Hello!

[markman123]

Hi All,

Just thought I would put in the obligatory "Hello!" message. Have been stalking the site for a few days, and thought I would take the plunge.

I've got a 90mm refractor, which I got as a gift and I'm really happy with it. To be honest, I mostly just read the star chart and naked eye it at the moment.

I've noticed a fair few people from the Hills in Sydney - do any of you attend the Friday nights at Dural?

I've been to one night last week with asnsw, which was pretty good - just a bit cloudy and I'm thinking of going to the SPSP. Has anyone done it this 'green'?

ANyway, I'm woffling - nice to meet you (textually) all!

Mark

[duncan]

Hi Mark,

Firstly a big :welcome: to IIS. You will find plenty of very helpful people here. I'm way up north so don't know much about the clubs and societies down that way. But i'm sure lots will come forward.
Cheers,
Duncan:thumbsup:

[mental4astro]

Hi Mark,

:welcome: to IIS, mate.

Look in the 'Our Community' section at left for the listing of clubs and societies.

Also, this Saturday night, a few of us will be heading to Katoomba Airfield. We usually do this around the New Moon weekend. We are pretty much all IIS members, with a few friends tagging along, and we list our activities in 'Star Parties' forum.

A larger group of IIS'ers get together at 'The Pony Club' at Mangrove Mountain north of Sydney. Again, check out the star parties forum.

Mental.

[DavidU]

Welcome Mark. A 90mm refractor is a nice bit of kit. We are here to help !

[Blue Skies]

A 90mm will do some nice things, hope you have fun with it.

If you're interested in the SPSP do go along, you'll learn heaps! (Yeah, I know I live in Perth but I've gone three times in the past and enjoyed them all immensely, they're a real experience.)

[Wavytone]

Mark, try visiting the Katoomba site (it's the airstrip, drive to Medlow Bath and follow the signs). We have enough regulars to make this a pretty good showing.

Very easy driving via for anyone in the north or northwest, M2, M7 and the F4, and you can stop for dinner at Wentworth Falls, Katoomba or Blackheath.

The other nice thing is there's a webcam at Katoomba you can check to see the how the sky is there up to 5pm, before setting off.

[markman123]

Thank you all for you replies!

I've got something on tonight - if that finishes early, I might try and head up. Where is the webcam accessed from?

Also, is it bad form to turn up after dark? Perhaps I should red celophane my cars headlights!! (Joke, of course).

M

[Blue Skies]

Have a look at this thread (http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/showthread.php?t=54734) if you're worried about what to do, although its best to check with the group in question about what their etiquette is first, as expectations do vary from place to place.

[markman123]

Thanks for that - very informative. Last weekend, I think I broke a few of the nice to know's. Better learnt the hard way than not at all.

Thank you all for your hospitality - this hobby certainly asks a lot of patience when it comes to the weather!

Mark

[garyp]

Hi Mark :welcome: to IIS. I am not in your area of course but this is a good online community here for help and advice. See you around the forums.

Cheers

Gary:)