View Full Version here: : Central Coast February observing.
Inmykombi
22-01-2010, 10:53 PM
Hi all,
I just looked up the New Moon date for February, and guess when it is ?
Valentines day......sheeeeeesh. ( I didn't say that by the way )
I ran this past my dear wife who said all is well for me to go on the night, but it'll cost me on the Sunday ( Feb 14th ) which is Valentines day.
I will problably not make it a late one, so I can do something special on the Sunday.
The weekend after this is the first 1/4 Moon, which may not be suited.
However the weekend before on the Saturday the 6th is the last 1/4 Moon, but the Moon will rise later in the evening / morning.
whats the general opinion here for dates ????
Geoffro
gb_astro
23-01-2010, 06:19 PM
Despite love I would still have opt for the 13th.
Moon rises about midnight on the 6/7th, that's about 3 hours of dark time.
On the 20th the moon sets about 22:30, OK if you are staying overnight.
Also, if we are trying the alternate venue and wanting
to keep the numbers down a bit, Valentines Day may help.
Greg.
Arthur Alchin
23-01-2010, 07:37 PM
13th sounds good
sasup
24-01-2010, 07:48 PM
13th is good for me, or so she says, I'm sure it will come back to haunt me later.
Allan_L
25-01-2010, 12:20 PM
Saturday 13th is good for me too I think.
I would like to try the proposed new venue,
But if you have too many for comfort at the gliding club, I will be happy to hold the fort at the old Pony Club.
Thanks Geoff
Inmykombi
25-01-2010, 03:35 PM
Hi Allan, please turn up. I would like to see if the regulars are happy with the new place.
Look forward to catching up again.
Geoffro.
Inmykombi
25-01-2010, 03:38 PM
I just read my emails and I had one from Mark / Satchmo who flies at the club where we will meet in Feb.
He sent me the following message about possible activity on the grounds at or near the time we may start to arrive.
If it is a flying day we need to be aware of airfield activities and ground activities.
Here is a copy and paste of Mark / Satchmo's email to me.
Thanks for the message Mark.
Geoff
I would think if its been a long flying day by 5pm there could still be a lot of activity with gliders being put away and debriefing . The photographers are looking for level ground and power so the area between the clubhouse and hanger is of interest to them. They need to be at least forewarned that there could still be activity in the clubhouse and hanger areas and they may have to wait until operations are over if it is a flying day. The last Saturday I flew not that long ago we were over the debriefing and relaxing with a beer by 5 45 pm and people were leaving around 6pm.
Cheers
Mark
Allan_L
25-01-2010, 04:47 PM
Hopefully, that scales back a fair bit in the Winter months?
sally1jack
25-01-2010, 05:18 PM
I think that will fit in o.k gives us time to set & so on.If there's room i'll be there, i'm looking forward to the chance of regular darker skies .
Well done Geoffro :thumbsup:
Arthur Alchin
25-01-2010, 08:42 PM
my roster is not out for that time as yet but if off i will make a concerted effort to be there for the "trial night"
Like Allan, if required, I will be happy to keep fort at the PC if the Airstrip proves to be not as expected.
I am hoping that the change over is not accompanied by any loss to the casual freedom and fun that has been part of our gatherings in the past
Rick Petrie
25-01-2010, 10:16 PM
Thanks for all your efforts Geoffro and Mark.
I would definitely like to be there also on the first assessment.
Cheers:thumbsup:
Allan_L
26-01-2010, 01:03 PM
Well said Arthur. :thumbsup:
Rhino1980
26-01-2010, 07:28 PM
Yeah, hearin' you on that AA. We must be very grateful and respectful to the committee, however, they are the only people we should be guided by and answer to...
Inmykombi
28-01-2010, 05:23 PM
Hello, I need a roll call of interested people for the first night at the new site.
I have to advise the caretaker and / or the President of the date which looks like the 13th of Feb.
Just post your intention to be there, and I will take it from there.
geoffro.
Satchmo
28-01-2010, 08:38 PM
I'm not really sure what kind of fun you guys usually have down at the pony club..I'm sure as long as its all legal fun and you all pay your money everything will be fine :)
Rodstar
28-01-2010, 09:44 PM
It is my beloved's birthday on the 13th, but I am deep in negotiations, fingers are crossed I will be let out at some point in the evening, so I hope to join you!
trent_julie
28-01-2010, 11:11 PM
Geoff,
Julie an Myself are in discussions about your event, we will more than likely come up mate.
Cheers,
Trent & Julie
iceman
29-01-2010, 06:11 AM
I'm hoping/planning to be there.
Allan_L
29-01-2010, 07:33 AM
As previously indicated, I am looking forward to assessing the new (to us) facility.
I really hope you can make it Mike. One of the key issues will be the ability to get "Power to Imagers".
Hoping for clear skies
gmbfilter
29-01-2010, 07:36 AM
$0.00 / head :thumbsup:
But we needed to put buckets on lights and stuff
I'll be there on the13
What time can we turn up?
Satchmo
29-01-2010, 08:43 AM
As Geoff has already stated , use of the facility is $5 per head ( that was probably in the other thread ) .
If the area between the clubhouse and hanger is suitable then you'll just need a long extension cord to run out.
sally1jack
29-01-2010, 12:38 PM
I'll be there on the 13th , hope you can be there mark as i have sdm #34 with one of your mirrors it would be good to catch up .
Phil :thumbsup:
Count me in guys:thumbsup:
Norm
gb_astro
29-01-2010, 06:41 PM
Still got my hand up.
Greg.
Inmykombi
29-01-2010, 10:31 PM
Hi all,
There seems to be a some concern about issues at the new observing site.
Mark, please dont worry about payment, if everyone is happy with the new site, I am sure we will be happy to donate to the Soaring Club.
Remember, that if its not suited and becomes too much trouble or there is other issues such as nearby lights or lack of power, we can always go back to the PC.:)
This is only a trial for a new site. It has just taken me a lot of organising to get to this point.
I am hoping that all this will be sorted out after our first visit.
Our aim is to have fun, and enjoy these nights as we have.
I look forward to seing you all there with some legal beverages and some good humour, and some sollutions to the Worlds problems like we normally do....:lol:
Stay safe till then.
geoffro.
Rhino1980
29-01-2010, 10:34 PM
I can't make it mate. I'm taking the wife to the Rob Thomas concert for V'tines day. Just hope she doesn't throw her undies at him lol
Inmykombi
29-01-2010, 10:37 PM
Hope you and your wife have fun. My wife and I saw him last year at Newcastle ENT CENT.
He was fabulous.
Keep your eye on the drummer / percussionist. If its the same guy, he will blow you away with his performance.
See ya next time....
Inmykombi
29-01-2010, 11:33 PM
Hi Geoff,
we should be able to get there about 6'ish I think.
But we must be aware of some possible air traffic and ground / hanger activities if we are there before sunset.
lets hope for clear skies.
geoffro
Inmykombi
01-02-2010, 08:14 PM
UPDATE,
I have confirmed with the Caretaker hat 6'ish is OK for us to arive.
Confirmed date is the 13th Feb. Saturday.
Thx again to all, for your patience with this.
Geoffro.
Arthur Alchin
01-02-2010, 10:19 PM
see ya there geoffro, got a williams optic nose piece for the binos, hopefully much better
Inmykombi
02-02-2010, 04:10 PM
Cool bananas Arthur.
I also bought myself a present or two. I have a new 50mm GSO superview eyepiece to test out on the big scope as well.
i also bought a variable polarizer for the Moon too, but there will be no Moon that night. Cant wait to test 'em out.
Geoffro.
Satchmo
02-02-2010, 04:59 PM
Fingers and toes crossed for some clear skies. :)
Inmykombi
02-02-2010, 07:59 PM
You bet, its about time we had some clear night without that high cloud thats been hanging around every time I want to get out.
Allan_L
02-02-2010, 11:48 PM
Hey Geoff, I just sold one of those when we were at Dunedoo, didn't know you were interested.
Me, I bought a second Nagler VI 9mm for my big binos, amd a pair of Vixen LV5mm too (still waiting). And my jedi powers are complete with the construction of a adapter to hold a red dot finder on the binos.
Just for the heck, I will bring the CPC1100 too I reckon.
Greg, bring that spare LVW22 with you too. May just want to test it with mine in the binos too. :shrug: :screwy:
Inmykombi
03-02-2010, 12:09 AM
Hi Alan,
Yeah I know you sold one at Dunedoo.
I missed out, by the time I found my wallet it was gone.:doh:
Oh Well, when you get sick of those nasty naglers, I will take em for a song for use in my Bino's....;)
See ya
Geoffro.
Satchmo
03-02-2010, 10:19 AM
Allan , Are these binoculars the 100mm BT-100's ?
Shano592
03-02-2010, 12:30 PM
Hi Geoff,
Please count myself and Suzanne in, for the 13th.
Cheers
gb_astro
03-02-2010, 06:12 PM
Allan, will bring the 22.
gb.
Allan_L
03-02-2010, 09:45 PM
Yes.
Why?
Do you have some information on them I should know Mark.
Or do you have BT100 also>
Satchmo
04-02-2010, 10:09 AM
Yes, I spent an evening viewing with some up at SPSP a few years ago and I think they are superb. Mostly used 13mm Naglers but the 24 Panoptics were superb for wide field viewing. I'll bring the 24 Pans if you would like to try them. I wish I had bitten the bullet and got some when they were $1300. Andrews Comms now sell them for $2400.
Allan_L
04-02-2010, 12:49 PM
Thanks Mark,
We can enjoy trialling them against
the 20mm WO UWs I have and
the Vixen LVW 22mm (I have one and Greg is bringing his spare)
Are they for sale? :question:
Satchmo
04-02-2010, 02:05 PM
Cool. I haven't found a better eyepiece for low power viewing than the Panoptic 24mm. Certainly pinpoint edge to edge with the BT-100's.
No , they are for my own binocular projects ( 14" specifically ) . I may own a pair of Bt-100 or BT-120 some time.
David
06-02-2010, 04:45 PM
I hope to be there with a another as my driver, the new site sounds
interesting looking forward to seeing it.
Arthur Alchin
07-02-2010, 11:38 AM
Thankyou again, see you saturday night
Allan_L
07-02-2010, 11:49 AM
Geoffro, et al,
Are you intending to go anyway, even if the weather is ill ?
Is there a commitment since we have placed the caretaker on alert ?
Will they be expecting some kind of "Minimum payment" on nights we turn up?
What about nights we don't?
What about nights we turn up and decide it is not worth staying ?
Just wondering. As the forecast is not encouraging.
cheers Pal
Arthur Alchin
07-02-2010, 03:26 PM
Maybe if the wheels fall off we should all plan on meeting a a pub to discuss what we were missing, of course over a few associated Ales
I will take a final look at this website @ 16:30 hrs next saturday to see what the plans are then depending either way will proceed or not
sasup
07-02-2010, 07:55 PM
I still plan on comming. I want to try out the new scope. Is it at the pony club or air field?:help:
Arthur Alchin
08-02-2010, 08:25 PM
I think the Airfield is the way to go this weekend, at least that is what i have been led to believe.
My alternative would only come into play if the clouds open and deliver us massive precipaitation and standing out in the fields is intolerable
sasup
08-02-2010, 08:42 PM
great thanks
Inmykombi
09-02-2010, 12:17 AM
I will still be going up to check out the lights etc. even if the sky is less than good.
I want to meet the Caretaker and talk about a few of the things that have been brought to my atention here on this thread.
I dont have all the answers, but I still want to see if its better than the PC with regard to the local annoying lights we have to put up with at the PC.
If its not, then we will go back to the PC on following visits.
May I suggest that the interested people come along anyway, even if the weather isnt in out favour, to check it out and discuss what we should do.
see you all there.
geoffro.
Allan_L
09-02-2010, 06:38 AM
"Cool Bananas" Geoff !
See you 6:30 at the hanger in the sky (so to speak)
Inmykombi
09-02-2010, 07:11 PM
Okli Dokli Alan...
sally1jack
13-02-2010, 10:19 AM
I would have come up tonight for a chin wag, but i'm in bed with the dreaded lurgie, have a good night
Phil :thumbsup:
Inmykombi
13-02-2010, 02:43 PM
Just o comfirm, I am still going up tonight to meet the caretaker and look at the lights and observing areas etc.
I suggest that anyone who is seriously wanting a change from the Pony Club street light , come along for a look and discussion.
I have had a message bank message from GMB filter that he will be going as well.
If there is a general opinion that its good, we will meet there again,
If it is less than favourable, we can go back to the PC.
See you there.
I'll be there about 5-6 ish.
Please come along for a look.
Geoffro.
Allan_L
13-02-2010, 03:30 PM
But Geoff,
Sunset isn't until 7:50.
Thats a long wait just to see a street light, isn't it?
(Presumably street lights are not turned on until after sunset)
And then are you staying until Dark?
Astronomical Twilight is not until 9:20 according to my Vela Clock.
Thats four hours before you can even begin to get an idea if it is going to be any good for our purposes!
I hate to sound negative on this, but with little chance of observing tonight, that sounds like a long time to watch the clouds!
And pay $5 a head to do it!
Now if there is beer involved, then thats another matter ! :)
Inmykombi
13-02-2010, 03:54 PM
I am not saying you have to get there at 6 ish.
Thats just the time I plan on trying to get there and meeting the caretaker. Out of courtesy I told him I would get there and see him around this time.
I personally think it would be good to have a look around in the light instead of stumbling around an unfamiliar place in the dark for the first time.
Like I said, if anyone is serious about wanting a change.... come along.
I have put a lot into this first night, just because the weather has let us down doesnt mean we cant have a social night and check it out.
Who's bringin' the beers ?
gmbfilter
13-02-2010, 04:42 PM
Cooler full of cold bourbon & coke and I won't care
Might be a bit cloudy to see sunset anyway
See you at 6ish
gb_astro
13-02-2010, 04:46 PM
I am coming but not till about 7pm.
I doubt we will get any observing done but with this cloud cover it should get dark pretty quickly, at least enough to sus the local lighting situation.
Greg.
Inmykombi
13-02-2010, 10:41 PM
Thx to Greg, Geoff and Alan who made the effort to come along and check out the site with me.
I was a little dissapointed in the roll up actually.
Appologies received from Rick and Arthur who couldnt make it.
My feelings are that the PC is still better for a number of reasons discussed amongst us on-site.
Even though the good horizon has a lot to offer, the local street lighting isnt favourable at all. To get away from lights, we would have to venture a long way from the Clubhouse down the Airfield, which would be too far from the ammenities and the power.
There is also the issue of security lighting on the main building.
They presently appear to be wired to a non-working day-night sensor that would normally bring them on after dark automatically.
While the security lights arent working at the moment, when they are repaired it looks like they cant be turned off easily via the clubhouse building.
A lot of orange glow from sodium lights was also noted from the nearby intersection at Central Mangrove.
Another disadvantage was that there was a local "spotlight Shooter" nearby shining lights onto trees and we could hear the sound of firearms being used nearby. Even though this may not be happening all the time, this doesnt really appeal to me either.
At least we gave it a go, and saw first hand what it would be really like.
I am happy to keep the PC as our observing site unless anyone else has any further input.
Geoffro
jakob
13-02-2010, 11:13 PM
Thanks for that.
I would have come if it wasn't for the protective cover above!:mad2::mad2:
A bit far to travel for me and I trust your opinions.
See you next month, J.
Allan_L
14-02-2010, 12:48 AM
Thanks to Geoff for all his efforts in trying to find a better observing site for us. I know you really put a lot into this and the final washup, while a little disappointing, was certainly well worth trying.
My feelings were pretty much summed up in your report.
With Soaring Club members having to be on site when we use it, we lose control of the clubhouse, and this is where a lot of the light seems to be coming from, in areas that could be utilised by imagers needing power.
My vote is that we continue with the Pony Club.
Thanks again Geoffro. :thumbsup:
gb_astro
14-02-2010, 10:47 AM
WOW, that is a big airstrip. Google Earth does not do it justice.
Have to agree with what Geoff says except that if you can forgo amenities and power there is an excellent area about 400 meters north of the club house where I could see no lights at all in any direction except the club house ones, but these were so far away they just looked like bright stars
This area definitely has potential. Interesting to see how much sky glow there is from Gosford on a clear night.
I guess this could change if the security lights are turned back on.
Also if the only group there is halfway down the airstrip and no one is actually at the club house I would not be surprised if we were not allowed to turn those security lights off.
Still, I would really like to try this place again on a clear night.
Maybe we could use it as a backup location or for non-Saturday nights.
If it was just a matter of checking whether the caretaker (who is a Soaring Club member) is there, viewing nights could be more flexible than the Pony Club???
Greg.
GTB_an_Owl
14-02-2010, 12:53 PM
Greg
there is, and never has been any restriction on what nights we can use the pony club
all you need is a key - and for that, you only need to ask someone who has one and get a copy made
geoff
ps - and be shown how to turn the water on and off
Inmykombi
14-02-2010, 02:17 PM
How about we try for the PC next weekend . Saturday the 20th ?
I am in.
I got lots of points for surprising my Wife this Valentines day.
It a wonder what some expensive perfume and a night out can accomplish.;)
Cant wait to get my new eyepiece under the stars....
Who's in for next weekend at the PC ?
Geoffro.
Inmykombi
14-02-2010, 02:42 PM
Just a quick note to show the email I sent to the Soaring Club President to say thanks for the opportunity to check out their facilities last night.
___________________________________ ___________________________
Dear Wayne,
Thanks for the opportunity to try your Soaring Club last night Saturday the 13th Feb.
Your facilities are excellent, and Kurt was helpful and obliging during our visit as well.
Four of the regular visitors to our Astronomy group turned up to check out the site and look at the lighting
as well as the potential observing areas around the club grounds.
Lighting is of great importance to us when observing. We try to minimise the lighting when observing as we try hard to preserve our " night vision".
Thus enabling us to see more of the dull / dim object in the sky that otherwise would not be able to be seen.
Unfortunately, the club grounds have some nearby street lighting that doesnt help us at all.
There is also the exterior lighting on the clubhouse that although doesnt work at present, will
be repaired sometime in the future and then will also detract from our efforts to preserve our nght vision.
As the Caretaker Kurt, or a member of the Soaring Club would have to be on-site during our observing sessions, it
would also be unfair to ask Kurt / or member to remain in the Clubhouse in darkness while we are on-site observing in the field.
The general opinion of the four attendees on Saturday night, was that we should remain at our present place of observing which is at the nearby Pony Club.
Once again, I thank you for all your help in getting us to the point of trying the arifeld for our use in Astronomy.
But we have decided not to use it for our Astronomy use.
Best regards
sally1jack
14-02-2010, 07:54 PM
Thanks geoffro for all your effort it may not have worked out but the effort was the same :thanx:,
Iwill try to make it next week
Phil :thumbsup:
Rick Petrie
14-02-2010, 08:12 PM
I'm with you Phil and thanks Geoff for all your input. Just sorry I couldn't be there as I was down with a bug of some description.
Would have also liked to be at a PC meet next week but will be in Tassie.
Hope all you guys that attend have some clear stuff overhead.
Cheers
Allan_L
15-02-2010, 01:47 PM
Next week at PC sounds good to me too.
Moon will be waxing crescent and should set about 10:30ish.
Was hoping to surprise my wife too, Geoff!
But she surprised me by being sound asleep when I got home just before 10. Maybe I should have tried some of that expensive perfume stuff myself.
Inmykombi
15-02-2010, 07:03 PM
I will start another thread as this one may not be checked by the regulars.
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