Melbourne clubs

[Irish stargazer]

Hi

I am moving to Melbourne in a few weeks time and wanted to check out the astro clubs in the area. I will be based in the Bayside general area.

I was in Brisbane for a few weeks and joined the southern astronomical society. I spent the night at their Leyburn site which was really excellent. Here is a simple shot I took there - not a hint of light pollution.
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2704/4431190964_6c9e8317fe_b.jpg

Job opportunities mean I have to move to Melbourne. The Mornington club looks interesting. Are there any members here?

John

[dannat]

apart from MPAS there is also SVAA -which is western out near ballarat, also ASV, which has clubrooms at burwood, meetings at botanic gardens & dark sky at heathcote(North). there is also the melb astro society which goes out to west gippsland (near poowong i think)

[Arthur Alchin]

Hi John.

Welcome to Southern Skies, unfortunately i can't help you with clubs in melbourne because i am about 1000kms north, can help you with Central Coast mob, although that is of no use to you.

Also the ICEINSPACE annual camp is just north of us in November over 4 days/3 nites. (our group goes there a few times a year anyway: great skies).

I love Ireland and would love to live there for a while (3nd gen Aussie: ascendents were from athlone [murray] and limerick [Ryan]).

Welcome again, you are just in time to enjoy the wonderful winter skies

[Irish stargazer]

Thanks everyone. We had planned to stay in Brisbane but I got a job offer in Melbourne which was hard to say no to and most of the work in my field is in the Melbourne area. I am packing up the scopes and accessories to be shipped over next week (oh, and the household contents;)).

[erick]

Heading down to MPAS would probably suit you. Snake Valley would welcome you, but it's some distance from Bayside.

[OneOfOne]

Do you know where exactly in "Bayside" you will be living? I live in Bentleigh, which is about 4km inland from the bay, close to Brighton/Hampton. From my place it is about 12km to the ASV meetings near the Shrine (second Wednesday of the month, about 150km from their dark site). MPAS meet at the Peninsula School on the second Wednesday of the month, which is about 40km from my place and their darksite at The Briars is 51km from home, 45-50 minute drive.

When you get here, drop down to The Briars one night, I usually do the talk in the shed, and introduce yourself. My wife is from Ireland and I am sure would love to chat...to be sure!

[Irish stargazer]

Thanks Trevor. I will do that.

[Moon]

John,
Good luck with the big move - I hope your gear gets here safe and sound. Let us know when you (and your gear) touch down...

Hopefully Melbourne will deliver you some reasonable weather.:prey:

James

[OneOfOne]

I just won't be here in September, I will be in Ireland!:)