast so early.:eyepop:

Cheers Petra d.

[Big Dave]

There will be as usual a large MPAS convoy up there.
Greg, Steve, Kev & Myself for sure.

- Big Dave :D

[Octane]

Glad to hear you're coming, Dave (and co.)!

H

[spacezebra]

Excellent news! MPAS is on the way!:thumbsup:

Cheers Petra d.

[spacezebra]

Greetings all

We are pleased to announce:

Prof Ray Norris (http://www.atnf.csiro.au/people/rnorris/outreach/index.htm) and Prof Geoffrey Bicknell (http://www.mso.anu.edu.au/~geoff/) will both be presenting talks at Border Stargaze 2010.

Just a quick reminder that registrations are now open!

Free registration for all children 13 and under, Free breakfast on Sunday for all registered guests, and lots of giveaways courtesy of Cosmos Magazine.

Looking forward to seeing you there.

Cheers Petra d.

[Farscape]

Hi Petra

Can you advise me who to contact to double check my booking and payment went through, as nothing is showing on my bank statement yet.

cheers
Lidna

[spacezebra]

Hi Linda

I will personally follow this up for you. Bookings have been busy, however I will ensure that this is addressed today.

Cheers Petra d.

[spacezebra]

Hi all

Border Stargaze 2010 T-Shirt deign has now been finalised.:D

http://www.asaw.org.au/media/BSG2010_tshirt_front_example.jpg

Cheers Petra d.

[alan meehan]

Hi Petra the design for Border Stargaze looks great id love to come down this year but i have my sons wedding on the same time ,could you save me a tshirt size xl and i will pay you for it if that is ok
ALAN

[spacezebra]

Hi Alan

Many thanks, not a problem (see PM).

Cheers Petra

[The Unbeliever]

Hi Everyone,:hi:

We are just over half way to our target for our National Science Week 14 - 22 August event with 680 students booked and confirmed. The inquiries from schools continue to come in and reaching the 1200 student target is looking very good. A number of schools have requested input from us on subjects that they can add to their curriculum that will compliment and support the outcomes from our workshops.
The pressure is on!! :eyepop:

Border Stargaze 2010, 1 to 5 September at Wymah is like being on a rollercoaster at the moment we are working up to the big big big big peak of the track. Our caterer "Brownie' is keeping the prices the same as last year and he will be bringing along some bush tucker for those brave enough to try it. :cheers::gday:

Wymah are opening up 4 of their activities for guests that includes rock climbing, abseiling, archery and an obstacle course; a special price for these activities will be in our guest information kit. Registrations are keeping me busy as are the emails from guests, the guest info kit will be ready soon 'I promise!'

To cap it off this year is by far our best for sponsors, so thankyou to all of those sponsors that are contributing. We couldn't do this without you.

Cheers

Dave:welcome:

[spacezebra]

Hello all

We have been thrilled to report that we have received our first OS registration from Dallas Texas US!

Border Stargaze is getting closer and more exciting.

Cheers Petra d.

[Rob_K]

Great news Petra, an international contingent! :D Sorry I haven't booked yet - will be a late booking as there are a few hurdles (good ones) in the way first.

To anyone who hasn't been to the Border Stargaze before.... GET THERE! It's a wonderful event, enjoyable day and night with full and interesting program. :thumbsup:

Cheers -

[gary]

Hi Petra,

That's great news.

Is it one of our regular Texan friends coming back to Australia for another
visit or is it a first-time visitor?

Best Regards

Gary

[spacezebra]

Greetings all

Less than 2 months to go and things are really heating up for Border Stargaze 2010.

We are thrilled to be able to keep our registration for the event the same as all previous years ($30.00 per person and Free registration for children 13 and under) :D accommodation rates have been reasonably steady.

We are looking forward to seeing you there, so please if you are looking to come to the Border region for Border Stargaze 2010 - book soon as accommodation is filling fast.

www.asaw.org.au (http://www.asaw.org.au)


Cheers Petra d.

[seeker372011]

I think its John Davis bringing his QSI with Nikkon lenses on an Astrotrac-a first time visitor to Australia

Narayan

[seeker372011]

PS I don't think I have missed a Border Star Gaze yet so I suppose I cant let this year get away even if attendance has to be truncated

[spacezebra]

Hi there Narayan

Looking forward to seeing you again.:D What has surprised us this year is that guests are in general - staying longer than the Star Party.




Cheers Petra d.

[spacezebra]

Hi all

Its all getting very exciting with all the Star Parties that are happening around the country. Astrofest (http://www.qldastrofest.org.au/) just around the corner, IISAC in October.

Border Stargaze 2010 is just shy on a month away :eyepop:and bookings are coming at a steady pace.

For those that are considering booking, please do so as soon as possible, we will keep online bookings available until 5pm 30 August 2010. After that - please contact us via borderstargaze@iprimus.com.au

Update - we have been able to release 2 Pool Side Villa's at BSG - now available for booking. Check out the website for more information. www.asaw.org.au (http://www.asaw.org.au)

Cheers Petra d.

[erick]

Looking forward to my first Border Stargaze! Just booked in. :thumbsup:

Should arrive early evening Friday and stay through until the last eyepiece is picked out of the grass on Sunday! :D

Probably just me, myself, and perhaps a pair of binos? So I'll be coming around to bug you all! :help:

[spacezebra]

Hi Erick

Its great news that you will be coming to Border Stargaze:D.

Its getting busy - with just over 90 guests and only a month to go.

We will have lots of scopes for you to look through and you can check out "Albert" SDM #13.

Cheers Petra d.

[chrisp9au]

SWMBO must love me, she's ok'd yet another trip away to an astro get together!
So, I'm now booked in for Friday and Saturday nights for my first Border Stargaze!

Border Stargaze in September, IISAC at Lostock in October, and Snake Valley in November, I like this retirement schedule!

I'm looking forward to meeting lots of interesting astro nuts, and risking aperture fever by checking a bunch of scopes!

Cheers :thumbsup:
Chris

[spacezebra]

Hi Chris

Looking forward to meeting you!

Wow! you have a huge program of events yourself. :eyepop:

Cheers Petra d.

[astro_nutt]

Hi Petra
I've just booked in! My wife and I will be bringing up some friends this time to enjoy it all!
Cheers!
Norm M.

[spacezebra]

Hi Norm, family and friends

Welcome back to Border Stargaze! . We have had excellent feedback about your presentation and would be thrilled to hear about any projects that you have been working on.

Looking forward to meeting your group

Cheers Petra d.

[Allan_L]

Hello Petra,
I will be passing through the area about then, and I am always keen to find dark skies and fellow IIS enthusiasts.
But I am not sure if your program allows for transiants like me to drop in?

I have to be in Melbourne (4 to 6 September), and I plan on leaving from (NSW) Central Coast Monday 30 August.
So I could be looking for powered site accommodation (or other) in Albury area for up to two nights of 1st; 2nd and/or 3rd September.
(depending how long it will take to get from there to Melbourne???)

So, is there any opportunity for this sort of "casual attendance" at your Event site?

As I will be travelling with family, I will likely be scopeless (well I maybe able to sneak in my Orion Mini Giants and a Coronado ;) ).

But I am unclear (even after reading all the info) as to whether there will be any opportunity for me to partake of your event, to what extent, and how to and how much for accommodation. (Are accommdation bookings through you or direct with the Resort site?:help:)

Or, is there some sort of a "General Public" invitation that I should aim for? Is camping on site open to this "General Public" group?

Please tell me if, and how I might fit in to this Event.
Thanks
Allan

[erick]

Three and a half hours from there to the outskirts of Melbourne.

[Allan_L]

:thumbsup: thanks Eric

[spacezebra]

Hi Allan,

Just PM'd you twice with info. Looking forward to catchin up at the event.

Cheers
:welcome:

[The Unbeliever]

Hi Everyone,

We have had an inquiry from a regionally based business that offers Joy Flights over our region. At this stage I am only gauging interest.

The more people that are interested the cheaper the package would be so if you can send me an email via borderstargaze@iprimus.com.au that would be great.

If the numbers are good it would be a great way to see the region especially if you are arriving earlier in the week.

Cheers
Dave

[The Unbeliever]

Some of the generous prizes on offer for our registered guests include a NexStar SLT 102, which has a recommended retail price of $1,459.00 (inc GST) - donated by Celestron :eyepop:

and

A holiday Package Deal from Aspen Parks
3 nights for 2 Adults and 3 Children at any Aspen Parks location in Australia.:eyepop:

Remember conditions apply

Cheers
Dave

[chrisp9au]

Hi Petra,

My lovely wife, Denise, has decided she would like to come along on the trip, so I need to book her in for the two nights and the dinner on the Saturday.
Denise has no interests in astronomy and will probably head off in the car for shopping, and spend the evenings in the caravan reading or watching TV.

Can you add one to my booking or can we fix it up when we arrive?

Thanks :thumbsup:
Chris

[spacezebra]

Greetings all

Many of the IISers may not know that ASAW is running two Border Stargaze events this year. The first event is in conjunction with CSU (Charles Sturt University) and covers three days of Astronomy / Biodiversity activities with primary schools in the region. This event is then followed by Border Stargaze Wymah in September.

Both Prime and WIN covered this first event and I have the link to the video attached

http://albury.iprime.com.au/index.php/news/prime-news/science-fun-for-kids-video :thumbsup:

Enjoy. Cheers Petra d.

[spacezebra]

Excellent news Chris. looking forward to meeting you and Denise.

I sent you a PM re the rego update.

Cheers Petra d.:)

[spacezebra]

Hi all

Day 3 of Border Stargaze CSU is now over and over the past three days we hosted over 600 students!:eyepop: a HUGE thanks to all our volunteers, CSU student educators and CSU staff - this makes outreach so worth the effort.

Bring on Border Stargaze Wymah!! :D

Looking forward to seeing lots of IISers in September. Cheers Petra

[spacezebra]

Hi all

With only just on 10 Days to Border Stargaze, we have been overwhelmed with the response. All major accommodations are now booked.

We still do have some onsite tents, bunk rooms and camping sites available. So, if you are planning to visit BSG 2010 please book as soon as possible.:D

Looking forward to seeing you all:).

Cheers Petra d.

[gary]

Not long to go now and we are looking forward to catching up with everyone there.

Mai and I will be transporting down from Sydney one of the Three Rivers Foundation
(3RF) 18" Obsessions that John Bambury looks after. John has some prior
commitments but will be rendezvousing with us down there.

We also hope to be joined by our good friend Andrew Murrell who is very likely
to bring down a 3RF 18" Obsession scope as well.

These scopes will be made available for public viewing on the Friday night
and also for open viewing on the Saturday night. So the good news is, if you
are coming without a telescope, courtesy of the 3RF, we are bringing some
aperture down with the express purpose of sharing it, so please feel
free to join with us.

As is usual at star parties the world over, there will be no shortage of other scope
owners only too willing to share the views. So if you are reading this post and you
won't be bringing a scope or perhaps this is your first star party and you don't
own a scope at all, then rest assured we will collectively make sure you get plenty
of eyepiece time and the opportunity to join in the fun.

Drive safely and see you there!

Best Regards

Gary Kopff
Mt. Kuring-Gai NSW

[spacezebra]

Hi all

With Border Stargaze just around the corner, a quick post from the Border Stargaze Team to all IISers and guests returning to or visiting BSG for the first time.

We are all looking forward to meeting you all and wish you all a safe and pleasant journey.

If you have any questions or concerns please do not hesitate to contact us via borderstargaze@iprimus.com.au.

Guest information updates and contact details for the project manager have been emailed to all registered guests.

Again, safe trip and see you soon.

Cheers Petra d. (Sec Border Stargaze 2010)

[Rob_K]

:sadeyes:

As I expected, I'll be away on work so won't be able to make it this time. Everyone have a great time, and I know you will regardless of weather! Look forward to your reports, and definitely see you all again next year! :thumbsup:

Cheers -

[gary]

Andrew Murrell has confirmed that he will also be making the trip down to BSG
and will also be bringing an 3RF 18" Obsession, so we will definitely have a couple
of very nice instruments through which to share the views. Andrew should be
arriving on Thursday afternoon, so weather permitting, there will be one scope
available on Thurs night and then two on the Fri and Sat night.

So don't be shy, please come and join us and have a look! We are bringing these scopes down
so you can look through them too! :thumbsup:

[seeker372011]

looking more and more unlikely that i can make it...was only booked in for the one night but may not be able to get away at all
Would the be the first i have missed if indeed thats the case

Even purchased an astrotrac for the starparty
:(

oh well hopedully next year

[Octane]

Hello from Border Stargaze where the weather is poo tonight, but, the company fantastic.

If it's rain and cloud tonight (Thursday) looks like I'll have a few friends to have a birthday with!

H

[Omaroo]

Have a great time tonight mate. A few ales and the weather will disappear... :lol:

[spacezebra]

Hi all

Apart from the rain:sadeyes: We have had a small glitch with the website.:sadeyes:

Any enquiries - please contact David at borderstargaze@iprimus.com.au

We are working at break neck speeds to get this sorted so please use the web address for a speedie reply.

Thanks

Cheers Petra d.

[Farscape]

Hi

Looking forward to this weekend and I am praying for the rain to stop and for clear skies.

See you there.
Linda

[mozzie]

lets hope you have clear skies for the weekend !!!! nothing worse then rain and cloud at star parties:rolleyes::rolleyes: although the drinkies and story telling does begin:rofl::lol:

[leon]

Thinking of you guys, hope the weather will not ruin a fantastic event, however i dose not look promising, but i bet the company is just spot on.

Leon

[Octane]

Well, apart from a couple of hours on the first night, the rain and cloud didn't let up. I set up my equipment yesterday in hope of the clouds and rain easing, but, it didn't. Didn't take a single photo, and, I think my laptop is screwed as it got wet. It's not turning on. My fault.

The company was fantastic. Looking forward to next year.

Thank you to Petra, Dave and volunteers for an excellent event despite the weather not being in our favour. See you guys, soon. : )

H

[gary]

Just arrived back in Sydney after the 1150km round trip.

It was fabulous to catch up with everyone and to meet lots of new people
as well.

Special thanks to everyone involved. ASAAW do a fabulous job!

Thank you Petra and David!

Hope you all got home safe & sound. The water under the bridge on the
Hume Hwy at Tarcutta was certainly looking pretty high and some of the
surrounding areas were flooded so I can only imagine what it must have
been like in those areas south of the border. We certainly hope that you
have not returned to any damage as a result of the storm and floods.

Best Regards

Gary

[h0ughy]

its a pity you guys had crook weather.

Maybe October might be better and get to see everyone at IISAC

[erick]

We noticed that Lake Hume noticeably rose in the 36 hours I was at the camp!!

I observed significant flooding of the northern Victorian rivers and creeks on the drive home.

[Big Dave]

I had never seen water in some of those creeks either. You could see near Euroa where the water was over the Hume at some point.

Thanks again to organising team; another great social event this year. It was just a shame a 10 year flood was also booked that weekend, but on the plus it boosted Wine sales!

I did get something unique out of it this year, I met my bush block neighbour for the first time by pure chance.

- Dave.

[astro_nutt]

Firstly, a big thank you to Petra and Dave, the members of the ASAW, the Staff of the Aspen at Wymah, Catering Outback and all the good folk who made our stay enjoyable. Even though it rained,(poured!), it didn't dampen the friendly atmosphere! Will be back again next year for sure.
Regards from Norm and Melissa.

[JohnG]

After an interesting week where the weather gods did not co-operate, managed to drive home in rain only to have the skies clear this afternoon, the wind drop, perfect crystal clear skies now.......

Can't win......:shrug:

Thanks again to Petra and a very sick David.

Cheers

[spacezebra]

Hi all

Arrived home in record time due to all the hard work of our volunteers and guests that became volunteers over the weekend. A BIG thank you to one and all.

A BIG thanks to all our guests, guest speakers and sponsors for making this such a great event regardless of the rain, we must be in line for a clear sky event soon.
A full report and download access to the group photo will be posted shortly.

And importantly, my thoughts go to all those that have been evacuated from their homes in regional Victoria and NSW my hope is the water subsides quickly and you are back home as soon as possible.

Regards
Petra d.

[ChrisM]

Just on 800 km trip home to Gippsland via a circuitous route. Heaps of road closures and detours. Anyhow, despite the clouds, enjoyed the gathering and meeting a bunch of new folk, and the talks of course. Will have to come back next time to see some of the gear that stayed tucked away this time.

Pic attached is of the assembled crowd patiently waiting for the roast dinner last night.

Chris

[Hagar]

Another BSG down and a wet one it was. Still most who turned up enjoyed the great company and ramblings of like minded people. Again I caught up with some great friends, had a few wines and generally lazed the days away hoping for some big sucker holes in the sky. They didn't happen.
We were all kept well fed by our friendly caterers (Brownie and Team) who went an extra step and introduced some to bush tucker this year. Many thanks Brownie for the great food and for H's birthday cake.

The big thankyou must go to David the unbeliever for his great project management of this huge undertaking and making it all work even while unwell and suffering the poor conditions. The rest of the BSG team must also be thanked, a great effort from you all.

I still had a great time this year and an interesting drive home along a lot of back roads dodging water with a final water crossing about 3' deep. Thank God I have a 4X4.

Till next year, THANKS AGAIN.

[erick]

The observing field, Saturday morning. Yikes!

BUT - it was great bunch of people! I'll be back next year. :thumbsup:

[barx1963]

Sorry I couldn't make it in the end, couldn't justify spending $100+ on fuel plus food etc to watch rain rather than stars! I'm sure I still would have enjoyed the company. Oh well, just have to be patient and wait for Snake Valley or Vicsouth.

Malcolm

[The Unbeliever]

Thanks Doug and it has to be said that it is the amateur astronomy community that are responsible for the success of any star party.

As with every star party it is the guests that make it worth doing and worth doing well. Each year I am more and more impressed with the calibre of people that attend these gatherings. Everyone still manages to enjoy the positive side of the event regardless of what the weather throws at us (the most rain in our region in 15 years is pretty hard to forecast 12 mths out). Your patience and resilience is commendable.

If anything is learnt from attending a star party it is the community spirit. Despite the predictions of rain over 140 people registered for BSG, with quite a few registering and arriving during the event.

Lets hope that next year we can break the weather hoodoo and treat you to a star party that not only do you deserve but gives you everything you would want from a star party. Clear skies, great entertainment, Miles, Brownie and the management team at Wymah Valley and our team of enthusiastic volunteers in ASAW.


Cheers
Dave

PS I have to concede that Jeff's treb was way more pretty than mine and very impressive to watch.

[The Unbeliever]

Thanks Eric, I didn't get the opportunity to photograph the bogged vehicle.

I am pleased that you enjoyed your first Border Stargaze and look forward to catching up next year. Or at least when I get my voice back.

[The Unbeliever]

I was looking forward to catching up with you Malcolm and hopefully the weather is much kinder next year.

[The Unbeliever]

Great photo Chris, any chance you can email me a copy at borderstargaze@iprimus.com.au

[The Unbeliever]

Are you suggesting we move Border Stargaze to October :eyepop:

[The Unbeliever]

This is the first year that we have seen Lake Hume less than 500 metres from the Park in well over 10 years, usually it is 2-3km away. Maybe the water will eventually get to the boatshed and we can then offer watersports as and addedd activity. :thumbsup:

[The Unbeliever]

Hi Dave,

What incredible luck that you happen to be a neighbour of Brownie. If you ever have rabbit problems I am sure he would be able to help.

If you haven't got his number just PM me anytime and I will pass it on.
:thumbsup:

Getting invited around to his place is always a bonus as each time I have managed to score a cake or two :)

[Rob_K]

Sorry I missed out on attending for the first time! No weather hoodoo as far as I'm concerned. There's been some great viewing at each of the previous ones, and in my book rain this year means cracker skies next year! :D :thumbsup: And I'll be there! :lol:

Cheers -

[Big Dave]

Got his number but no cake yet!
Had a good time a BSG count us in for next year.

[Farscape]

Hi

Had a great time catching up with everyone and hopefully, next year we might see some stars. That was my poor car being pulled off the field with the tractor!!

Hope everyone who was sick is feeling better and see you next year.
Linda

[Farscape]

Erick

The 2 photos you took of my car bogged on the field, do you mind if I save them?

thanks
Linda

[erick]

:D I was hoping the owner wouldn't complain about my posting the photos so thanks Linda. (BTW, I suspect the organisers won't use the shots in future advertising :question: )

I have a number of shots on my mobile phone. PM me an email address and I'll email them to you. :)

[Farscape]

Hi Eric

Email address: richl@unimelb.edu.au

thanks
Linda

[leon]

Just had a look at this post, it is sad :sadeyes: that all the hard work was spoiled by such weather. :shrug:

But guys remember the friendship, and new people some may have met.;)

I have been there, at BSG, it is a super event.;)

Leon :thumbsup:

[spacezebra]

Hi Leon

Many thanks for your comments. We have been overwhelmed by the feedback and posts received. Among the questions on the feedback form, we have asked guests about the time of year that we host the event and the majority are not only keen to return but have supported the time of year.

So I think that we must be doing something right, regardless of the weather.

Please keep the feedback coming in...

Cheers Petra d.

[Octane]

Both times I've been have been super events. I'm over the weather, now. In the end it came down to being with mates, laughter, mirth, joy and fun. Making new friends and talking shop. Will be back next year. ;)

H

[ausastronomer]

Hi Petra,

I will send the feedback form back on the weekend. Just to add my comments which I have already discussed with you at BSG.

As you know I have been to every Border Stargaze (4), as a 3RF representative. Myself and 3RF will continue to support it every year, irrespective of when it's held. Outside of the weather and the fact the skies could be a fraction better, it gets a tick in every box. It is held at an excellent venue. It caters extremely well for families and more specifically the non astronomy component of families (Hi David :) ) . Most importantly it is extremely well organised and invariably runs like a clock. As I have mentioned to you previously this is the closest star party I have been to in Australia, which resembles the Texas Star Party (1000 people) in how well it is organised. In addition the comraderie at BSG is excellent.

However, one cannot get away from the facts. The main fact is people go to star parties to observe themselves, to image or to look through big telescopes which they don't normally have access to. The later is the main reason myself and 3RF support the event. In 2007 we got a couple of hours observing on the Friday night under very mixed conditions. After midnight on the Friday was a complete wipeout as was the Saturday. In 2008 we had 3/4 qtrs of one night of good observing conditions, with the last part of the night a wipeout. The second night was again a complete wipeout. In 2009 we got a couple of hours of observing under good conditions. The balance of that night and the next day was again a complete wipeout. This year I didn't even get the eyepiece case unpacked. The sum of all this is that in the past 4 years we have had about 10 hours total observing/imaging time. Over those past 4 years my total travelling time to and from BSG has been about 56 hours. Crunching the numbers, I have spent over 5 times longer getting to and from BSG than I have spent observing and running sky tours. Clearly those people who are happy to continue to hold it at the same time of year haven't been every year, haven't been wiped out every year and don't travel 7 hours each way to get there. That all having been said, irrespective of when it is held next year I will be back, because it is a great star party. It has the potential to be one of the best in the country if it can be held at a time of year when the weather is likely to be more co operative, because then it gets a tick in an extra box.

Cheers,
John B

[Octane]

This is the only image I took at Border Stargaze, 2010. Whilst everyone was off eating Brownie's delicious meals, I was all by my lonesome out on Lake Hume.

It was shaping up to be a pretty epic sunset, but, it failed shortly hereafter. The red tinge on the underside of that angry cloud is about as colourful as it got.

Canon EOS 5D Mark II, Canon EF 17-40mm f/4L USM
1s f/16 at 17.0mm iso200

Larger version available here (http://users.tpg.com.au/octane2/bsg.html).

H

[The Unbeliever]

The weather is one element that we don't have any control over and while the conditions have been less than perfect the guests always manage to enjoy themselves. It's not often drought breaking weather hits our region, the last was over 10 years ago.

Chasing clear skies a year out from an event sounds a little like a Don Quixote moment.

On the positive side we will be able to consider watersports as a feature at BSG 2011 with the boat shed now less than 200 metres from the lake.

As for clear skies, any paddock, park, remote property on any clear night will give you all the night sky to see in its glory. The only thing missing will be the professional guest speakers, the comradarie of not often seen friends and everything else a star party brings.

See you at BSG 2011

[GTB_an_Owl]

Dave/Petra

Just change the name of the event -take the "gaze" bit out

change it to something like the - "Above the Border Star Party"

the operative term being - PARTY :thumbsup:


geoff

[The Unbeliever]

Hi Geoff

Too late we already have a dozen registered guests for Border Stargaze 2011.

Cheers

Dave

[spacezebra]

You are clearly the non-astronomer of the family! ;-) We will have words later!

Cheers Petra

[Rob_K]

Yes, that's true. I don't see that there's any major weather issue at all with the timing - the location is well north of the divide out in the plains, with plenty of brilliant dark skies in September. This year, August & September have been unbelievably wet and dreary over much of SE Australia but it doesn't mean it will be the same next year.

Timing must also suit the activities and the ASAW run a big schools program in conjunction with BSG. You couldn't do that in the lead-up to Christmas, over the holidays or early in the new term, so there's a couple of month block in summer that wouldn't be suitable. Knock out Easter & another couple of school holidays and the options shrink. September is great. :thumbsup:

Cheers -

[The Unbeliever]

Thanks Rob,

You have hit the bullseye.

Cheers

Dave

[RB]

:rofl:

[The Unbeliever]

I can't lay claim to the comment this came from one of our very serious amateur astronomy guests. It appears they look forward to the social aspect and consider the sky being clear as a bonus.
:welcome::P:D:hi:

[Big Dave]

Leave the date alone. As said below it matches with National Science Week.
Murphy Weather Law applies here; if you move it then the rain gods will also re-schedule. There are plenty of Star Parties all year round and they all have bad runs with the weather, look at SPSP's record.

Next year it will be better, leaving the wife at home, I blame her for the weather!

[alexch]

Could not agree more! Just look at all those Tattslotto jackpot winners who keep on entering the same set of numbers for decades :) I reckon the September new Moon is a good time, we were just a bit unlucky this year.


We had great time two last events regardless the weather though and will keep coming.

Alex

[charsiubau]

This is the one star party that we would come to regardless of the weather because the accommodation is comfortable, people friendly, there are other things to do and the food is good too. But then we don't have to travel far either. Came with less equipment this year because of the weather forecast. We did actually use it for a few hours on Thursday but conditions weren't good. We were looking forward to the break away from work and family hassles and we certainly had a relaxing and enjoyable time. Thanks to Petra, David and all the ASAW people for a well-organised event. We'll definitely be back next year.