Pony Club meet 28 May or 4 June

[Rick Petrie]

Getting on to those crisp clear winter nights so just thought I'd post an early to see those interested in going on the Sat 28th May and an alternative if the weather doesn't play this day, the 4th June. Both close to the new moon.
Cheers:thumbsup:

[Deeno]

28th would be good for me

[Rodstar]

I would very much like a Pony Club session on the 28th.

I will be in Paris on the 4th of June ;-)

[Zincberg]

Either or Both for me. Loving these clear nights... now if someone could just turn off that huge light that drifts slowly across the sky Id be even happier

[Markaus]

Hi guys, id like to try to attend if thats ok? Whats the address so i can plug it into my GPS....

[gb_astro]

Hi Markaus.

Info here:
http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/showthread.php?t=26142

gb.

[ausastronomer]

Hi Rod,

I might just be able to make it on the 28th. I will be back up the coast that weekend. I will be moving out of my unit into a house in Kiama on the 4th June, which I am looking forward to. Great ocean views to the front of the house and views of the hills and escarpment to the back of the house. About mag 6 skies at the back of the house so that should work nicely :)

Cheers,
John B

[Rodstar]

John,

It'll be great if you can make it.

With mag 6 skies, you never know, one day Kiama might just be down the road from my place.;)

[GTB_an_Owl]

i'm sorry to have to spoil the party lads and lasses

BUT

i have just been notified that we can't use the PC on the 28th

pony club has a two day event on that weekend and there will be people (and horses) camping on the sat nite

BUGGER

geoff

[Rick Petrie]

Thanks Geoff, that's a bummer.:(
Maybe the 4th June then??
Do you know whether they have an events program that we could have access to for future organisation of PC meets?

[gb_astro]

Hey Rick, how many scopes can we fit in your driveway?
:)

Greg.

[bahoogas]

I was going to suggest that we turn up anyway, but there's probably a good chance of stepping in horse poo.

I'm up for Rick's driveway. He could cook us a feast.

[Allan_L]

Speaking of stepping in some ..., James What is that in your Avitar??? :confused2:

[Allan_L]

Hi Rick,
A google search reveals their web site
http://www.mangrovemountainponyclub.pcansw .org.au/

and a download provides their events calendar for 2011
(but I cannot load it here because it is file type xls and not valid file type to load here?)

[bahoogas]

My best effort to date Allan. Just imagine the relief I felt afterwards!

It was actually a sculpture in a park near Ballina. I'm not sure what it was supposed to look like but I could only think of one thing...

I've attached a close up so you can inspect its form and structure, and maybe make some inferences about its firmness, consistency and odour.

[Allan_L]

LOL !
YES! So much more impressive in close up!

not much more I can say really :lol:

[Arthur Alchin]

won't be able to go to either night, working the 28th and a work social night with donated wine on the 4th. BUMMER.

[Rick Petrie]

Probably not many Greg and the horizon has too many trees.
Seeing as the PC is out for the 28th, I have been investigating an alternative temporary site on the CC near here which may have potential.
I have looked at it already in daylight and it has vehicle access, no street lights or others at all, level ground to set up, nice wide horizon, tree surrounds, up high and looks promising.
The sky wouldn't be super dark, probably no better than the PC, but I need to check out all the possibilities first. Will need to obtain a key for a gate opening for vehicular access.
Will keep informed after further investigations.:thumbsup:

[Rodstar]

Rick, I will be very interested to hear of any developments re your possible alternative proposal......

[Arthur Alchin]

There is a private airstrip at somesby, don't know much other than that or the old Strickland forrest airstrip where they fly the model planes now.

Possibly the mangrove mountain golf course or maybe a cemetery (now they are dark!) Will have a look at Google earth for possibles also

[Allan_L]

I found a site with potential.
South Tacoma.

A large cleared field in the midst of natural bush.
Off street parking lot.

Name on gate says Wyong River Model Aero Club (or similar).
But I cannot locate anything on google as a contact.

will keep looking.

(if nothing eventuates, may have to go to Broke.
Dark skies, but very limited horizons due to trees
About an hour northwest of Wyong.
(You remember Rick, its on the way to Dunedoo via Windsor :P )

[Shano592]

Broke would be interesting, if you could get up to the top of one of the hills ... then there would be no horizon issues.

Also, because it is near all of the wineries, I could drop Sue off there, and head back in the evening. Win/win!

[Rick Petrie]

I remember Al, and how could we let you forget it.:lol:
Further update on my investigations of potential alternative sites when PC not available, and it looks like we would be snookered at the site I had in mind, by having to get official approval and probably require, if approved, some type of insurance. Oh well, something else might crop up?
Arthur, checked Mangrove Mtn golf course and lights of car park would be present and you would also need to get approval for this one I'd imagine. I also think the airfield at Somersby would have a glow problem from Gosford/Narara. As far as cemeteries go, I would think you could only see the 'Ghost of Jupiter' from them.:shrug:

[Filby]

Whats the go peeps?
Found a good spot?

[GTB_an_Owl]

yep Phill

the lounge room

nice warm dry spot to keep out of the rain and avoid seeing all the cloud

geoff

[Allan_L]

:lol: ... and how many scopes can fit in your lounge room, Geoff ?? :lol:

more importantly, are the Pie warmer and Fridge available ?:eyepop:

[GTB_an_Owl]

now then Allan - behave!

just cause you can't get out with the scope

be patient till next week

geoff

[Filby]

Yeah, looks like I'll have to put up some fairy lights and look at them through a dunny roll.
:lol:

[Inmykombi]

2 x dunny rolls and you have some wicked binos there Phil....:rofl:

[Rick Petrie]

The sixty four dollar question. (now where did that phrase originate??):question:
Will this weather buzz off for Saturday night and who will make their presence felt at the PC?????? :rolleyes:

[Inmykombi]

If the weather is good for viewing, I will be a volunteer at the Parramatta Park Stargazing Night this Saturday with my scope setup for the piblic to look through.. I almost forgot about itactually....

I am sorry I will miss the PC, but I will get a buzz out of showing the Public the night sky. Last year the weather was @#$%^&*(. So this year I hope its good.

See ya next time folks.

Sorry.

Geoffro.

[ausastronomer]

Well Rick if you must know, it originated from a late 1940's American TV show called "take it or leave it", where the final question was worth $64. Which I guess in those days would have bought you a new house :rofl: In 1950, the show actually changed its name to the "$64 question". Some trivia for you :lol:

Cheers,
John B

[Rick Petrie]

Thanks for that John.:)
But of course you're showing your age now mate by telling me this.:lol:
But that's another $64 question.;)

[Amunous]

I dont know if carly and i will make the PC this weekend i organised a lan as i thought we were going up last weekend. I might be able to sneak away for a bit ill see how we go.

[GTB_an_Owl]

then don't forget to return my key Michael

thanks geoff

[Allan_L]

Do we know if we can access facilities with the old keys Geoff ?

I am hopeful of a good night's viewing.
Is 7 timer looking favourable?

[gb_astro]

Forcast is mostly cloudy all night. :(

Greg.

[Amunous]

ill drop them off tomorrow owl.

[GTB_an_Owl]

thanks Michael

sat was looking good after midnite - but that has now changed

just have to keep an eye and hope for the best

don't know whether we have access to the clubhouse yet - will fire off an email later

geoff

[GTB_an_Owl]

just been advised - no access to club house yet
stll not finished internally

geoff

[GTB_an_Owl]

given the latest radar pic, i reckon we better get the TV guide out now, and decide what we are going to watch to-nite

geoff

[Rick Petrie]

Yeah the radar loop indicates it may clear a little by about 12 as this cloud band pushes through, but it will be too late to set up then.:shrug:
We don't seem to have much luck around new moon times on Saturdays. Bummer again!:screwy:
Pity it's not the long weekend this one, as we could try for tomorrow.:P

[Allan_L]

I'm OK for tomorrow night :)

[Inmykombi]

I didnt go to Sydney for the Parramatta Park Observing night either.
The weather just does not want to play the game.

I cant do tomorrow night.

Well I guess we wait till next New Moon again.

See ya later Alligator.

geoffro.

[sasup]

anybody up for tonight?

[Allan_L]

After just reading what they have been up to at Eungella, I am very seriously considering it.

Won't take much to talk me into it I reckon.

Any more prospectives? :poke:

[Rick Petrie]

Was seriously thinking about it Stacey and Allan but alas it seems that more cloud is rolling in from the west and will probably be over us at early evening.
Just can't crack it lately and it has been such a good day up till now.
Will look again in another couple of hours.

[bahoogas]

I'm in if the weather plays nice.

[GTB_an_Owl]

7timer says cloud till after midnite

geoff

[bahoogas]

damn 7-timer. cloudless sky in terrigal at the moment

[Allan_L]

From Wyong I can see periodic clouds coming from the West in general direction of PC.

will try to get a 7 timer update but I am thinking home tonight may be best

[Mars]

OMG you organised a LAN... and I wasn't invited!?
Just kidding :lol: It's a bit far to drive anyway :rofl:

Say, what games do you play?