Border Stargaze 2011

[spacezebra]

Hi all

Registrations for Border Stargaze 2011 are now open.

Dates are 24 - 28th August 2011. Register and book accommodation via our website at www.asaw.org.au

We look forward to seeing you there.

Regards
Petra d.

:thumbsup:

[Big Dave]

Whoo ho

Booking number #1
Number 1
Number 1
:rofl:

[spacezebra]

Congrats! you beat me to it! :eyepop:

Cheers Petra d.

[tlgerdes]

If you want to be #1, you are supposed to book, then post about it, not vice versa.:lol:

[spacezebra]

;)

[Big Dave]

??

[The Unbeliever]

Hi everyone,

Planning for the event is in full swing and we are pleased to announce that Fred Watson and David Malin will feature at Border Stargaze 2011. The guest information kit will be available soon and our t-shirt design can be seen at http://www.asaw.org.au/index.php?page=38

Cheers

Dave:welcome:

[The Unbeliever]

Hi All

Sadly Fred Watson won't be able to make it to the event this year due to other commitments. However, John Wilkinson will be returning as guest speaker alongside David Malin.

John has recently had his second book published titled 'The Moon in Close-up'. The book is a part of Patrick More's Practical Astronomy series.

Accommodation and bookings are moving along very nicely and only a little in front of last year at the same time. I have however noticed an increase in the number of guests booking dorm accommodation this year (good to see and excellent value).

Cheers

Dave :welcome: (couldn't see an emoticon with a 'vacancy' sign)

[The Unbeliever]

Hi All,

70 days to go to Border Stargaze:eyepop:
The guest information kit is now available online at http://www.asaw.org.au/index.php?page=38

Late news: Dr Paul Francis will also be a guest speaker joining David Malin and John Wilkinson.

We (ASAW) are also pleased to keep the Border Stargaze adult registration for our fifth year at $30 with children up to 13 free (accommodation not included). The entertainment alone is value for money with Miles coming back and with a few surprises of his own. :rofl::rofl:

Brownie and crew from Catering Outback do a fabulous job and its easy to see why they are highly regarded in our region. I am sure we will not be phased that he has had to raise the meal prices by 50cent, sure we can all handle that. :thumbsup: And yes for those brave enough he will be offering indigenous delights. :)

Cheers

Dave

[astro_nutt]

All done!
Got everything booked, bringing up the family this year, friends coming along too. My fourth year here and it keeps getting better. Great company, good food, and lots of fun! I'll even bring my hardhat just in case Miles starts throwing Mars bars during Triva!!
See you all there!
Cheers!

[leon]

It sure dose not take long to come around, and although I wont be there I'm sure it will be a great event.

Leon

[The Unbeliever]

Don't worry we will be instructing Miles on the safe handling of Mars bars. It may be a better idea if we get snakes or gummy bears (a little bit softer).

:thumbsup:

[The Unbeliever]

Sooner or later Leon you will be in our neck of the woods when a Border Stargaze is on, until then enjoy your travels around Australia and the beauty of the Southern skies.

[The Unbeliever]

Hi everyone

Unfortunately we are experiencing difficulties with our website which has caused issues with our registration page. I have placed a note on the Border Stargaze page so that we can still manage bookings http://www.asaw.org.au/index.php?page=38. At this stage we have the following available:

3 Squatters Huts
5 Park View Cabins
1 Leisure Unit
and plenty Ensuite, powered, unpowered sites and dorm rooms.

For those that have already booked I will send the Guest Information kit via email.

Only 24 days to go :eyepop::eyepop::eyepop:
Cheers

Dave

[spacezebra]

Over 100 guests!!!

:eyepop:

Cheers Petra d.

[Farscape]

Looking forward to this year, hopefully the weather will be kinder to us and I won't get bogged on the observing field and everyone will be a bit healthier as well :lol:

See you there
Linda

[astro_nutt]

Hi Linda,
What about a "clear weather dance" on Friday evening....form a Sumba line and have someone do crazy moves...I vote Linda as the leader!!! LOL
Cheers!

[Octane]

I won't be in attendance this year. Wishing you all the very best.

For those that have never been, please do go. It's one of the best star parties in the country with fabulous amenities.

H

[spacezebra]

Hi all

Sorry we will not see you H, but I do hope we get a chance later in the year to catch up.

Yes, Im clear weather dancing too Linda LOL

Cheers Petra d.

[Jen]

:) hope you all have a great time :thumbsup: i really want to get up to this star party one year, sounds like fun but i already go to two astro camps a year i will be pushing for a third LOL :D

[spacezebra]

Hi Jen

Yes, its getting closer and closer... It would be great to see you at a future BSG ;-)

I would love to go to QLD Astrofest, however BSG always gets in the way..

Cheers Petra d.

[Paddy]

Not long to go indeed! Have you booked the clear skies, Petra?

[spacezebra]

Hi Patrick, Ive been "clear weather dancing" so cross fingers.

We have started the Border Stargaze CSU event this week - over 500 students from across the region have booked in.

Border Stargaze Wymah - is also on track - over 100 people are booked, distinguished guest speakers on the program, great prizes on offer, vendors market and so much more... all we need now is clear skies.:D



Cheers Petra d.

[seeker372011]

See you ...hopefully.. Next year.
I couldn't make it last year but at least I booked..been to every previous one
This year I didn't even register as I knew I couldn't go

Clear skies!

[stevous67]

Okay, blasted weather forecasts 7 days out are showing 3 good days. Hopefully this becomes true. Nice to be able to stand on dry ground for once at BSG, and to see some clear sky.

Steve

[spacezebra]

Nice to see you there regardless, :)

Cheers Petra d

[stevous67]

Hi Petra,

Been attending BSG for a long time. I'm really looking forward to the event. When I use the word above "Blasted", I'm referring to the precision of our weather forecasters - I'm really hoping the clear weather forecasted for next week comes true, as three nights of mostly clear skies would be terrific.

Steve

[spacezebra]

Cheers Steve

Yes, its great to see familar and new faces at BSG, Im trying not to look at the weather forecast...;)



Petra d.

[spacezebra]

Its a shame will we not see you Narayan, but maybe we will at a future event.



Cheers Petra d.

[stevous67]

--- Weather Curse ----

Latest 10 day forecast is still looking good til Saturday! A group of us will now try to get there by Tuesday to take advantage of the forecasted clear skies!

Steve:D

[spacezebra]

Still not looking at the weather cast ;)

Cheers Petra d.

[multiweb]

Lucky me. I' be there from Wednesday to Friday .

[spacezebra]

Greetings all

For those IISers that have been thinking about booking for BSG please note, we still have some bunkroom accommodation available.

Registration for BSG has remained at $30 per person (13 and under free)!

Guest presenters in 2011 are:
Professor Paul Francis
Professor David Malin
Professor John Wilkinson
Master of Ceremony, mayhem and mirth is Miles Allen

So far the weather is looking promising for the event, so jump on the ASAW website, book your accommodation, dust of the telescopes, pack the car and come on up, down or across (depending on your location).

www.asaw.org.au

Cheers Petra d.

[Farscape]

Only 4 days to go for me.....

I have asked the weather gods to be kind to us all this year ;) and Norm I vote you for the leader of the Conga line!! :lol:

[spacezebra]

Excellent!



Cheers Petra d.
:D

[spacezebra]

Hi all

Its getting very exciting, Border Stargaze (Wymah) 2011 kicks off and guests have already started to arrive.

We have received a flood of enquiries regarding how late we will leave the registrations open. We are more than happy to leave the registration page on our website open until late on Saturday.

As this is our 5th event we have a few surprises planned, so pack the car and come on over.

Cheers Petra d.

[barx1963]

Looking forward to it Petra. See everyone up there on Thursday:)

[alexch]

A quick question, how is Telstra NextG reception at the holiday park?

[spacezebra]

Hi Alex

Reception is very good - we use Telstra Next G for downloading weather maps and last minute registrations, this will be the third year that we have use it at Wymah.



Cheers Petra d.

[jjjnettie]

I hope you ladies and gents have a ball.
Clear skies to you all. :D
take care on the roads too, and don't forget......if there isn't any photos, it never happened. :)

[spacezebra]

:lol:



Cheers Petra d.

[Big Dave]

Fantastic weather last night at BSG (1 night early). A few scopes here on the tennis court already. Seeing 10/10, finished at moon rise @ 3am. Hopefully the rest of the week is the same, looks probable at this stage.:)

[spacezebra]

:eyepop: Im so there very soon!!!!



Cheers Petra d.

[jjjnettie]

I can feel the excitement emanating from your post. LOLOL

[astro_nutt]

Two days to go! Looking forward to catching up with a few people too! The Galactic centre at this time of year should provide a truely awesome opportunity to view it's majestic structure! (poetic liecence used)
See you there!!

[spacezebra]

Okay the first pics are in

Landscape and astrophotographers chatting - you know who you are ;-)

99546

99545


Cheers Petra d.

[spacezebra]

and a few more before setting up scope.

99561

99560

Cheers Petra d.

[Jen]

:hi: aww snake valley boys hey Douggie & John :hi:
the other 2 pics didnt work :shrug:

[Farscape]

Weather for the weekend looks like reasonably clear and can't wait to check out the heavens (its been a while).

See you all there! :D

[astro_nutt]

Hi Linda.
I guess that you can be in charge of the Conga Line music section. I have a few party trumpets for you!!

[jjjnettie]

:D Thanks for the update Petra.

[spacezebra]

soooo sleepy, too many late nights, too many clear sky nights, must keep going.......

Cheers Petra d.

[jjjnettie]

You can do it for the team Petra. :)
Sleep is terribly over rated.

[spacezebra]

Hi all

We have had a lot of complaints here at BSG......

Not enough sleep...:lol:

Cheers Petra d.

[multiweb]

Just made it back to Sydney a couple of hours ago after a long drive. Tired but very happy. It was great to meet you all. I don't know what was best, the company or the skies. Have fun this week-end and the rest of the star party. Forecats's looking good :thumbsup:

[Paddy]

Another sleepless night coming up here BSG. Skies great, company excellent, brilliant organisation and a fascinating talk by David Malin. And more to come tomorrow!

[Big Dave]

Ok, 5 nights in a row, I am buggered.

[Rob_K]

Finally made it to BSG Saturday afternoon! Fabulous night, so much to see & great catching up with people. Did visual early on, M71 & C/2009 P1 Garradd being the highlight! (especially through Paddy's 16"). Later on got the camera & EQ1 out on the tennis courts. Wow, there was some imaging power on display there!!!

My fourth BSG, never had one without at least one great observing night. I think this one's taken the cake though, never seen so many over-tired zombies shuffling around! :P

Cheers -

Rob

[spacezebra]

Hi all BSGers

We are on the pack up phase of BSG and I have had a thoroughly brilliant time. Clear skies each night, great company, great speakers, brilliant food and our volunteers have put in an exceptional effort in pulling this all together. A more detailed post will follow, however in the interim we look forward to your posts and feedback.

Thanks to all.

Petra d.

[JohnG]

Back home, what an awesome 4 nights, perfect conditions, brilliantly clear skies, what more could one ask for. Just need some sleep now :lol:.

Huge thanks go out to Petra and David :thumbsup: for a wonderful event, thanks also to all members of the ASAW, great job, No. 5 for me, looking forward to another five. Great speakers and, of course, Brownie for the meals. Special mention must be made of the birthday cake, cut by the oldest and the youngest participants at the event. Thanks too for the presentation made to all those that have been to all five events so far :thumbsup:.

It is great to see how the astrophotography side of the event has grown, from humble beginning with only two of us, Doug (Hagar) and myself down on the tennis court to the fantastic array of equipment on display this year. Always great to meet new people.

Got pipped for No. 1 for next year, No.2 it is :lol:, I hope there are many more just like this one.

Cheers

[barx1963]

Arrived safely home 40mins ago after a 6 hour drive. Just finished unpacking.

THanks to all the ASAW crew for a fantastic first time at BSG. Great weather, great site, lots of things to do, all arounf a fantastic weekend.

Highlights for me
- locating and viewing my first Palomar object (Pal13)
- locating and viewing my first ESO Galaxies ( E240-10 and E240-11)
- showing Omega Cent to David Malin through my scope, apparently he had never seen it through a telescope before.
- having the chance to upgrade the EP collection
- run of clear weather, between BSG and home I have only missed one night since last Sunday!
- many other things that will come to mind over the next few days

Malcolm

[astro_nutt]

Just arrived home an hour ago, tired but still on a high!! A big big thank you to Dave and Petra, Brownie and co, and everyone else for doing a wonderful job. This year was my family's first and were amazed with everything!! They will be back next year!!!
Cheers!

[Paddy]

What a great BSG that was! Great people, great presenters, great skies, great venue, great food. It was so good to catch up with old friends and meet some new ones. I learned heaps from the presenters and on the field with and from fellow observers. I really enjoyed an informal joint observing program with Malcolm, some deep sky philosophising over a 4" Tasco with Rob and some good laughs with Doug, John and Darren. So little sleep, so much fun.

Observing highlight was comet Garradd scraping by M71, but some good views of northern objects normally less than ideal from home were real delights. Stunning views of M27 and Veil nebula, bagging the Corona Borealis galaxy cluster - Abell 2065 - at 1 billion lights years, and Stefan's Quintet were more than a tad exciting.

Many thanks to the ASAW crew for putting on such a great event. No photos as there was no time to take any.

[Rob_K]

Back home now after a most enjoyable Saturday night at BSG. Top event, good guest speakers, activities etc. Full kudos to the organising team from ASAW, especially for the school's program that ran through the preceding week. Their outreach efforts are first class and commendable. Thanks guys! :thumbsup:

Cheers -

[desler]

Safely home and finally a decent nap! Just too much to do over the last few days at BSG...

My first, great organisers, great company, food to match, and all held in an encouraging, educational and fun environment. Highlights for me were imaging my first comet, much appreciation to Rob for the heads up and John and Doug for their fantastic help.

Eating dinner with new and old friends and managing to actually eat between laughs! All in all a great few days.

Darren

[Jen]

:thumbsup::thumbsup: awsome guys sounds like you all had a great time so jealous LOL :rolleyes: clear skies every night :eyepop: i bet there are a very few tired fellas that will be going to bed early tonight hahaha :lol: Looking forward to some pics ;)

[erick]

Great news guys! I'm glad to hear that a wonderful time was had and that the weather excelled! You'd better get some sleep now?

[spacezebra]

Hi all

Thank you for the great posts, I look forward to hearing more and seeing your pics. I have a few to post and will put them up in the next few days.

"Albert" got a great workout, he could have kept going, however the operator was a bit tired.

We have almost finished the packup , only a few more things to go.

Thank you to all the guests for making this such a great event! We could not do this without you. Thank you to the guests that became volunteers - great to see so many pitching in to help.

We were extremely fortunate to have such great weather - its just added icing to the cake.:D


Cheers Petra d.

[spacezebra]

Hi all

Just a few pics from both observing fields

99776 99778 99773

99775 What! big dobs on the Astrophotography field! Alex's and my scope!

99771 99772 99777

99774

Cheers Petra d.

[RB]

Great to hear that it was a complete success Petra.
Well done to all involved.

:thumbsup:

[spacezebra]

Thanks Andrew :-)

Cheers Petra d.

[The Unbeliever]

Hi All

What an unbelievable bonus to have 5 consecutive nights of clear skies. I am ecstatic that the patience of Border Stargaze guests has finally paid off in such a huge way and in our 5th Year. The most common complaint this year was that we needed one cloudy night so that everyone could get some sorely needed sleep.

My personal thanks to all of our guests and to the suppoprt they all provided for our outreach program. While we didn't get the general public numbers we anticipated everyone without exception joined in by welcoming those that did come out.

A huge thanks to the visual observers who were blinded by the Prime News camera for 30 seconds while Astro_nutt was interviewed, and to Greg, Doug and the astrophotographers that provided advice to the cameraman for how to shoot the milky way. The story aired tonight on Prime local news and it was awesome.

Our guest speakers where simply the best with Paul Francis, David Malin, John Wilkinson and Alex Cherney delivering the best series of professional presentations at one event.

To cap off a great event Nicole baked a 5th anniversary cake for Border Stargaze which was not only a suprise but a tremendous gesture for which we thank 'Catering Outback'. Edek suggested we have the oldest and youngest cut the cake and with that Bob Price (80) and Kieran Scott (approx 80 days) with plastic knife completed the perfect picture.

As in previous years the prize draw was a great deal of fun with Melanie (9) drawing the winners. The number of children winning is only coincidental and has no bearing on Melanie's age. ;) Dave Rolfe added to the fun with his attempt at being a number of different people, it would have been only through tiredness had we fallen for it. Congratulations to John Thompson for winning the Saxon telescope generously donated by Ozscopes.

Thank you to everyone ASAW members, Wymah Staff (Aspen Parks), our sponsors, guest speakers and you our guests for making this the most memorable of events all of whom we could not do this without.

Thank you

Cheers

Dave

Check out this link for our sponsors http://www.asaw.org.au/index.php?page=38

and this for the Prime video http://au.prime7.yahoo.com/v1/video/-/watch/26450102/good-heavens/

[spacezebra]

Hi all

http://au.prime7.yahoo.com/v1/video/-/watch/26450102/good-heavens/

Cheers Petra d.

[Octane]

I am totally spewin' that I didn't get to make it this time, David and Petra. :(

Perhaps, next year?

H

[spacezebra]

Hi H

It was awesome H. We missed you big time. Hopefully next year.



Cheers Petra d.

[astro_nutt]

Prime video did a fantastic job for the BSG event. Showing the scope moving with the Milky Way in all it's glory was truely stunning!! Dave and Dave summed up the event beautifully. This will surely spark an interest in Astronomy!
Cheers!

[Hagar]

I have finally caught up on my missed sleep. What an event, every night with stunning skies, great people, fantastic organising, great food.
Lots more I could say but hey, those who were there know what I mean.

Thanks must go to David, David, Petra and all the organising crew who make this event the best in the South.
Brownie, our great caterer, as usual your food was the highlight of each day but I think I need a gym membership to be included in the registration to return my already bulging weight back to it's normal bulge.

Bloody terrific.
Thanks everyone.

[jjjnettie]

:D awesome!

[Octane]

That was a great little video. :)

H

[Omaroo]

Excellent video Petra. Every states' news team should do a segment on their local star parties when they occur. :thumbsup:

Same here Humayun - wish I could have gone!

[spacezebra]

Hi Chris

Yes, I agree. Totally stoked with the whole event! Looking forward to catching up with you in Sept.



Cheers Petra d.

[spacezebra]

Thanks Doug, good to hear that you had a great time.




Cheers Petra d.

[strongmanmike]

Congatulations on a successful BSG guys, 5 clear nights in a row huh? wow :eyepop:.

The 7 News real was pretty good too :thumbsup:

Mike

[spacezebra]

Thanks Mike

Yes excellent story by 7. It was good to see that 7 picked up on our comments about feeding money back into outreach activities. That is a key element for ASAW. We are also mindful about keeping costs that we can control low - hence we have not seen a need to increase our registration fee - it has remained at $30 (per adult) for each event. Hopefully we will see you at BSG one year.



Cheers Petra d.

[h0ughy]

itss no longer available:sadeyes:

[spacezebra]

Hi David

Yup, still there just checked ;-)

Cheers Petra d.

[iceman]

Congrats on yet another successful event guys!

Envious of those clear skies - hope the weather fairies can emulate that in about 2 months time :)

[spacezebra]

Thanks Mike

Yes, its been fantastic. We owed our guests some clear skies and they arrived on cue!

Im confident that the weather fairies will be very kind late October.:thumbsup:



Cheers Petra d.

[spacezebra]

Did you find it David?

Cheers Petra d.

[erick]

Great report on the News! Well done! Thanks for the link.

[spacezebra]

Thanks Eric

Hope to see you up our way in future years.

Cheers Petra d.

[h0ughy]

yes top stuff

[The Unbeliever]

Hi

For those interested I have posted a review of Border Stargaze to the ASAW website at http://www.asaw.org.au/index.php?page=38

Note for those that attended we have an online feedback form available if you would like to add your comments.

Regards

Dave:thumbsup:

[alexch]

Hi All,

My computer was busy all this time since I got back home on Sunday crunching through 140GB of RAW files and the time lase is finally here. I posted it in the Deep Space forum:
http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/showthread.php?p=760748


I am really out of superlatives about this years Border Stargaze - excellent job by ASAW in organising the weather, speakers and food to match. We're looking forward to next year.

Cheers,
Alex

[spacezebra]

Hi Alex

Thank you for the post and the timelapse. The timelapse is amazing! We were all so pleased to have such gentle weather this year, and equally thrilled that both visual and astrophotographers had a chance to set up and use their telescopes. We so look forward to seeing you and your family again next year.

Cheers Petra d.

[The Unbeliever]

Thanks Alex,

Now I am inspired that is the most incredible timelapse footage I have seen and a terrific music selection. If you keep this up I just may have to give in and join you on the tennis court next year to try my hand at some astrophotography.

Truly awesome

Cheers

Dave

[JohnG]

Whenever your ready David, :).

Cheers

[FJA]

Beautiful pictures! They make me feel like phoning Qantas and getting a flight Down Under. :)

[spacezebra]

Come on over Faith! We would love to see you.




Cheers Petra d.

[The Unbeliever]

100198

Border Stargaze 2011 group photo.

[jjjnettie]

Hello everyone!!! :)

[FJA]

I'm hoping to in 2013. :)

[spacezebra]

Excellent Faith

There are few Star Party's on during the year here in Oz that are posted on this website and others. All of which have great facilities and dark skies. IISAC is coming up soon, as is VicSouth and Snake Valley, and you will get a feel for which is right for you and your itinerary.

Cheers Petra d.

[FJA]

Thanks for the info Petra. I'm hoping to go to OzSky 2013. I did go in 2009 (when it was called the 'Deepest South Texas Star Safari) but I could only stay for one night - and it poured with rain all night! I have some Unfinished Business! My plans though, at the moment, are tentative and pretty fluid.

[spacezebra]

I was there in 09 - shame we did not meet.

Im heading there next year. ;-)

Cheers Petra d.

[spacezebra]

Hi all

Thank you for all the great feedback and suggestions. Please keep your comments coming in. We are always on the lookout for ways we can improve and make Border Stargaze a great event for all.:D

Regards Petra d.

[leon]

Well, after reading all the posts from BSG, it seems that it was a cracker of an event.

5 clear nights in a row you say, well you cant get any better than that, I'm pleased for all of you guys, maybe I might get their again one day.

Leon

[The Unbeliever]

Hi Everyone,

Just enjoyed a terrific society meeting where the winner of the grand prize at Border Stargaze 2011 donated the main prize (Saxon telescope donated by OzScopes) to the ASAW to use in our outreach activities.

Many thanks to John Thompson for his generosity.

Maybe I am not so much the Unbeliever anymore.

Cheers

Dave

[desler]

News like that just brightens your day!

Darren

[spacezebra]

This is great news!

Im thrilled that the telescope will go back into ASAW outreach activities as does everything with Border Stargaze.

Great to see such community minded and generous people! Thank you John, truly brilliant and generous :D:thumbsup:.

Cheers Petra d.