IISAC2010: 7th-10th October, 2010!

[iceman]

It's now only 6 months to go until IISAC2010! Now in our 5th year, IISAC2010 is the IceInSpace Astro Camp (http://www.iceinspace.com.au/iisac) - a star party held at Lostock, in the beautiful Hunter Valley region in NSW.

This year, it's taking place from the 7th-10th October, 2010 - which is the last weekend of the October school holidays (for NSW) on the Thursday/Friday/Saturday nights. Come for 1 or 2 nights, or all 3!

Make sure you put the date in your calendars, plan your annual leave and start dropping hints with your partner and family :)

Keep an eye on the IISAC2010 page for more information and updates over the coming months:
http://www.iceinspace.com.au/iisac

http://www.iceinspace.com.au/iisac/iisac2010/iisac2010-web-600px.jpg (http://www.iceinspace.com.au/iisac)

I hope to see you there!

[h0ughy]

LOL i booked my leave yesterday.

[Mighty_oz]

Sounds great getting my leave booked as well, any ideas as to estimates as to the accomadation prices ? ( what was last years ? )
Thanks.

[circumpolar]

I'm in. Can't wait.
Looking forward to hearing Fred Watson speak. :thumbsup:

[Arthur Alchin]

yep, request in the request book at work: now how many sleeps is it to go??? :)

[iceman]

Only 3 months to go now!

The booking page will be online in the next day or so. I look forward to seeing everyone there!

[iceman]

The amazing Professor Fred Watson and the very talented astrophotographer Phil Hart are both confirmed as guest speakers!

[iceman]

Ok I got it finished faster than I thought :)

The booking page is now open. Submit your booking early and receive the early-bird discount.

Click on the registration form link on the IISAC2010 info page (http://www.iceinspace.com.au/iisac).

I look forward to seeing you there!

[sheeny]

My leave has been booked for a while (as is approved):D... I just have to arrange a swap for my on call week which interferes now that someone left work and the roster was rearranged...:rolleyes:

I'm hoping to be feeling a LOT better than last year!:) (For those who don't know I had a nasty flu while at IISAC last year:sadeyes:)

Al.

[iceman]

Only just over 2 months to go! I hope to see some new and familiar faces at IISAC this year!

[chrisp9au]

G'day Mike,

All booked!
Happy to help out, as per last year.

Cheers :thumbsup:
Chris

[montewilson]

I'll be coming - already booked!

Looking forward to it.

[ausastronomer]

I have been to every ISAAC so far, but unfortunately with a new job and a family move to the NSW South Coast, I will not be able to make it this year. I will definately be there next year.

Cheers,
John B

[Allan_L]

Hi Mike,

I am intending to come to IISAC again this year (of course).
but am tossing up between the accommodation options.

So, I was wondering, and I know others are too.
Why is it more expensive to camp (in own facilities) then to stay in the bunkhouse.?

Hope you don't mind my asking on public forum?

I am sure there is a really sensible reason, but curious. And it is probably good to put it out there, I thought.

thanks

[iceman]

Hi Allan
Partly it's related to what I get charged by the scouts, and partly it's to try and make it a bit more economical for families or husband/wives who will share the camping accommodation.

Only 2 months to go now! I hope to see some more bookings coming in soon!

[The Mekon]

this is the question I was asking. As many of the attendees are likely to be singles (my wife is happy for me to go, but would never come with me!), it is a bit steep asking to pay more to camp. Is the turf that sacred?

So one could pitch a marquee with beds for 200 and only pay $15??

I know the amount is only a pittance - I could afford to pay it a hundred tiomes over, but its the principle that galls.

[iceman]

I'm sorry you feel that way John.

Running a star party is a huge risk for me. I have to pay a lot of money upfront hoping that sufficient people register so that I can break even.

I know it's not a "bargain rate", but surely it's affordable and reasonable for a camping spot where you can park at your door, set your telescope up at your door, and have hot and cold water, toilets and showers and other facilities at hand.

The fact that the bunkhouses are $5 cheaper should not be part of the equation of whether you come or what accommodation you want. It's whether you want to sleep in a bunkbed in a room with others. Some people will want that (convenience), some people won't (snoring, personal space, not close to telescope, etc).

[alistairsam]

Hi,
Its my first time and definitely hoping to make it, first year in astronomy too.
hope to bring the family along.
luckily work is paying for the travel to sydney. will make my way from there.

[rogerg]

I hope to come to this one year, but not this time. Will be in Paris at that time instead :( poor viewing from there I bet. Maybe next year.

[Octane]

Hoping to make it back again this year. Very skint on annual leave at the moment, waa waa!

Roger, lucky you. If I had the choice, I'd be in Paris, too! Great place. : )

H

[rogerg]

Hopefully it is great... I'm struggling with the cost vs benefit analysis (only because the cost side of the equation is so heavily weighted!) ... but my wife assures me it'll be worth it.. :) Anyhow, not wanting to overrun this thread with OT.

[Steffen]

Does anybody know what mobile phone reception and mobile internet is like around the camp site?

Cheers
Steffen.

[iceman]

There's no GSM reception.
If you have NextG, you can *sometimes* get reception around the bottom house. If you walk or drive to the top of the nearby hills, you'll get reception fairly regularly.

In the previous years, I've often driven to the top of the hill near the top house, or sometimes driven higher on the road that heads off to the right when crossing the cattle grid.

If you haven't been there before, I (or someone else) can show you where the best spots are.

[Steffen]

Excellent, that's better than nothing. I have to keep some ties to work, even though I'll be on leave those few days…

Cheers
Steffen.

[RB]

Things are looking good for me this year again.
Hopefully I'll make it.
Some of the kids want to come too but not sure if I can take them.

[iceman]

That's great RB, will be great to see you again!

[sheeny]

I think the girls are off to France with their father... so it will probably be just Lyn and myself this year... I guess that's 1 (realistically 2!:P) up on last year.

Al.

[norm]

For those who haven't been, I highly recommend it. For newbies, there is plenty of people willing to share and depart their knowledge on all things astro related.

The ammenties are clean and adequate with great places to setup camp.
Its a well run event and the fee charged imo is reasonable.

I wouldn't begrudge Mike and the volunteeers if they were to make a small profit, given the huge time and effort they put into this in making it happen.

Cheers, Norm :D

[montewilson]

Following on belatedly from an earlier post about the price of the event, please take it from someone who has been involved in the organizing of a number of SPSP's and has been to some of the signature US events like the Winter Star Party in Florida, the IIS Star Party is very well priced and lacks nothing in terms of organization and attention to detail. I would also add that being a smaller event than others on the Star Party calendar it is a fine one to bring the family to and/or come as a "newbie".

[Allan_L]

Thanks Mike,
Appreciate all the work you have done for this.
I really enjoyed it last year.
And I highly recommend this event. :thumbsup:

Booked.
Confirmed.
Paid.

See you there.

[DRCORTEX]

Hi People, I think the link to Lostock Caravan Park might be incorrect. When you click, you end up in Wales. Don't suppose registration also includes airfares and equipment transport :)

Thinking about going - be a good chance to see those that know what they are doing in action ( especially as I just purchased my first EQ mount ).

The chance to look through a BIG dob, is also very appealing. Not sure if it is worth bringing my gear ( 10" Newt with HEQ5PRO - yes yes, too heavy I know, but ok for visuals once I workout how to get it properly aligned ).

P.S. Havn't found any info re this caravan park, can someone supply a web address, or phone number ?

Cheers
Doc

[chrisp9au]

Hi Doc,

No caravan park at the IISAC site which is a bit north of Lostock Dam.

Check Google Earth or Google Maps, screen grab attached.

151° 25' 29" E, 32° 18' 49" S

Look forward to seeing you there!

Cheers :thumbsup:
Chris

[chrisp9au]

Doc,

If you can bring your rig there will be plenty of people ready to help you with alignment and anything else you're a bit scratchy on!

The Three Rivers Foundation guys will be there, the large dobs are just sensational, I hardly looked through my own scope last year!

I've attached a picture of the camping and caravan area, no power so be prepared!

Any other questions, just ask.

Cheers :thumbsup:
Chris

[Allan_L]

Hey Chris, nice shot, you managed to capture almost the entire "Central coast" contingent there.

Just to avoid confusion, this is not the Caravan Park Doc. this is just the camping on the next door farmers site (the $15 per night stuff). The caravan park is a few kilometres back up the road near the Lostock Dam.

This may help

this is what the caravan looks like:...

[The Mekon]

The Mekon has booked. I have not been to a star party for 5 years so am looking forward to this one!

[iceman]

Good to hear it John!

[iceman]

So far we only have 22 bookings, with 33 people coming to IISAC2010.

It looks like being the last star party in the calendar year isn't a good idea. With only just over a month to go, the numbers are very low. Maybe people have used up their budget or brownie points at other star parties throughout the year.

If it doesn't pick up, I'm not even going to come close to covering costs. It's too late to cancel it for this year but maybe I'll have to go to every 2nd year, or maybe not at all. It's just too much trouble to organise if not many people end up coming.

I'm not bitter or upset about it - the Australian star party calendar is very full now - with lots of star parties throughout the year (both large and small ones) being held by Astronomy clubs and societies.

It looks like people are either already getting their fill with the other star parties, or maybe IISAC just isn't offering what they want in a star party.

I guess we'll see what happens in the next month.

[Steffen]

I'm sorry to hear that, 33 doesn't sound like a bad number to me. What is your target, how many people attended in previous years?

I hope you get more bookings in the weeks to come, in any case I'll be there with a delegation of 5 :)

I'd like to ask a question, while I'm here. During previous astro camps in Lostock, did people leave their scopes set up for the duration of their stay or did they set up and pack away each night?

Cheers
Steffen.

[h0ughy]

left them set up until the morning after

[h0ughy]

well if more people get on board that can get a chance to image the antares region, then the helix and push it for the orion complex in the one night;) so for three nights you can get heaps:D and i know that the weekend it is on will be crystal clear and with anthony wesley seeing. if nothing else you will get a chance to see Mike sidonio use his AP for the last time:P

other attractions - meeting everyone else and the talks. ONE CAN NEVER HAVE ENOUGH STAR PARTIES:thumbsup:

[peterl]

Mike..
hopefully we should get the numbers in the next month.
The Elections have not helped much especially in retail where people hang on to their money waiting for a result and this has probably taken their minds off astronomy and camp for a while.
And hopefully everybody is leaving it to last minute bookings.

So
" COME ON EVERYBODY "
Book in to IISAC 2010...
This is a great Event!!
Good People,
Good Skies,
Good Talks Etc..
And great gear on show.

Peter Langdown..

[sheeny]

Two more...

Lyn and I just booked.

No excuse for not booking sooner... just slack...:).

Looking forward to it!:D

Al.

[Octane]

Doesn't look like I can make it this year. Too much going on for me, and, not enough leave.

H

[iceman]

Shame you can't make it, H. Was fun on the upper field last year.

We're now up to 29 bookings, totaling 43 adults and 5 kids. Nice to see a few more rolling in.

It's now only 1 month away! I hope to see you there.

[iceman]

The IISAC2010 Info Page (http://www.iceinspace.com.au/iisac.html) has been updated with some more info, including sponsors, guest speakers and the programme to show when the talks are being held.

Thanks to the Guest Speakers for generously giving their time to come and talk at IISAC2010, and thanks to the sponsors for donating a prize to offer up for grabs in the lucky door prize competition.

[Bassnut]

Excellent, thanks Mike. I was hopeing for Mike Sidonio as a guest statue with a paper bag over his head, but you cant have top exibits every year ;).

I must say, the IISAC2010 has been a blast every year, and look forward to it again this year :D.

[CoolhandJo]

I just booked for me and my two children! Looking forward to it..

[iceman]

We're up to 55 adults and 9 kids.

Just over 3 weeks to go!

[gary]

Once again, courtesy of the Three Rivers Foundation (3RF), we will have
two 18" Obsession telescopes available for sky tours. Both of these scopes are
fitted with Argo Navis/ServoCAT systems and Andrew Murrell, myself & Mai will
be there to assist.

So even if you don't have a scope, or even if you do but would rather look through
someone else's for a change, eyepiece time at these marvelous instruments
will be there to share, so please come and join with us in the fun!

Best Regards

Gary Kopff
Mt Kuring-Gai

[sasup]

i am coming up Friday avo. Sorry I wont see ya H

[iceman]

The handout, containing all of the forms and policies, including the programme and the disclaimer, are now bundled and can be downloaded as a single PDF here:

IISAC2010 Handout (http://www.iceinspace.com.au/iisac/iisac2010/IISAC2010-Handout.pdf)

It will save time during registration when you arrive if you have already filled in (and had a family member sign as witness) your disclaimer form. But no worries if you haven't filled it in, we can certainly do it on the day.

btw we're now up to 67 adults and 10 kids. Today is the last day to pay in order to receive the $10 discount.

Cheers

[RB]

Booked and payed for, whoohooo, looking forward to it !!!
Can't wait to catch up with everyone.

:thumbsup:

[The Mekon]

For planning observations,

What is the northern horizon like at Lostock??

[iceman]

It depends whether you're down on the lower field (and which end of it) or in the astrophotographers area.

You'll lose the bottom 10-20deg I guess if you're down the far north end of the field.

[Phil Hart]

I'm looking forward to my first IISAC.. and my partner's first astro-camp of any kind. not so sure if she's looking forward to it though! ;)

And I hope the drought conditions make a comeback for the October New Moon!

Phil

[Esseth]

Wooohooo just got the leave approved!!

Mike mark down 2 more, getting all the payment sorted tomorrow.

I was quite suprised when the other half asked if i wanted to go...



Dont worry if she does not like it, my other half will be there for girl talk lol.

Bring on my first astro event :D

Look forward to meeting you all, and hope to learn alot over the weekend :D

[alistairsam]

Hi
anyone going from melbourne? if so, do you'll fly down with your reflectors and get a hire car? any suggestions?
this is my first time, so trying to get the logistics sorted.
i'm almost booked, just waiting for leave approval and flight.

[CoolhandJo]

Anyone got a better long range wheather site than this one?

http://www.weatherzone.com.au/long-range-forecast/28-day-rain/nsw/hunter

[Steffen]

I wouldn't pay too much attention to long term forecasts (longer than 30 minutes ;) ).

Both Skippy Sky and 7Timer tell me I'm having a clear night at my place tonight, yet I'm looking up and there's solid cloud cover…

Cheers
Steffen.

[sheeny]

Try this one:

http://www.accuweather.com/en-us/au/new-south-wales/brooklyn/forecast15.aspx

Its only just starting to reach there;)... should get better as we get closer.

Al.

[Phil Hart]

Can somebody describe to an IISAC newbie what sort of access there is (if any) to 240V power on the astrophotography field?




The reason both Skippy Sky and 7Timer tell you the same thing is that they're showing the same data (from the U.S. weather model):

Cloud Forecasts for Australian Astronomers
(http://philhart.com/content/cloud-forecasts-australian-astronomers)

[Octane]

Phil,

Bring along a loooooooooooooooong extension cable and plug in to whatever powerboard you can find. : D Has worked for me twice so far. : P

H

[Phil Hart]

Thanks H.. is 25m long enough or should I double that?

[Octane]

25m should be plenty!

You might find that people bring spare parts that they'll loan you in case you fall short.

H

[CoolhandJo]

Anybody planned out thier imaging runs yet? I'm thinking Dumbell, Helix, Sculptor, Veil, Tarantula, Orion, Horse..... too ambitious lol?

[iceman]

I'm hoping to just be able to capture ANYTHING! I haven't even installed the necessary software on my new laptop yet!! (images plus, IC Capture, Canon software, ...)

Which reminds me.. better do it soon!

[Yossarian]

This being my first time a one of these things. My one question is will I be able to setting up my scope next to my car. Reason being form the power and computer. I've also set the car up as a camping area (sleeping in the back of it.).

[iceman]

Hi Christine

Yes, definitely. On the lower observing field, or in the astrophotography field, you're able to camp and park next to your gear.

The only exception is the area directly around the bottom house (in the fenced area) - there's no camping or parking within that fenced area, primarily for safety reasons.

Cheers

[Rodstar]

Hi Everyone! I am back from a few months break from astronomy, and keen to get to some dark skies.

I have just booked for all three nights, and Jack (12), Noah (9) and Eva (7) will be in tow.

The kids are looking forward to some dips in the creek, and I am on the hunt for galaxy clusters! Also, can't wait to catch up with some old mates.

I'll be missing some mates too this year....John and Anna will be sorely missed, and also John Bambury. Next year, you guys, next year!!!! (no excuses now).

[circumpolar]

Just booked for three nights. I will be bringing my two daughters with me aged 10 & 12.
I'm hoping that there will be some others of similar age so they can hang with.

[xstream]

No-one is more disappointed than we are, we sure do miss catching up with everyone.
I suppose March will just have to suffice mate! :thumbsup:

[strongmanmike]

Great news!

I can only make it on Friday and Saturday nights so you only have to put up with me for two nights this year plus this way at least Fred gets one Strongmanmike bear hug free night ... :evil: :whistle:

He he

Mike

[iceman]

Will be great to see you big guy!

You too Rod! Glad you can make it.

[iceman]

We're now up to 79 adults and 18 kids - should be great fun as always!

[iceman]

The astrophotography field is on the sloped area beside the bottom house / amenities block.

We grab power from the amenities block. I run a long cord into the field and then have a power board and a few people usually sponge off that :)

It's best to have a few long cords though so we're not all trying to run off the one power board. I think it tripped 2 years ago because too many people were sucking off it.

[iceman]

Great to hear Matt. Will be good to see you again.

There's 18 kids coming (including yours) so there'll be plenty to play with.

[strongmanmike]

Yeh, will be great, I can bear hug Fred and you can Karate chop him...(gently) :P

[sasup]

Is there going to be a spot for caravans?

[h0ughy]

on the lower field - there is no power see some of the photos from previous years

[Octane]

Mike,

See how it all comes together? : )

No need to worry about numbers -- everyone just registers in the last couple of weeks. I'm glad to hear this is going ahead. I'll miss catching up with you all, but, I just have far too much going on for me at the moment.

Here's hoping the weather treats you all kindly; dark nights, no dew, very little breeze (blow all you want during the day!) and perhaps be treated to a few more spectacular fire balls like last year. phw0ar!

H

[iceman]

Bring a bit of spare spending money to IISAC2010!

Not only will there be Andrews Communications and Wildcard Innovations as vendors on Saturday morning, but I'll also have for sale the following IceInSpace merchandise:

- IISAC2010 black shirt: $20 (adult). $15 child.
- Generic IceInSpace black shirt: $15
- IceInSpace black beanie: $15
- IceInSpace Compendium 2009: $25
- Previous IISAC Shirts: $10
- Astronomy Calendar 2011: $15

Plenty of sizes in shirts. If you want to put your order in early to ensure your size is available and kept aside, please PM/email me.

Help me clear some of the old stock! Buy buy buy! ;)
IceInSpace stickers for all! :)

Cheers

[Kaarpy]

I camped on the lower field last year (my first star camp) and for the outdoor space and quieter locale than the main house, I'm happy to pay more.

Having been to numerous types of festivals (music, meditation, etc) I think this one is CHEAP!

I brought my humble 6" Newtonian and had the best time looking at dso's and sections of sky that I can't see so well (or at all) from my backyard. The view of the Northern horizon was great and I spent ages staring in awe at Andromeda and its little companion galaxies for the first time.

The view of the southern sky, especially after about 12-1am was just spectacular.

I found the relaxed atmosphere lovely and the kids seemed to be having fun, with many participating in night viewing on their family 'scopes or enjoying the royal view through the large Dobsonians at the night sky tour. The river was a daytime delight for them and I spotted a magnificent blue kingfisher swooping along looking for food.

I am very excited about attending and thank you so much Mike (and no doubt some unnamed others) for your time and efforts. It's truly appreciated.:thumbsup:

[Inmykombi]

Ok Mike, Done.Cash in the kitty already. An extra shirt or two for me will be great. I'll pick em up when there.

[Doomsayer]

yep - I'll buy some extra too if size permits.
looking forward to it - praise be to the wether gods etc...

[sasup]

forecast looking 50-50, I'll have to bring more beer

[Amunous]

i have a mate and his missus that want to come for maybe thurs-fri or fri-sat but they havent paid yet. if they register can they pay when they arrive? or do you have to be paid up before hand?

[iceman]

Registering and paying when you arrive is certainly no problems at all.

[AdamJL]

what's the forecast for this weekend in the region?

[GTB_an_Owl]

forecasts mean nothing unless you are there.

you never ever know if you never ever go

geoff

[sasup]

how true it is:

[AdamJL]

I'm going to disagree. A forecast for severe thunderstorms means there's a pretty good chance you won't have clear skies.

Hence, why I asked. But no matter, I'll check myself.

[iceman]

Checking in on day 1 of IISAC.

At the top of this nearby hill (near Mount Disappointment) I can get mobile internet reception but not phone reception!

It's been a mix of sun and cloud today, I'm hoping it will clear up later tonight. Everyone is in good spirits, the place is ready and it's time to try and align my scope and set it up for the first time in MONTHS!

Look forward to seeing more people tommorrow.

The forecast is mixed but who knows what will happen. Good times regardless!

[bird]

Good luck Mike - I hope it all goes well. I can't make it this year, I hope that I'll get there next year!

cheers, Bird

[h0ughy]

hope it clears guys - wish i was there.....

[strongmanmike]

I'll be there tomorrow arvo...with clear skies under my arm :P...and some beer...and red wine :D

[GTB_an_Owl]

7timer link for Lostock

http://7timer.y234.cn/V3/product.php?language=en&product_id=1&lon=151.424444&lat=-32.314444&ac=sfc

geoff

[33South]

Hi Mike and everyone

Cant make it this year not only did work conspire against me for Thursday/Friday I recently dislocated my shoulder had enough trouble pitching the tent and and setting up the EQ6 with 2 good shoulders.

Roll on Next year, Mike I'll still have a 2010 XL t-shirt be in touch.

[xstream]

Wish I was there too. Started the grain harvest today so I'm on the header fairly solidly for the next few weeks, 5000 acres of wheat to do then 3500 acres of chickpeas.
I'll be thinking of you all while I'm out there! :(

[spacezebra]

Hi all

Wishing you all the best and clear skies for your event Mike. :thumbsup: Have a great time one and all.

Cheers Petra d.

[iceman]

Hey guys, I did notice a few of the regulars missing, including you Chris. Such a shame - hope your shoulder improves soon.

We had a cloudy and slightly damp night last night, and the forecast for the remainder isn't fantastic either. Unfortunately these things happen but we'll have a great time regardless.

More chatting, drinking and socialising! :)

See you this arvo Mike. We missed you last night. Fred and Samerski wouldn't bloody shut up! ;)

[h0ughy]

according to my special forecast it will be clear tonight - and tomorrow night ;) as long as the NEster doesnt blow it should be good as the skies are clear in the west

[RB]

Chris, John & Anna, going to miss you this year, won't be the same without you.

Chris hope you make a speedy recovery with your shoulder mate.

Here's to next year.

Cheers
Andrew

[strongmanmike]

How many times did Fred bag me...and wide field images :rolleyes: :lol:

[h0ughy]

i probably wont be there tonight but i will be coming up tomorrow regardless.

[noswonky]

Well... how's the sky at IISAC?

In Sydney tonight it's cloudy - although Jupiter is peering through occasionally.

[iceman]

Last night was another 'social' night. :) But today is looking the most promising, it's breaking up a bit and the forecast looks 'ok' for potentially some clear skies tonight.
Let's hope so!

Had a great few hours last night chatting with RB, Gary Kopff, Mai, and Mark Suchting. Has been fun, but hoping for clear skies tonight!

[GTB_an_Owl]

well - according to 7timer
the lostock eskies might be shut and the scopes getting a workout instead

lets hope we get a positive report from Mike in the morning

geoff

[iceman]

Last night was BEAUTIFUL! Clear for about 5-6 hours between 8:30/9pm and 3am.

A fabulous way to finish a great star party.

Will have more reports when I get time! Hopefully others will post their reports and pics soon!

[montewilson]

Just a couple of shots I took there. Great Party Mike! Well done.

[sasup]

just got home after a short stint in the hunter valley. The weekend was great and the last night was unreal. Chris talked on dark matter and Fred talked about space biology. I saw tuc 47 with the naked eye, very cool. Thanks mike and all involved.
A big thanks to mark s for all the help

[sheeny]

We got home about 3pm, and have now unpacked the car and trailer.

Thoroughly enjoyed it again as usual (I didn't last year, but that was UNusual!:P). The skies were glorious on Wednesday night and last night. Good company, of course, and a thoroughly enjoyable time despite a dickie knee and 2 cloudy nights.:)

Al.

[Doomsayer]

A great 3 nights with great people, despite the weather. Iceman and the IISAC volunteers have again put on an excellent astro camp - well done! :thumbsup: Looking forward to the next one, Hopefully I'll manage more than one 10minute sub next time.

guy

[Greg Priestley]

I had a fantastic weekend, despite the weather on Friday night. Well done Mike and all the others who pull it all together.

Over the weekend I had various conversations with various people on different topics, and I know some thought I was having a lend of them at the time, so here are some links to some of the things that I mentioned or said I'd on forward.

Physics for Future Presidents - this is a uni course, which you can listen to podcasts of the various sessions - I can't remember which semester / year I listened to as it was a few years ago, but for those who I was discussing it with (Fred V and others), it is well worth a listen.
http://muller.lbl.gov/teaching/physics10/pffp.html

DSLR damaged by a laser - links to some videos of cameras being damaged by lasers - it made news back in July this year and you should be able to track down other references if you still dont believe me.
http://blog.iso50.com/photography/5dmarkii-damaged/

10 pack RED LED lights - US$4.42 delivered - for those who asked where I got the "throw away" RED LED lights that I lent out to a few people last night. They are great value (sub 50 cents each delivered!)
http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.12160

Canon Lens Coffee Mug - for the camera geeks who liked my Canon lens coffee cup - this is also from Deal Extreme. They also have a thermos version.
http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.41966
http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.45404

Hopefully that's all of the things I promised to send links to. Sorry for doing it to the whole group, but easier then trying to remember precisely who asked what, etc.

I'll post some photos over the next week or so.

Cheers
Greg

[Greg Priestley]

A couple of photos.

[Phil Hart]

i had heaps of fun, despite my initial hopes for lots of clear skies and imaging. great to keep meeting new folks and catching up with others again. pity the travel from melbourne is not so easy or i'd be here every year! kaz says it was the best star party she's ever been to ;)

thanks all, and a huge credit to mike salway for the amount he puts into this.

[h0ughy]

it was great catching up with some folk i havent seen for a while during my short visit. Pity i missed Phil's and Al's talks

[strongmanmike]

Yeh was another great IISAC thanks Mike et al :clap:

Things I liked most were, the views through Rod's 20" Dob Mary Rose in good seeing (having recently worked on NGC 1365 as an image it was great to be able to make out so much of it visiually), Guy Fleming's single 10min sub on the LMC (the total product of three nights), RB's Guiness, Dave Houghs peformance of a travelling car boot equipment demonstration and..... Freds hair....it was everywhere you looked :eek:

Mike

[jjjnettie]

Keep the happy snaps coming!

[alan meehan]

Thanks to everyone ,great talks and plenty of vendor sales .it was great to catch up with old friends and make some new ones,glad you had sat night clear for a time i left early so i made the official sacrifice
well done mike be back next year
AL

[iceman]

I had a great time at IISAC2010.

After a very wobbly last 3-4 months in my personal life, my motivation for astronomy and organising IISAC has been very low - but now I'm glad I persisted. It was a lot of fun.

It's a shame Thursday and Friday were clouded out, but after the high expectations that Saturday would also be clouded out, it was a very very pleasant surprise when it cleared around 8:30/9pm and we got 6 hours of clear skies. A great way to end the star party.
The views through Rod's 20" SDM were fantastic.

I guess the one benefit of cloudy skies is that there was much more socialising and chatting, and it was great to catch up with so many old and new friends.

A few thanks:

- Thanks to our Guest Speakers - Phil Hart, Al Sheehan, Chris Lidman and Prof Fred Watson. All were entertaining and educational. It was fantastic to see Fred get the guitar out later and serenade us during dinner :)

- Thanks to the sponsors - Andrews Communications, Wildcard Innovations and Australian Sky&Telescope. I appreciate your support.

- Thanks to the fantastic people who helped out during setup and cleanup, especially Al Sheehan, David and Kerry, Ric, Logan, Monte and anyone else I've forgotten (sorry!). It was really appreciated and made my job a lot easier.

- Thanks to Fred V (bassnut) for generously bringing along and setting up his PA system. It makes a real difference to be able to communicate to those on the bottom field as well as around and bottom house. You're a legend!

- Thanks to RB for doing the photography on Saturday!

- Thanks to Al Meehan for the screen printing.

- Thanks to the Gresford RFB for their excellent catering as usual. 3 course meals for $15! What great value, and great tasting too!

I hope I haven't forgotten anyone!

I'll be posting a link to the feedback form sometime today, so please take the time to provide feedback, as it will help me with the next IISAC event.

I'll post some pics in the next day or two.

Cheers

[alistairsam]

Had a good time as well and the last night was a treat. Got some nice views and saw some less known NGC objects through Norman's SDM. Thanks Norman.
Well done Mike despite your last 6 months, will make it to the next one for sure.

[h0ughy]

and here is a media magnet....

[Bassnut]

Some starless (almost :P) pics.

Captain Marlin (Phil Hart)
Captain Creative (Greg Priestly, light paintings to come here from him I hope ;))
Captain Noise (Mike Samerski)
Captain Haircut (Mike Sidonio)
Various

Sorry about the colour balance and focus, taken with a modded 40D :screwy:

[iceman]

Here is the group shot.

Thanks to RB!

[iceman]

Thanks Dave, looks great :)

The quotes aren't exactly 100% accurate but it's close enough :)

The photo turned out excellent!

[iceman]

A high-res version of the group photo can be downloaded here:

IISAC2010 Group Photo (http://www.iceinspace.com.au/iisac/iisac2010/IISAC2010-GroupPhoto.jpg)

[sheeny]

:lol:

It's amazing! There's not a palm leaf or grape in the shot!:eyepop::shrug:

Thanks Dave!

Al.

[Greg Priestley]

It looks like it's had the HDR treatment? Is there a non-HDR version?

[h0ughy]

at least my old 16" looked the part ;)

[Octane]

lol @ HDR portait. Please tell me that was a special treat just for me?

Will be at IISAC next year!

H

[RB]

No it's a single exposure.
I just adjusted the levels to boost the colours and contrast since it was a very drab and dull afternoon.

[sheeny]

:thumbsup:

Al.

[iceman]

For those that attended IISAC2010, I'd really appreciate it if you could take a few minutes of your time to complete the IISAC2010 Feedback Form.

IISAC2010 Feedback Form (http://iisac2010.questionpro.com)

Your responses will help me plan for a better IISAC event in the future.

All questions are optional and your answers will be kept strictly confidential.

[iceman]

A couple of shots of the vendor stalls on Saturday morning.

[jjjnettie]

LOL, I see Al in the first two shots...Did you find anything interesting?

[sheeny]

Well, on Saturday night Space Dog and myself gave the Argo a work out on the 16" Lightbridge:). We started on the popular tour, then the Messier tour and finished off in identify mode exploring the LMC and SMC looking at all sorts of obscure stuff:thumbsup: (Krons, Lindsays, etc).

We ran the Argo's batteries flat and started again:P... and eventually called it quits when hypothermia was getting a good grip on us... you see we weren't expecting it to fine up like it did, and were in socialise mode when people started turning lights off... recognised universally as a sign that the sky is clearing;). Not knowing how long it would be clear for, we jumped straight into observing rather then donning thermals, etc...:P

I don't know what time we called it quits, but I'd guess it was mid-nightish, so we got a good 3-4 hours observing in... and not too tired for the drive home;).

Al.

[GTB_an_Owl]

you should know better Al

BEWISE BETOLD NEVERBECOLD

geoff

[RB]

Here's a few candid shots I took during Lostock.

1. Fred finally admits to Mike that wide fields rule, while Phil keeps his distance.
2. The new Atlas Mount unveiled.
3. My portable grey card
4. Houghy showing where the Aussie Dollar used to be.
5. The Sidonio look.
6. The Fred look.
7. Ice caught off guard.
8. Phil Hart taking it all in.

[CoolhandJo]

Thanks to Mike for a great IISAC! Thanks to God for a Clear night on Sat! Thanks to Wazza for the endless supply of Tea! Got to test the new rig and almost got a first light (until PHD gave me the dreaded "star did not move enough in RA error!) Anyway it was good to test it out under such a wonderful dark sky!

[RB]

9. Norm, Lyn and Rick.
10. Monte and Mark.
11. Audience during a talk.
12. Chris Lidman
13. Chris explaining Dark Matter
14. Fred Watson
15. Fred explaining 'String' Theory. ;)

[h0ughy]

some classic images there RB (except the ones of me of course)

[RB]

16. Fred Watson draws the Lucky Door Prizes.
17. First Prize winner of the Andrews Communications telescope. (Mike can fill in the names here)
18. Second Prize winner of the Argo Navis by Wildcard Innovations was Geoff.
19. Third Prize winner of the subscription to Australian Sky & Telescope.

[Allan_L]

yes thanks nettie.
I found some nice things, and some things I'd forgotten I already had.
Shame there was only one vendor there though! ;)

Al

[Greg Priestley]

The sparklers were left unlit this year, but here are some more "red light" painting photos.

These were shot on Fred's camera with his fish eye lens, The Beatles Abbey Road model is Michael Samerski, and I'm responsible for over exposing with red light and the poor sky writing (damn fish eyes!)

[Greg Priestley]

I've also posted a time lapse taken Saturday afternoon from the dam overlooking the viewing area.

http://dl.dropbox.com/u/528484/Lostock%20-%20Saturday%20Afternoon.mov

Be warned - whilst I've dramatially cut down the size, it is still over 70Mb in size.

There are a couple of "Easter Eggs" in it.

[h0ughy]

LOL the ghost of christmas past... ^^^^^

[jjjnettie]

Awesome pics Greg, the one of Fred especially. Really really well done.
Like Dave said, ghostly.

[Octane]

Greg,

What are those white sparkly things in the sky?

Also, that image of Fred is magic.

H

[iceman]

Old Man Vanderhaven! :P

[jjjnettie]

I'm toying with the idea of tossing sequins in the air and imaging them. Such is my mental state at this time.:lol:

[Bassnut]

Easy, punk ;). One day you too will be that ugly :( :lol:.

[Bassnut]

Here (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=snDSqEf9nVQ) is a time lapse video with Ian in the middle. 40D, stock lens.

[h0ughy]

enjoyed that Fred

[Bassnut]

Thanks Houghy, nice to meet you at IISAC :thumbsup:

[h0ughy]

it was good catching up, and meeting some other forum members as well:thumbsup:

cant wait for next years car boot sale:rofl:

[h0ughy]

looked great, saw when Al meehan and RB left lol

[Eternal]

What a wonderful memory that was!!!

The lesson I learned that evening after wasting four hours on trying to take photo's of the Tarantula Nebula was that when using your new fang dangled motorised focusers (on both the main tube and guide scope), make sure you undo the little screw that's locking the draw tube!!!!

The irony is that had I chosen to perform my focussing manually, I probably would have had some nice images of the Tarantula nebula.

[iceman]

That turned out great, Fred! Nice one!

[Logieberra]

It was a great weekend mike. We thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. We're looking forward to next year's camp already!

Regards,

Logan.

[skyoyster]

Well, jamespierce and I are finally home! We went north to Lostock via Thredbo (Crackenback actually) where we had one really good night's viewing. IISAC was awesome, of course, although I think James is going to be get sick of my optimistic "I've seen it get good from worse!" From there we headed west, and stayed a couple of nights in the Warrumbungles, had two good nights' viewing (albeit cut short by cloud), and went to Siding Springs - the exhibition there is indeed, erm, tired. The AAT makes even Rod's 20" look small though.... And today, we've come home from Parkes, where we went to ogle The Dish - and stopped off to spend a few hours talking to Peter Read from SDM and drop off James' scope for a little 'holiday'. Truly an awesome, and very nerdy, holiday - thanks Mike for giving us the excuse to do it!

[GTB_an_Owl]

so no one else took a camera with them ?

where are the pics ?

geoff

[peterl]

Here you go Geoff.

A few more images ...
1. setting up a 6 inch refractor
2. 8 inch astrograph for sale.. nice!
3. Al Sheehan. talking about his software etc.
4. Fred Watson on guitar.
5. Fred setting up fred.
6. fred watson talk.
7. Gary Kopff. Demo with the Argo Navis.
8. Mike and RB... " MY CAMERA IS BIGGER THAN YOURS "

Peterl :)

[h0ughy]

oh no camera envy!!!! nice shots of the event Peter

[RB]

Good onya Peter, thanks for sharing !

:thumbsup:

[GTB_an_Owl]

more, more, more please :prey:

geoff

[peterl]

Last shots ...

1. Phil Hart's Canon 5D Mark 11 with panning unit for Time Lapse
Photography. Some great time lapse clips on his website.

2. Al Meehan's Modded 40D.

3. Skywatcher ED80 and mount for sale..

4. Creek running through bottom of camp sites.

peterl.

[h0ughy]

oooowwwwww the illusive Phil hart setup - nice - now Phil for those who were not there for the lecture could you outline how it works :)

[Bassnut]

I redid the timelapse video on Vimeo here (http://www.vimeo.com/15857584) (click on full screen, HD is cool)with a bit of a corny soundtrack :P. Sheesh, what a difference, makes you wonder why ppl bother with utube :question:.

Im in the UK right now, banging away on an eeepc on a rediculously expensive hotel wireless net service, they get you every way they can :rolleyes:. The weather is actually better than Sydney, I think ill emigrate..............., nah, maybe not :lol: :thumbsup:.

[Jen]

:lol::lol: nice pics RB the one of Mike kissing Fred thats gold :lol:
And oh boy that Sidonio look :eyepop: looks scary i wouldnt like to walk into him in the dark :lol::lol: PS love ya Mike :P

loving the pics :thumbsup::thumbsup:

[strongmanmike]

I was itching for a cuddle too but he was lame :sadeyes: :P



Oi :mad2: don't lump all us big ugly scarry bustards into the one basket...I look great in a Too Too...or Mankini ;) :D




We havent met face to face yet but :love: right back at ya :evil2:



As most Star Parties are I am sure this was better than the photos suggest even :thumbsup:

[Jen]

:lol::lol::lol: ;)

[h0ughy]

I found a really disturbing shot just now when cleaning up some of my electronic files - this is a left over from ISSAC2010!! Wonder who it could be?:rofl: