Blue Mountains April 2nd - Katoomba Airfield

[mental4astro]

Hi all,

I am very much aware of the South Pacific Star Party being on this weekend (Stacey...), but alas I can't make it. Too far, too hard on short notice with work and all, :sadeyes: .

So, Katoomba Airfield is open to us for that Saturday night, 2'nd of April, for anyone else who finds themselves also unable to attend SPSP, :) .

As always, everyone is welcome, scope or no scope. Kids too.

If you don't have a scope and would like to have a go with an 8" telescope, please let me know and I can bring it along. I'm also only too happy to show you how to use it (very easy), and point out targets to aim for (just as easy)! :astron: :stargaze:

Access to the Airfield is via Medlow Bath. Just remember that the last 3km of the road leading to the Airfield is unsealed and recent rain has caused some erosion of the road surface. Take it easy.

The Airfield is BYO everything, power, food, etc. There are loos for the ladies and kiddies. The office building is also open to us to crash in if it becomes a late one.

There are some mozzies, so if you must use aerosol insect repellants they MUST be applied well away from the scopes, and down wind from them - aerosol's and optics don't mix.

Last month's session was clouded out sadly :( .

But we are an optimistic bunch, and we are due for a cracker evening :D .

Parking is no problem - it's an airfield!!! Pics show parking facilities (plenty :rolleyes: ) and the crowd from the last session we had.

Hopefully we'll see you there.

Mental.

[Steffen]

I'm very interested, it's been a long time since I had a good night under the stars. Lets hope the weather plays ball.

Cheers
Steffen.

[AG Hybrid]

See you there!

[En1gma]

Agree steffen,

It has been a long time since a good night under the stars.

Maybe we can get out earlier and grab a pizza at wentworth falls again.

Rob

[Steffen]

Not a bad idea! I like it. Those pizzas were excellent.

Cheers
Steffen.

[mental4astro]

Mmm, pizza...

I'll call the place and see what time they open from.

I hope to be at the Airfield by around 6:30pm.

Daylight saving ends this night too. Woohoo, an extra hour's viewing!!!

:2thumbs: :cool: :nerd: :astron: :stargaze: :jump: :party: :clap: :D

[En1gma]

Sounds good alex,

Keep us posted.

[Chancellor]

I will likely be walking around the city during the day, but pending weather (and time before hand), will pack the scope into the car for a quick getaway. It has been far too long..

[cookie8]

May I join you guys? Might bring along a friend or 2.

[AG Hybrid]

We'll lat's be honest here... we arn't going to say NO :rofl:
I like observing with a crowd. :thumbsup:
Also means the 'entry fee' is cheaper if you know what I mean ;)

[mental4astro]

Vincent, like Adrian said we "like observing with a crowd"! The more the merrier.

Rod, the Airfield manager, just asks of us a case of his favourite brew. The cost of it is then divided by the numbers of adults that attend. The more that go, the cheaper it is for everyone, right Adrian, ;)!

On the pizza front, The Grand Olive is open from 5pm on Saturdays. If folks are keen, we can meet there first, say around 5pm. This gives the shop time to prepare and bake the goodies and a bit of digestion time for us. I can call ahead to let them know to expect us, :scared2: :scared3: . Who's in?

The Grand Olive is at 3/38 Station Street, Wentworth Falls, 4757 1677.

[sasup]

THANKS ALAX you go and do pizza when im at spsp

[eclipse]

Hopefully we will be there, providing, as usual the weather is kind to us.

Les and Deb

[ArcaneMagik]

Hey All,

Been a while since I have had a chance to come on here. But now that my first semester of uni has settled down (embarking on a bachelor of science majoring in Astronomy at MQ) I am free on the weekends!

Gave the primary mirror on the 12" a wash this weekend and it's looking as good as new. This will be the first chance I get to check it out, and can't wait to see Saturn and some of the Autumn targets.

I think Chancellor will also be trying to come up thought he will be scopeless as far as I know due to mount issues.

Hope to see you all again.

Craig.

[mental4astro]

Alas I can't do pizza, :sadeyes:. It's my brother in-law's birthday, and I've got to settle for second-best with cake, :sad:.

But as soon as the slice is finished, I'm on the road to Katoomba, :clap: :driving:

I'll be aiming to get there around 6 to 6:30pm.

At this stage, forecast is looking good, :).

[AG Hybrid]

*Looks out side*

Are you sure??? :lol:

[mental4astro]

Yep, things are looking very good! Well, at this stage with 8 hours to go.

I've just got off the blower to Rod, and it's a thumbs up, :thumbsup:.

I'm hoping to get there by 6:30. Maybe 7 at the latest.

[eclipse]

See you tonight, we are coming.

Les and Deb

[Steffen]

Looks like we're out. Markus hurt his wrist at soccer today so we're off to get some x-rays done. We just don't seem to have much luck this year…

Cheers
Steffen.

[ArcaneMagik]

Up here now. Seems to have solid cloud cover. Might give it an hour before heading back.

[cookie8]

Up there at 6:45 didn't see a soul except Rod. Started drizzling.Waited half an hour then headed back. The Bureau has got it all wrong. Better luck next time.

[ArcaneMagik]

Jeff and myself left at about 6:20 as it started sprinkling and we did not want to have to try that track in the wet.

Maybe next month.

[mental4astro]

Saddly Peter & I didn't get there until after 8pm. Les and Deb were there about the same time. Looks like we both miss you guys.

What happened to the sky! :(

Next time.

[eclipse]

Woke up at 1.30 to clear skies!! Used binoculars as felt if I attempted to get telescopes out the rain would come down again!! M4 was even visible with binoculars as was M6, M7, Eta Centauri etc.

[GeoffW1]

Hi,

Sorry to hear of the weather gremlins. I could not make it this time, but will certainly keep a lookout for the next one.

Cheers

[mental4astro]

If you are still after a fix, there is Randwick Girls' High this coming Friday:

http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/showthread.php?t=73211

I'll be there. Well, if it decides to be clear, :lol: .