Spsp 14

[iceman]

So who's registered for this so far?

I've just applied for leave, to take the Friday (31st March) and Monday (3rd April) off work.. I'll be at SPSP for the friday and saturday nights. I haven't registered yet but will do in the next week or two.. it's only 6-7 weeks away now!

It's crept up very quickly!

So who else is going? I think it'd be great if we camped together or something, shared camping/cooking facilities, etc.

[iceman]

Also anyone entering the astrophotography competition?

I've got a few planetary images i'll enter but the competition will be tough this year i'm sure.

[h0ughy]

I'm going, haven't booked yet maybe do that this week!

[xstream]

Anna and I are going and have booked.

We will be there from Thursday till Monday.

[PhotonCollector]

Geeday Iceman,

I'm reasonably sure I will be going - camping in a (IIS) group sounds good - sharing facilities where possible sounds good. I probably won't book until a few weeks prior to the event.

Paul Mayo

[h0ughy]

Paul we must talk scott into it!

[PhotonCollector]

H0ughy,

He's coming... He just doesn't know it yet.... :-)

BTW when you are coming over to my place to check out my observatory ?

Paul

[Orion]

I would love to go but at this stage I don't know if I can yet.

[Rodstar]

I've advised work that I will be away on the Friday....so I'll be there Friday pm, through to Sunday morning. It will be great to catch up with everyone (esp. looking forward to seeing Xstream and Anna!)

[wavelandscott]

I am going to try and go for Friday and Saturday nights...

I'll have my two sons and maybe my wife...

I'm signing up this week sometime...

It'll be good to see everyone!

[Rodstar]

Yeah, but most importantly, will you have your 16 Nagler? :whistle: :lol:

[ausastronomer]

I will most likely be an absentee, would love to be there but you can't be everywhere and expect to stay married.

I will be away from the Monday to the Friday before SPSP observing. Adding a weekend at Ilford on the end could result in Rod providing legal advice in repect to pending divorce proceedings. It would also add about 400km onto the trip home.

CS-John B

[seeker372011]

unfortunately I am going to have to miss out this year.
shame really but cant be helped :(

[wavelandscott]

Yes...I plan to have it too...

[Rodstar]

Ed, John and Narayan, it is a shame you probably won't be there.....but maybe next year?

Hopefully this year an IIS'er will win one of the lucky door prizes! (My other son needs a scope too, now).

[Rodstar]

When I am not using it? :prey: :whistle:

[33South]

I plan to be there, wont be certain for a week or so.

Group camping sounds a good idea to me, being a SPSP novice any guideline would be gud.
Im ok on the camping side, but you might like to avoid me -amongs many other camping (mis) adventures with wife(ex), 2kids(left home married), 2dogs(deceased)

Camping at Hill End during one school holiday - left early after 2 days of snow.
Camping at Caves Beach trapped by bush fires visit 2 days longer than planned.
Camping near Mudgee son bit by a horse - hospital visit needed
Camping on shore of lake Jindabyne - spent a weekend chasing tents around due to gale force winds.
etc etc

[anna]

We look forward to seeing you again too Rod.
It will be nice to see a familiar face amongst the crowd.

[RB]

I'm not able to attend.
:sad:

Hopefully next year.

[Rodstar]

That is a great shame. I guess I should save the Henscke Cab Sav until next year, then?:drink:

[Rodstar]

Hi Anna - yes, it will be nice. I note that your husband, who is not the one who is officially into astronomy, is now a Moderator. Has he come to terms with his passion?:whistle:

[anna]

Rod, I am gradually wearing him down.
He doesn't say "it's not my thing" as often as he used to.

[xstream]

:P

[stringscope]

Martin and I will be there for all 3 days. It will be great to meet the IIS contingent.

We will have a pop-top camping trailer. It would be great to camp together, however, as I haven't been to a SPSP before so I have no idea if caravans and tents are segregated or not.

Cheers,

[iceman]

Will be great to meet you Ian! Are you bringing Markus?

There's no segregation between pop-top caravans and tents..

I think John and Anna will be one of the first IIS contingent there... they'll have to reserve the acre we need :)

[stringscope]

Markus???

[iceman]

Markus Billerwell, friend of Bird's.

He came up to Lostock with Anthony.

[stringscope]

I am not sure I have met him. CAS general meeting tomorrow night. I am guessing SPSP will come up. Will know more then.

If it is a big IIS contingent I wounder if the SPSP organisers would allocate us a specific area?

[xstream]

Anna and were discussing it last night. What if we were to use the bottom corner near the gate. I think there were two camper vans positioned there last year, at least that area would have the space needed.
What do you all think?
Maybe someone has a better suggestion!

[spacezebra]

Im coming too

Need to plug my hairdryer in though - oh what! I need to bring a telescope too?

Drats
Regards
SpaceZeb:cool:

[xstream]

Petra, If you really have to you can plug your hairdryer in down at the showers. But don't worry no one will look at you with fuzzy wuzzy hair. We all look the same after 4 days. :eek: :lol:

[spacezebra]

Thanks John

Im not sure what I will look like after 4-5 days in the wilderness:scared2:

Cant wait

[Rodstar]

Hey Spacezebra...glad to hear you are coming. It will be interesting to check out your Meade Lightbridge, if it comes in time.

[spacezebra]

Yes it would be great - I would like to check it out too - I hope that the Lightbridge arrives in time.:prey:

[GTB_an_Owl]

this old owl just booked to-day
will be joining up with Michael from Bintel to camp
(I have to - he's my nephew)
but I guess we will be near all you guys
I think we are going up thursday nite so as to get a good spot
I think mick is bringing up some gear for sale - so if you want anything in particular (to buy or look at) - might pay to give him a call and let him know before he packs his trailer.

[gary]

For those of you who missed out in winning an Argo Navis at the IceInSpace
AstroCamp at Lostock, here is a second chance!

Once again, Wildcard Innovations will be proudly sponsoring the South Pacific
Star Party (SPSP) this year.

The SPSP is hosted by the Astronomical Society of New South Wales (ASNSW)
on their own dark sky site at Wiruna and is open to members and non-members.

By registering now and being present for the draw, you could win
yourself an Argo Navis Digital Telescope Computer valued at A$599 inc. GST (RRP).

So register now at http://www.asnsw.com/spsp/spsprego.htm

Mai and I look forward to seeing you there!

Best Regards

Gary Kopff
Managing Director
Wildcard Innovations Pty. Ltd.
20 Kilmory Place
Mount Kuring-Gai NSW 2080
Australia
Phone +61-2-9457-9049
Fax +61-2-9457-9593
sales@wildcard-innovations.com.au
http://www.wildcard-innovations.com.au

[h0ughy]

Booked and paid, hopefully a few more of my NAS buddies have done similar. Counting down

[33South]

Booked and paid -

Mike any further thoughts on IIS group camping ?

[iceman]

Booked and Paid.

John and Anna will be the first ones there I think (on Thursday), so we just need to find them and camp with them.
I think John and Houghy will both have big tarps for undercover milling area during the days, etc.

[xstream]

Well it looks like Anna, Petra (spacezebra) her husband Dave and I are going to be the first IIS arrivals. We hope to be there by lunchtime Thursday.
So who wants to camp in the group?
How much area do we roughly need to try and reserve?

Mike is it worth asking the SPSP organising committee to set aside some camping and observing area for us?

[h0ughy]

I will be there thursday, and if I can I will try to camp on some level ground so not to put my back out too much. Where that will be I have no idea.

[stringscope]

Martin and I will be there Thursday afternoon. WRT space requirements, we will have a medium size "pop top" camping trailer.

If possible, it would be great to camp as group.

[RB]

Looks like I will make it to the SPSP after all.

:2thumbs:

Rod get the Henscke Cab Sav ready mate.
:drink:





Sounds great Gary, looking forward to it.
:) ;)

[Rodstar]

That is GREAT news, Andrew! I'll bring the Henschke if you bring your Tak!

Can you get there on the Friday? I am giving Mike a lift, we plan to leave central coast about 11am, and get there mid afternoon Friday.

[iceman]

woohoo RB! It's great that you can come. What day/time are you getting there? I hope the chickens won't be too lonely without you.

Bring your ArgoNavis RB - I can plug it straight into my encoders. :)

[frogman]

wish the best weather for you all on your sp.

[GTB_an_Owl]

4 more sleeps - but who's counting

:whistle: making my list and checking it twice :whistle: hope the weekend weather is starry and bright (or is it - DARK) :whistle: hope all the camping gear fit's in the car allright :whistle: check that list again to-morrow nite

[h0ughy]

3 for me!, sleeps that is

[iceman]

Can't wait!

RB, when are you getting there?

[h0ughy]

the 4 day forecast until then:shrug:

the promising bit is that big hole with no cloud/rain

Current Observations for Mudgee Ap Weather Forecast for Mudgee
Mon 07:00 EDT
Temperature Dewpoint Relative Humidity Feels Like
8.5°C 6.0°C 84% 8.5°C
Wind Gusts Pressure Rain Since 0900
Calm 2kt 1017.7hPa 0.0mm
Not sure what this means? Check the glossary!

MUDGEE AIRPORT AWS 149.6160°E, 32.5624°S 471m


> History

Sun Moon Tides
Sunrise: 07:10 EDT
Sunset: 19:03 EDT



Mudgee RSS Weather Feeds
Mudgee Observations
Mudgee Forecasts
Central Tablelands District Warnings
Combined Feed
» More about RSS Feeds
Monday

Mostly sunny
7°C - 29°C

Tuesday

Mostly sunny
13°C - 29°C

Wednesday

Showers
14°C - 26°C

Thursday

Mostly cloudy
14°C - 28°C

[Satchmo]

I've been going to Ilford for 20 years now and can say confidently that the Mudgee area forcast often doesn't apply to Ilford. Mudgee generally has more clear nights , Ilford being in what the experts call a `rain shadow' area . However the star party usually delivers at least one good night and last year from memory clear every night
I don't meant discourage anyone from going either. It's the biggest and best amateur astronomy gathering in the country. The socialising is great. I go to the SPSP to catch up with old friends and see whats hapenning in the ATM world, but usually don't take a telescope along. Its fun to look through lots of different scopes.

Mark

[RB]

I'm planning to get underway ASAP on Friday morning if work permits.
Not sure if I'm staying 1 night or 2.
Is there mobile service there by any chance?

Watta you reckon Mike about 3.5 hours from here?
Can't wait Rod, to catch up with everyone.

[xstream]

CDMA service only Andrew.

I'm now officially on holidays. So with only 3 sleeps to go, I'll see those that are getting there on Thursday. Can't wait to get there and relax.

Fingers and toes crossed for weather like last year.

[gaa_ian]

I would love to get there but after 2 week off for the new arrival in the family, its back to work for me :sadeyes:

[h0ughy]

todays latest weather offerings - maybe some hope for the saturday night, might have to extend my time to sunday night?;)

Must take my cloud dispursing hair dryer?:thumbsup:

[iceman]

hrmm that's a big bank of cloud.

[h0ughy]

yes, its not the bit that over us right now but whats up in the NT, and the frontal system in the bight that worries me?

[h0ughy]

well friday and saturday nights look OK at the moment, but check out that cloud from the West!!!!!:)

[gaa_ian]

Yes I see the cloud ove rthe NT & I'm not keen on the prospects for Saturday night either !

[gary]

Just a quick safety warning to those driving to the Star Party who will
arrive late in the afternoon or evening.

Beware of wildlife, particularly in the section from the turn-off at the
old Ilford Roadhouse all the way to Wiruna.

Roos and wombats are common and several people have come to grief
with vehicle damage up to several thousand dollars coming and going to the
Star Party. The last gravel section in particular has caught a few people out
over the years.

Drop your speed, be vigilent for wildlife and ask passengers to assist in
spotting any animals on the side of the road.

Travel safe!

We look forward to seeing you there!

Best Regards

Gary Kopff
ASNSW member

[Rodstar]

Unless my map reading skills have entirely evaporated I would have thought that we are expecting showers on Friday night. Or is Ilford much further west than I thought?

[xstream]

Weather so far doesn't look promising at all.

Well we're packed ready to leave at 4:30am so irregardless of the weather Anna, Petra, Dave and myself will be there to enjoy ourselves.

See you all at Wiruna.

[Striker]

Hope it all works out well for you guys.

wheather can be so frustrating.

Just remember if all else fails you can move to Queensland.....lol

[stringscope]

Yep, weather could be better. Never mind, will be fun regardless. Martin and I will be leaving CBR @ 0600, should be there mid afternoon.

See you all @ Wiruna

[wavelandscott]

I'll be heading out there on Friday (no doubt in time for any clouds/rain)...

Hope to see you all there!

[h0ughy]

:( :( man how lucky can we be, a upper air low is forming over NSW c/o the cyclones! Look at that bank of cloud streaming through.

leaving in the morning about 7am, should get there about 1pm. Hope to have been set up stay dry before the afternoon storms come through;) . you know they havent had more than 4mm rain all month:lol: acccording to the mudgee rain gauge. We all bought too much new equipment me thinks:D

[Greg Bryant]

Houghy,

The water tanks could probably use a fill before the post-breakfast "showers" on Saturday morning...

These charts from the Weather Bureau show no rain expected after 9pm Friday (and that may mean rain ending well before 9pm) for the rest of the weekend.

http://www.bom.gov.au/products/IDG00074.shtml

It will be a great weekend nevertheless. Look forward to catching up with you all there.

[h0ughy]

Greg, will the ASNSW have the tanks filled before everyone gets there??

I am looking forward to meeting everyone!:D :thumbsup:

[Greg Bryant]

Houghy,

I can't imagine a water truck coming along to fill the tanks. It does rely on rain. Showers are limited to 4 minutes.

According to this website,
http://www.agric.nsw.gov.au/reader/drt-area-200603-large.gif
the region looks pretty much in drought, if not on the borderline.

But hey, if you haven't gone a weekend without showers, you really haven't camped... :)

[h0ughy]

:lol: :lol: Not good news but lets hope they are filled tonight! Then clear skies for the rest of the weekend:thumbsup:

[Greg Bryant]

I've just returned from SPSP. While Friday night's viewing was interrupted, and many went to bed and missed out on a clear morning, Saturday night was absolutely superlative (albeit cold). When I saw the glimmer of dawn this morning, it capped off a long night of observing. One highlight was having to kneel down on the ground to observe comet Schwassmann-Wachmann 3 at a very low altitude through a 20 inch dob.

It was great to put faces to more IIS names. Indeed, the observing field was a very social and friendly arena, as I found as I walked from scope to scope.

Other IIS attendees will no doubt post their reports on SPSP. I'm doing a write-up for Australian Sky & Telescope.

Next year's SPSP will be on in mid-April, to coincide with school holidays.

[matt]

hey houghy

where abouts on the weather bureau's website did you get that great colour pic?

cheers

[33South]

1. IIS telescope collective.:thumbsup:
2. Guess who's LightBridge after a hard nights work.:sadeyes:
3. Who missed one for the bottle recycling.:whistle:
4. "I'm sure it had four corners last night" - RB :doh:



I really enjoyed my first SPSP, I reckon everyone had a great time - even the Persona non Grata.

[RB]

I'm really tired right now after returning from the SPSP, I'll write up a more detailed post tommorow but just wanted to quickly say we had a fantastic time.

Greg it was a real pleasure finally meeting you in person, it was one of the things on my to-do list at the SPSP. Glad you came.

The sky last night was fantastic appart from the wind and cold but it kept the dew away. I'll be posting my images once I process them.

Chris, I'll be on "Four Corners" tommorow night, tune in for a great laugh....:lol:

[iceman]

I returned this arvo as well, I didn't take many pictures (no astro shots either) but i'll post what ones I did take, tomorrow.

Had a great time with everyone, as usual. I travelled and camped with Rod, always a pleasure sir. Your company is the best. Great to meet so many IIS'ers again, some for the first time, many for a repeat time. John and Anna, Andrew, Chris, Houghy, Allan, Ken (Charlewood), Tony Hitchcock and his lovely wife Sharron, Gary Kopff and Mai, Don Whiteman, Roger and Anthony from Bintel Melbourne, Steve Mogg, Mark Suchting, Mike Kerr, Matthew Lovell, Petra (SpaceZebra) and her hubby Dave, Ian (stringscope) and his son and I'm sure i've forgotten many more.

Congrats to Ian who won an ATM award for his great stringscope! Truly a work of art, and I had some nice (but brief) views through it, with RB's 24mm Pan.

Congrats to Ken (Charlwood) for taking out the Solar System category, as well as the overall astroimaging prize for a great moon mosaic!

Congrats to Tony Hitchock (Itchy) for taking out 2nd prize in the nebula category.

Congrats to Mike Sidonio for taking out 4 awards! Just awesome pictures. It was great to meet you, too!

I even won two astrophotography awards, one for a Widefield conjunction shot (Venus, Moon, Jupiter and Spica) and one of my Jupiter entries received 2nd place in the Solar system category. So i'm very happy, I wanted a Vixen LVW 22mm, and I won one! :) :)

All in all a great weekend, really cold but still an awesome time. The company made it even better. I didn't get a whole lot of observing in, but I got enough. I got drunk on wine on Saturday night so lots of what I observed after that was a blur :)

I'll post more of what I remember, tomorrow.

[acropolite]

Congratulations on the win Mike, not forgetting Mike S, Itchy, Ken and Ian (have I missed anyone??) Please post some photos for those of us not fortunate enough to attend. Sounds like a good time was had by all. I'll be interested in your report on the Vixen Mike. :thumbsup:

[Rodstar]

I have chosen seven (7) words to describe SPSP14:

(drum roll please.......)

1. FREEZING
This year was far colder than last. I have come home with wind burn and dry lips. On the first night, it was managable, particularly with the assistance of late night port and Wee-Willems (thanks RB). Last night, notwithstanding an amazing selection of Victorian wine and cheeses (thanks Xstream & Anna), it was so cold that I ended up wearing a pair of Bonds Y-front undies on my head (under my cap of course for modesty) to keep out the cold. By about 11.20pm, notwithstanding all manner of body movements to keep warm, I was almost frozen to the core (felt like being stuck in an industrial freezer) that I had to go to bed for my health's sake! According to HOughy, it reached 0.5 degrees at about 3am when he went to bed. A heavy frost greeted us in the morning.

2. BEAUTIFUL
I witnessed some of absolutely stunning treasures in the heavens. On the Friday night, much of the sky was shrouded in heavy drapes, and yet at one incredible stage, for about 15 minutes, a column opened up tracing the line of the Milky Way. Normally under suburban or even semi-rural skies, if the Milky Way is visible it is a haze. But at Ilford, the MW shone through, flashing like a sword. It was a sight I will never forget. On the second night, the sky was clear and dark, sparkling like a newly set crown of jewels. There was so much to see and do, and I felt like a kid in a candy store. Some highlights were the many galaxies in Leo, but special mention for M83 (Southen Pinwheel) and NGC1365 (barred galaxy in Fornax). I saw structure in those objects like never before. Very special indeed.

3. CARED-FOR
We have some great people in the IIS community. I felt very much looked after. Special mention to Xstream and Anna and Spacezebra and David, for their incredible hospitality and warmth, providing us with yummy breakfast this morning, cups of tea and coffee, a friendly place to sit and chat, and fine friendship. Rocket Boy was his usual kind and giving self, supplying cool drinks and Suimins (inter alia), and always with something positive to say. Itchy and his lovely wife Sharon gave me air two nights running (in my mattress, that is!), and were very patient with their neighbours (Mike and I). It was good to share a (large) tent with Mike, who was ever-thoughtful in suffering my silliness (and giving me great company on the various trips we made throughout the weekend). It was great to have the company of a number of others too, especially good to have the company of Chris (33South) and HOughy. Wavelandscott graciously allowed me to use his wife's ticket so I could have a spit roast on the Saturday (thank Scott- I really appreciate that gesture). Also good to spend some time with Alan, Ken and Ian. Nice to meet Gary Bryant, too.

4. CHALLENGING
I had some challenges this year. On arrival I was advised that I was not allowed to participate in the big Lucky Door Prize competition because I had not booked in advance. News to me. I was really looking forward to that event on the Saturday. I was also advised that I was not allowed to participate in the Spit Roast on Saturday. Let's just say I felt like I had Persona Non Grata status, not welcome at all, and rather puzzled with the whole thing. Then the clouds of the first night, a windy bleak night, followed by an air mattress that had a hole in it that left me sleeping (at least trying to) on hard terra firma for the first night. Then, there was the cold! The good cheer of others around me helped me not to allow these set backs from throwing me too much, and I was determined to have a great time and enjoy the stars and my friends. I was really glad for a trip out to Kandos on Saturday morning for a hearty breakfast with some of the IIS gang. That really bouyed my spirits!

5. CREEPY
We had spider issues this year. Funnel webs to be exact. They were littered all around the observing field in their burrows, often no more than 2 or 3 metres apart at a time. It was important to wear closed shoes at all times, and check clothes before putting them on. Still, over time I got used to our arachnid friends. It was a rather interesting co-existence.

6. REVEALING
Apart from a taudry belly dance (which shall never be mentioned again), by this I mean that at various times I had the chance to share at a deeper level with a few of the IIS folk, and that was really good to get better known, and to be known better. I very much enjoyed learning more about everyone in our group, of all ages. It is great to know why we are each interested in astronomy, and to learn from each other in person. As more than 70% of communication is non-verbal, I felt I knew some people a lot better in one weekend than from one year of chatting on the forum.

7. EXHAUSTING
What on earth am I doing sitting here typing this? I should be in bed. I estimate that I had about 4 hours real sleep over the weekend, and being out in the elements over an extended period away from creature comforts takes its toll. Mike and I had a detour on the way home, after a serious MVA on the Bells Line of Road blocked our passage through that part of the Blue Mountains. It was extraordinary, as we watched a rescue helicopter land on the road to come to the urgent rescue of the injured. Living in close community with others can also be tiring after a while. Thank the good Lord for hot showers!

SUMMARY
I am very glad I went to SPSP14. Overall, the highlights were the dark skies and grouse company. May we spend many more star parties together! :thumbsup:

Now, off to bed.....

[RB]

Good one HeatherStar......:thumbsup:

[Rodstar]

Heather is WavelandScott's wife, whose persona I adopted for the Spit Roast...:lol:

[iceman]

Here's the 2 photos I won with..

1. First prize in the widefield category (Venus, Moon, Jupiter and Spica)
2. Second prize in the solarsystem category (Jupiter)

[iceman]

And some of my field shots.. I didn't take many unfortunately.

I wish I had the camera handy on the way home when the rescue helicopter came in to land on the road, only 5 car lengths ahead of us! An amazing site, as it negotiated the trees and power lines on the way down. Just an incredible site, albeit a sad one when you know what they were there for.

1. Andrew (Rocket Boy)
2. Anna, Petra (SpaceZebra) and Anthony (from Bintel Melbourne)
3. Anthony from Bintel and his nice 12.5" truss dob
4. Chris (33South)
5. Houghy finds the right eyepiece to look through
6. Ian (stringscope)
7. The moon on Saturday night (looked fabulous through Petra's 12" lightbridge)
8. Petra (SpaceZebra) and her LightBridge

[iceman]

And the last couple..

9. Rod, pondering the nights viewing ahead (thinking about putting undies on his head)
10. Rod, thinks his undies on head idea is really clever! :)

Shame we didn't get a photo of that. :lol:

[iceman]

Oh and as expected, a couple of people I forgot to mention meeting and spending some time with..

Greg Bryant
Scott (WavelandScott) and his ever eager son Campbell
GTB_an_Owl (Geoff)

Great to meet everyone.

[GTB_an_Owl]

Rod wasn't the only one thinking about the undies.
I started with my hanky under my hat, draped over the ears - thought about the undies - went back to my camp for a cup of coffee and ended up cutting the end off an old towel, using it like the hanky.
Enabled me to get another 2/3 hours viewing in before quiting for the night.
By the way - did anyone hear what the new fandangled viewing meter said for saturday nite?

[Dennis]

Hey Mike

Great photos - thanks for posting, along with the witty commentaries! Hmm, lots of red noses....cold or too much plonk?

Cheers

Dennis

[RB]

Well back home now with my family who I missed so much and after a good night sleep in a warm bed, and internet access to IIS, things are getting back to normal around here.

The SPSP was a great event, well organised and good facilities.
What made it special for me was the company I was with.
As always, it's who you spend time with at these type of events.

It was great to meet John (Xstream) and his wife Anna, lovely to share time with you guys also Petra thanks for sharing your 12" LB with the 31mm Naggler, great views, I also got to meet Greg Bryant and Mike Sidonio (congrats on your imaging wins). Great to meet Ian (stringscope) congrats on your win in the telescope making comp.

A big thank you to Scott (WavelandScott) for you know what :thumbsup: (I would have starved otherwise :lol: ) and his lovely son Campell who I always look forward to seeing.
Gary from Wildcard, great to catch up with you.
Chris (33south) always great to share your company and humour.
David (Houghy) thank you for your advice and help and for staying up to image and keep me company.

Rod always a pleasure having you around, thank you for a wonderful bottle of Henschke, a beautiful wine indeed. Congrats on winning the door prize, oh wait you weren't even in the running were you?
I'll save the other box of cigars for next time we meet.

Mike-Iceman-Drunkman congrats on your wins in the imaging comp, well done.
I wish I had a video camera the night you had that potent bottle of "grape juice", they should put a warning on the label.
Jupiter must have looked like an open cluster through the eyepiece.

If I have forgotten anyone and I'm sure I have, please forgive me.

Thanks once again everyone for a very memorable time.

[astroron]

I am glad everybody had a great time ,Photos's look cool:lol: ????? How many prizes did Joe Couchi win this year??? with so many brilliant astroimagers around these days I hope the prizes where shared around a bit more than in the past:thumbsup:

[anthony2302749]

Hi all

Being the first SPSP I’ve attended I had a ball. It was just a pleasure to meet and make so many new friends. Had such a great time with John his wife Anna, Petra and David, Houghy and Mike, the list goes on. It was also a great pleasure to meet Glenn Dawes, Gary Kopff and Mark Sutching as well.
Like Mike I took some photos as well and will post them tonight.


Anthony

[h0ughy]

yes Anthony I will do the same. BTW did you forget your shoud? if you did them PM John and Anna;)

I have the images of some things, Rod in Gloves, Mike , Anna and John, Anthony and Roger, David the great Non astronomer:lol: and SpaceZebra (Petra) and many others. I have yet to unpack, I have not even viewed any images yet:( but will do so, saw the comet to the north, and imaged it, as with many other objects. RB, your 20da is awesome:eyepop: I was very impressed, should be some beautiful images of the antare's region and the orion ones (average temp from 10 degrees to when you packed up it was about 3 degrees). Seeing the comet s watchmann was a buzz, thanks John!:thumbsup: I will post some stuff later;)

[moggy]

I had a great time. Got a couple of images which where improvements on previous attempts. It was very cold compared to the last two years I have attended. The centre of the scope field on Saturday night was standing room only. Plenty of scopes and friendly voices to talk with.

[wavelandscott]

Like many I too had an enjoyable time and Campbell was "over the moon"...

I was not prepared well enough for the temperatures that is for sure...good thing I carry around an exra layer of "thinsulate"!

I appreaciate everyone's kindness to Cam and me...he was wandering all over the place talking to all kinds of interesting people...

To my two adopted "family" members...I'm glad the hot food did you some good...having said that, neither of you are as attractive as the real Heather and Thomas...but you are both a bit friendlier...

All in all a good "first SPSP" for the Mitchell clan...I now know better how to prepare for the next one.

It was great to see everyone!

[RB]

One thing I forgot to mention is that Saturday night was very very clear.
It was also the end of daylight saving early on Sunday morning.
So we kept our eyes peeled , and of course I had the camera ready, lo and behold at 2am as if by magic we witnessed the most spectacular event anyone could imagine, the time went back one hour. To see the stars just glide back to the place they were an hour before hand is something I'll never forget.

[Glenn Dawes]

And I suppose you think people are silly enough to believe all the stars just magically moved back in their orbits around the Milky Way! I know for a fact it was the Earth rolling back! If you don't believe me you should have done what I did - close your eyes to feel the Earth move!

Seriously, it was wonderful to see the IIS contingent there and the contributions you made, such as Mike's great wins! (well deserved)
Although the seeing on Saturday night wasn't perhaps as good as early on Friday evening - the Saturday was one of the darkest nights I have ever seen there - I hope everyone soaked it in!

I hope I see a few of the IIS'ers in Frankston over Easter for the NACAA. Anyone, besides me going? If not, I'm happy to give advance notice that the NACAA is likely to return to Sydney in 2008 - so no excuses from the NSW members! (I say likely because it needs to be confirmed yet).

Regards

Glenn

[h0ughy]

when did you sneak in that shot?:rofl:

[RB]

1985......:lol:

Kodak film ISO 400

[xstream]

Arrived home about 5.30pm and just finished unpacking, so we're both very tired and need some dinner.
Great weekend, we'll post more tomorrow.

[spacezebra]

Wow what an excellent long weekend!!!!!!! :thumbsup: just arrived home

Had a great time, :D meet some excellent people,:rofl: got to show off the LB12 :hi: and enjoy all the things that make up a Star Party:astron:.:stargaze::drink:

Like John, will post more tomorrow.

Cheers Petra

[anthony2302749]

Thanks Houghy

Need some type of excuss to get to nexts years SPSP:rofl: Anyway I will PM John and Anna shortly to see if they can post it down to me.

Anthony

P.S. Still working on the photos.

[anthony2302749]

Here are some photos taken on the last day of SPSP. You can see from the first three shot that the observing field was the place to be, while there were all types of scope from your humble Dob through to SCT there was only one Lightbridge present on the field and of course that belong to Petra, :party: :party:

The other shots are of the gang on Sunday morning having breakfast.

Anthony

[[1ponders]]

:rofl: @ Mike :lol: man do you look seedy. :lol:

Would you hire this man? :lol:

Boy I'm glad I wasn't imaging next you h0ughy :scared: At least you would have been warm

[h0ughy]

well here are some images of a eventfull SPSP2006:lol:

ok groupie shot of john, anna, spacezebra and hubby dave!,

Petra

dave (the non astronomer)

roger and andrew from Bintel Melbourne

Denis Zembellis (newcastle astron soc)

nice scope?

chewen the breeze

[[1ponders]]

I'm amazed you are still able to walk after letting off that flash h0ughy :eyepop:

[h0ughy]

more images:D

some locals

the rescue helecopter (trying to blow the cloud away)

field shot

waveland scott? correct this if its wrong mike

have another rod

the group, discussing higher options, mike well on his way.....

checking the scope out

devine thanks for a clear night

[Rodstar]

I never noticed it before, but David (third image on top row of HOughy's first gallery post) looks a lot like Don Burke! Hooroo David, 'til next year!

[[1ponders]]

Great shots Dave. Who's who in the photos??? Mind you I recognize the guy with the gingery beard, blue beanie and bright red eyes. :D

[h0ughy]

and more......

Alan Meehan, cold before we start

Rod in his element, the sludge

John floggin his wares
the vendors row

mike in a helping hand mode

[spacezebra]

Hi Rod and D2

Yes lovely Photos!!!!

Where are the undies on the head shots Rod ?????

Yes D2 - where are the Baked Beans shots????

I had a ball guys - you are truly great Star Party attendees!!

Cheers (a very tired) Petra

[h0ughy]

the wind has ruined the majority of shots I have taken but managed to find some untarnished! these are not processed and are just a converted raw image.

omega centauri,m42, tuc47, antares, acrux, jewelbox, tarantula and i think 3244 aqlthough I cant remember, the comet, and the flame neb. I will post the fimal images when they are completed

[wavelandscott]

No Houghy, that is not me in the picture...I only wish I was that thin and attractive...

[h0ughy]

:lol:

:D any clues then

[iceman]

It's Ian (stringscope) and his son.

[Satchmo]

Another brilliant SPSP star party, my 14th.

My best moment came in the closing moments before astronomical twilight begun on Monday morning, when woken from the first solid sleep of the camp in the clubs Vela cabin by the need for a 'leak' . I stood outside under the most glorious view of a superb night sky with the Galactic Centre almost overhead and took a little time to contemplate its enormity. There was no one up on the field , not a sound , just me and the Universe face to face .

It was breathtaking , reminding me that as strong as our social needs are , the finest moments in connection with Nature are often reserved for those alone moments where there are no distractions. There is no view more direct, immediate and enticing and humbling than being confronted by the Galaxy like that with just our own set of 140 degree apparent field `Naglers' mounted in our heads! Bring on the SPSP 15 ;)

[xstream]

Well, what a great weekend!
Great people, good company new and old. I won't go through all the names as you all know who you are.

It was a more than enjoyable weekend, funny enough I didn't do all that much observing as I spent most of the time socialising but the observing I did get in was excellent.

I don't think I've laughed so much in ages. I can't remember what Jupiter looked like on Saturday night Mike, can you remind me? :lol:

Anna and I had real blast over the weekend. Thanks to you all for making it so enjoyable.

Here's a few pics.

1. Dave (Houghy), Dave, Petra, Mai, Gary, Roger, Anthony, Anna.
2. Dave (Houghy), Dave, Petra.
3. The Scumbags Cocktail Party.
4. Ian, Mike.
5. IIS Gathering.
6. The Light Bridge.

[xstream]

Here's a few more.

1, 2 & 3 Sunday morning on the field.
4. Home Time.
5. Sharon & Tony.
6. Sleeping Beauty.
7. Sunday breakfast.
8. A view from Wiruna.

[Starkler]

Looks like you all had a great time, I might make the pilgrimmage next year :)

[Rodstar]

Glad you made it home safely, John and Anna. And thanks for the pics. The memories come flooding back. Very much hoping to catch up again next year!

[xstream]

Thanks Rod. You bet we will mate, Anna's started the countdown already. ;)

[h0ughy]

Nice Pics John,

BTW who was sleeping beauty?

[xstream]

He's a bit difficult to recognise without the Y-fronts on the head. :whistle: :rofl:

[h0ughy]

:lol: :lol: :lol: Hello ROD:D

[RB]

Glad you got home safely John, thanks so much for a terrific time.
What an awesome time it was splitting Antares with the 31mm Nagler in the 12" LB.......:lol:
Remember?:P

[xstream]

Thanks Andrew it was a blast.

Yes mate. That must be the reason why his eyes were so red; Eye strain. :rofl: :rofl: :rofl:

[spacezebra]

Hi all

I would like to extend a big thinkyou to all - you made my very first Star Party a wonderful experince. I laughed :lol::rofl:and talked so much I have a sore throat.

Anna and I are now making plans to head off to the Texas Star Party (ooops did I say that out loud, sorry John someone has to stay at home and water the plants).

Cheers Petra (will post a few of my shots soon).