Viewing locations in Melbourne

[robzy]

Hey guys, we recently got an 8" Skywatcher Dob as my younger brother has recently taken an interest in astronomy.

We've taken it out to the yard a couple of times and had some good viewing of the moon, and seen a bit of Mars and Jupiter. We've even caught a tinge of M42, which was pretty cool.

The thing is that it's becoming obvious that our yard ~10km out from the CBD is not at all an ideal viewing location, a whole tonne of light pollution that makes it difficult for our eyes to become sensitive enough, and pretty useless for seeing much at all.

That's left me wondering how to find places more suitable for viewing. I know that there are quite a few astronomy clubs out there, that we do plan on joining, but I'd definitely appreciate the freedom of knowing there's somewhere I can go down to by myself.

So yeah, how does one find viewing locations in Melbourne? Somewhere off Nepean Highway (SE Melb) would be great.

Thanks,
Rob.

[stephenb]

Hi robzy, You could try to get in touch with the Mornington Peninsula Astronomical Society http://www.mpas.asn.au/

Out the other side (way other side) of Melbourne is the Snake Valley Astronomical Association, just past Ballarat (http://svaatest.site88.net/)

Also the Astronomical Society of Victoria (http://www.asv.org.au/) has a dark sky site just north of Heathcote.

Of course you would be obliged to join up to these groups eventually to continually use their facilities.

Another wasy of finding a dark location out form Melbourne, is to meet/know someone who lives on the outskirts of the suburbs and ask them if you could impose on them.

Just some suggestions.

[pgc hunter]

I've been looking at Mt Baw Baw on google earth....there appear to be numerous carparks and open grass fields which might be good locations during the warmer months?

[trent_julie]

Rob,

When I head home to visit family I set up out the back of Red Hill show grounds and do sky tours, it can be hit and miss depending on tennis lighting but it is relatively dark all but north,

Cheers,

Trent

[robzy]

Thanks for the suggestions, unfortunately they are a bit far away though.

Guess it's time to be looking into astronomy clubs.

Rob.

[dannat]

Rob - which direction do you prefer to go???
..emerald type area can be OK

[pgc hunter]

Anyone got any opinions on Mt Baw Baw? Lots of car parks and a couple of open grass fields on the summit....these look like great spots to set up. The high elevation would be an advantage for seeing and it's a good distance from Melbourne, but still close enough for a day trip.

[CarlJoseph]

I'll put in a second nomination for MPAS. I should be heading there tonight actually. There's a public viewing night tonight ($8) so it would be a good chance to visit and get a bit of seeing in through your own and other scopes.

Cheers,
Af.

[robzy]

South East would be best (down Nepean Highway). Emerald is further than I wanted, but I'll certainly add it to the list - it doesn't sound like there are many places closer :P


I went to a public viewing night with my brother last year, iirc it was an MPAS one. It was very good, helped my brother decide on the 8" reflector. Unfortunately Friday nights, while great for most people, I can't do.

Thanks though guys, I really appreciate all the suggestions.

Rob.

[dannat]

Rob, depending how far which direction down nepean you want Koo Weerup might be OK , of hastings down on the coast,,it will still be light poluted though

Sab, mt bawbaw has quite dark skies, though you can view in a couple of towns like Noojee (is surrounded by hills/trees - so low objects are difficult), or jindivick (has a cricket oval on a large hill with a terrific vista)

[DavidU]

There is a footy oval in Gembrook that is really good.
Put this in Google
-37.947249,145.53149

[erick]

Vote #2 for Gembrook Sports ground.

[astro_nutt]

If you're in the northern part, try outside the Kalkallo Cemetery about 40kms just off the Hume but be sure to turn right at the servo then follow the road around then turn left at the "T", follow the dirt road and just stop before the Cemetery gates. Lights from highway traffic doesn't affect much and not much else comes down that way except other scope owners. Beware of roos and the Pub isn't too far if you need help.

[Starkler]

This was my 'special spot' over the last few years but as I haven't been there in over a year I'll spill about it.

180 Lynes Rd just north of Tooradin and about 15min out of Cranbourne. -38.189097, 145.363473

Darker than MPAS Briars site and much closer for non peninsular people.
Pull south into the drive off the road and immediately turn to the right onto the public shoulder. Be careful of the rut between the shoulder and the road you cant drive over it. Do a google street view to get the idea.

Its a nice wide strip to set up on and has excellent horizons. Careful positioning will see trees shielding the distant lights at the highway. If you can tolerate the occasional car passing every 30 min to 1hr then its got to be one of the darkest and best spots close to Melbourne, only downside is you're off the side of a public road and maybe feeling a little exposed.