how much sky in your backyard

[traveller]

The weather has been lousy for the last couple of months in Melbourne, I am sure I am not the only person to complain about that.
Stepping out into the backyard last night, it struck me how much (or little) observable sky I have. Guess that's one major disadvantage of living within 10km of CBD, and the light pollution.
Here are four photos, from left to right: E, NE, NW and W.
The trees are a hassle, but at least they give a bit of shade in the summer heat.
How much observable sky do you have?
Bo

[ZeroID]

Interesting. I have a 'slice' of sky that varies from about 45 to 120 degrees wide but it's value is that it is oriented Nth\Sth so I get about 35 Nth and about 25 Sth with a good SCP view ( once I 'trim' an old orange tree). My eastern horizon is nonexistent, about 80 degree almost due to close trees but that is also CBD LP so almost unusable and my western horizon is about 45 degees.
Eventually everything will pass overhead during the year so I don't complain about a lack of sky.

[ballaratdragons]

If I do Visual Astronomy from my back paddock where the Clubroom is I get 360 degrees of totally unobstructed view, right down to the tree-line in the far distance.

If I do my Video Astronomy from my back yard I get about 300 degrees unobstructed view, consisting of Tree Obstruction only up to about 35 - 40 degrees on the north, and a small part of the sky up to about 25 degrees on the South.

Here's a pic of looking East from the unobstructed view from the back paddock/clubroom:

[Pinwheel]

Mine is almost as good.. The view is sadly the same in all directions. :D I could happily share it with others, But nobody believes me.. :welcome:

[mill]

I have a clear sky to the East, South, West, North with the N/E hindered by trees.
Also Melbournenites get your scopes out tonight because it will be clear and it is Friday :cool:

[troypiggo]

My horizon (http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/showthread.php?t=81451)

[mishku]

Oooh, I love those gorgeous Wimmera-Mallee skies!! I suffer the same fate as Bo - while living on the doorstep of the CBD is terribly convenient for Friday Night Drinks, it is ghastly for astro. *sigh*

[Pinwheel]

Come up!! byo telescope & drinks. 8.8 Hec/acres, hell I have room for a suburb of star watches.:eyepop:

[mishku]

Hahaha i might just take you up on that... Road trip, Bo?? Where abouts do you live, Doug?

[ballaratdragons]

Hmmmmm . . only 129k west from me.
Sounds good Bo :thumbsup:

[Pinwheel]

I would have joined you SVAA years ago but honestly...No need, it's all here for free. No insult intended.

[mill]

Ken it is 224K according to Google maps.

[FlashDrive]

I believe you .... ;) ... wish I had a back yard like that..!!

and ..... MP3 player (Pink Floyd ) ... I used to listen to that ( Pink Floyd ) ... kinda " messes " with your head :P that sorta music.

Flash :hi:

[Pinwheel]

PM sent twice but nothing indicates it went,:shrug: so..! Pm me if nothing is received.

[Pinwheel]

You foolishly assume I put the exact position in my profile. Have to be careful from the Astroban..:rofl:
No jokes a side it's correct....LOL

[Pinwheel]

DOOF DOOF IS WORSE....:lol:

[mishku]

Hahaha I got em, thanks :D

You do indeed have excellent skies where you are!! I have friends who live juuuuust up the road from you, and they have sensational views. Depending on where we're headed, or whether we need to head into town first before hitting the farm, we actually come right through your little town!

Last time I was up there, I set up camp in the back yard and was positively overwhelmed by how much I could see!! Much time was spent with the trusty ol' planisphere that night while I tried to sort myself out :)

[Pinwheel]

Well then you know the deal, The skies are unreal. just make sure you drop in one day and grab some free range eggs...invitation is open.

[traveller]

Tonight is definitely a viewing night, who knows maybe even tomorrow night :D
With two young kids under 6, time is somewhat a precious commodity at present.
I think the best I can do is some local parks for now. but watch out for
PMs your inner Melbourne latte sipping, bike riding, tree hugging hippies! Wait, that's me ;)
Bo

[mishku]

Cheers, guys!! :) Would you believe that Im flying off on holidays first thing in the morning, so now the skies are *FINALLY* clear, I have to have an early night??

Mishku sobs quietly... Bring on Snake Valley!!

[Pinwheel]

Bugger the Hippy's you just missed lambing, Upto a few weeks ago we had some orphan lambs to feed & cuddle. Great experiance for little kids. My wife still gets cluky when Spring comes around.

[swannies1983]

My sky isn't too bad. A few spots obstructed by trees, a small undercover area, weather station and roof of house. Overall sky is quite dark, except northern sky. South and west are pretty good, particularly west as we aren't far away from the coast. South will probably get worse as housing increasing. Attached are a few pictures.

Pic 1: North West. Most imaging done in this area so far. Sky relatively dark
Pic 2: Towards the west. Major source of blockage.
Pic 3: Towards ESE. Fairly dark.
Pic 4: North. House in the way, plus my worst sky for light pollution.
Pic 5: South. Good dark skies.

[ballaratdragons]

No insult taken :lol:

But it's not just the skies that people join for. It's the get-togethers and the opportunity to borrow scopes, books and accessories.

Not so much yourself. You may already have great gear, but for others. :thumbsup: