Queensland Astrofest 2012 - looking forward to this one

[h0ughy]

isnt it funny that this time of year keeps getting earlier and earlier for applying for leave to attend.........

I havent really done anything since Astrofest 2011 so this years event will be special ;) Ahhhh you can just smell the photons (or is that the ozone from the storms you guys are having there (bugger that Indian ocean oscellation index)

[peter_4059]

Ah yes - must put in my leave request! Hope the weather improves though.

[jjjnettie]

LOL The weather can't get much worse can it?
We're expecting 6-8 inches of rain in the next 24 hours.

[h0ughy]

the indian ocean oscillation index means that a steady stream of moisture laiden air will be streaming across the country from west to east - lol much like it is now for the rest of the year. i am booking those two weeks in advance that they will be clear

[jjjnettie]

I might run up a few water proof scope covers to sell on camp. Could have made a small fortune the year before last. LOL

[acropolite]

Last year HRH couldn't get leave, hopefully this year we can make it.

@ jjj Perhaps you should take the machine and whip some up on site through the day.....

[h0ughy]

:rofl: JJJ might be too hungover from processing the preceding nights intake :help: thoug hthe neckwarmers are a winner

[jjjnettie]

Daytime is for sleeping and processing. LOL

[allan gould]

Or watching the Big Bang

[jjjnettie]

:thumbsup: I'm doing a Big Bang marathon right now. :D

[Tandum]

Any idea of dates? July or August?

nettie, just heard a warning for kilcoy on the radio, your water supply has been contaminated, boil all drinking water.

[jjjnettie]

I heard about that this arvo. The Council is giving out free bottled water. Got floods about to happen atm too.

[stanlite]

we might have to invest in a media sever lol :question: for tv shows >_>

[acropolite]

Grady, Strong (only the chinese would come up with a name like that) make a cheap set top box with USB that sells for around $50 and can take a USB HDD and record from the program guide. It also doubles as a media player. I run it with a Seagate 500G non powered USB drive to minimise power use.

[Grimmeister]

Hi All,

Has anyone heard if registration is open for Astrofest 2012 yet? and if so who would be the best contact so I can make a reservation?

Thanks in advance.

Cheers

Anthony

[mozzie]

just noticed the dates on web site 10-19 aug :thumbsup::thumbsup:taking a couple of weeks of work to put the pool in first week of august.oh there's plenty of time to do the last 3 nights and the pool the misses will just have to get over taking more time of work :lol::lol:geez i hope she doesn't read this i can feel the smack over the back of my head :)

[citivolus]

The site will be updated and registration will be opening soon. I expect that Houghy will again be hovering over the "Register" button.

If anyone notices any errors on the site once this year's updates go live in the next day or so, please feel free to let me know.

[whzzz28]

Would love to attend - never been to a star party before, so why not :)

Somehow i doubt ill be able to get time off work though. Might have to limit it to the weekend, which doesn't leave a lot of time.

[jjjnettie]

:) Nathan, you won't regret it.
Looking forward to seeing you there.

[Grimmeister]

I am definitly hovering over that registration button :D

leave approved? check
Tent purchased? Check
stockup on remaining kit required for the weekend? check
double checking equipment is ready? check
clean undies packed? check
Toothbrush? check
................


Oh so many things to prepare :eyepop:

[Tandum]

It takes a braver man than me to tent it at astro fest. I salute you and could possibly award a pretend medal if goes below zero.. Nice warm bunk beds for me thank you.

ohhh. I'm in NZ right now :D

[jjjnettie]

I've tented it a few times. The frozen dew drops clinging to the fabric of the tent look very pretty in the morning light. :)
The first year I attended it got down to -7. No kidding.
Don't forget to pack the thermal undies and extra socks.

[citivolus]

-7 in a tent is nothing. Try -15 in a pine branch lean-to. :lol:

[mozzie]

i'll book one of the family rooms again..nice and walm!!!!!

[whzzz28]

Was going to tent it up, but... -7 degrees... Hiring a bunk seems like a good idea now.

I can hear my laptop screaming as well. Might need to look at some sort of heating for the screen or something, and a waterproof cover for it all.

[h0ughy]

you use a cardboard box - BYO or get one up there - better byo as there may be a rush ;)

[jjjnettie]

I use a black plastic recycling box tipped on it's side. It's plenty roomy and the heat from the lappy vent keeps it warm inside.

Hee hee, I've ordered a pair of USB powered, heated woolen fingerless gloves for this year.
I should buy a portable USB power supply to go with it so I'm not tethered to the laptop too. LOL
http://www.dealextreme.com/p/usb-heated-warm-gloves-for-men-black-pair-30367

[whzzz28]

High security AND security!
Still... not enough security for me.

[jjjnettie]

LOL I should order another pair for extra security I think. Or for keeping those eyepieces warm. (yes, I do visual now too)

[Davros]

I am desperate for my astro fix. Work keeps me away from the sky far too much. I will be there for the whole time again. LOVE Astrofest. I will be in the camper trailer this year. And i will be bringing the dob as well as the ED80. Its fun to have something to look at while the camera does its thing.

[citivolus]

It must be a clear night in Newcastle. Houghy hasn't registered yet :rofl:

[h0ughy]

well?

[AstroJunk]

First booking 2 years in a row! I'll have to see if there is any of that port left :rofl:

[h0ughy]

LOL , BTW was there no photo option this year? And i want a special badge ;)

[allan gould]

Registered for the 10 days and can't wait

[jjjnettie]

Everyone gets the photo for free Dave. :)
I registered today, and am still waiting for my confirmation email.

[citivolus]

Yes, the photo will be available for download this year. This will ease the load on the coordinators as well as make it available to everyone. There is a bit more information about it on the registration information page.

[alan meehan]

Houghy and I booked today ,first in best dressed
AL

[mozzie]

booked for the last 3 nights,bringing young lachlan again!!!!!

decided to put the pool in after we come back -one must get priorities wright

[h0ughy]

thats great, now just tell him that real astronomers use cameras;):rofl: and that the best side of the field is the imaging side:D:P

[mozzie]

well david i'm in two minds what to do!!!!!!!!!!set the scope up in visual and do some sketching!!!!!!or set up in imaging with my i-phone and steady pix adapter hhhmm!!!!! and blow the imagining section away probably will be the best photo's there :D:lol::rofl: oh dear i can here the repercussions!!!!!!!!
looking forward to catching up...

wow setup for tonight and a massive thunder storm is rolling in just shut the pod up hopefully it blows over...

[whzzz28]

[rubbing it in mode] Beautiful skies here. Left my scope out after last nights run so i didn't have to align it again.

Ontopic - still not sure if i can get time off. May be weeks yet before i know; hopefully it won't fill up too fast!

[stanlite]

ahhh the fest ... may the weather be ever with you ... things on the list to get before this year.

1. new primary scope (check)
2. new dew system
3. warm footwear
4. warm clothing
5. fix QHY8L camera :(
6. Losmandy G11 G :D
>_>
<_<
7. money for Losmandy G11
8. shower tent (astro cave)

[jjjnettie]

Does it have a handy dandy rear flap like Allan's?


Allan? Allan? Allan? :rofl:

[stanlite]

how do you think i intend to pay for the G11 :P

allan allan allan ... wait his name was steve ... Steve steve steve

[jjjnettie]

:thumbsup:
hee hee hee
:rofl:

[allan gould]

The rear flap may be open for business as I have to pay for my new lodestar guider camera somehow, bUt only open for a select few.
Passing trade gets a 20% surcharge :D

[jjjnettie]

You guys make me laugh. I have tears streaming down my face.

I'd like to offer my services as Pimpette. Once I get the drivers working on this new computer, I'll print out some "Get it Here" signs for you. :)

[stanlite]

how much is your service charge jj ... i want the G11 before astrofest after all :P

[whzzz28]

And forgot to mention - got the time off work so i will be there for the full 10 days.

Hope to meet some members of IIS there. You won't miss me, ill be the one hovering around listening to the wiser words of the experienced.

[jjjnettie]

Don't just hover Nathan, make yourself known. :)
You won't miss the IIS crew, we mainly hang out around the Rotunda.
Though I'd say that at least 80% of the people attending the camp are members though they haven't come out of the closet about it.

[troypiggo]

I think Allan is out of the closet.

[Davros]

Well at least bits of him :P:P:P:P:P:P:P:P

[jjjnettie]

This is the rear of Allans astro tent from last year for those who weren't there.

[Tandum]

I thought you where talking about that other tent photo, the silhouette:)

I'm booked, Wed-Sat (inc). I'm told I have to bring the trophy back :(

[jjjnettie]

LOL I had a giggle looking at that one again.
tsk tsk tsk, Grady and Alison, sitting in a tent......:rofl:

[stanlite]

what happens at astro fest stays at astro fest >_>

[jjjnettie]

Of course. But it's got you a bit worried hasn't it. :lol:
My work here is done.

[hikerbob]

Leave application is in and booking is made for the 10 days this time. Just a few other details to sort, my camera didn't survive the day last wednesday so hopefully thats fixable for a sane price.

Bob

[peter_4059]

Leave booked, registration complete, freezer suit due next week and a new toy supposed to arrive any day now :D

Can't wait!

[jjjnettie]

:) Looking forward to catching up with everyone again.
I'll be there for the entire camp, again. :)

[stanlite]

Leave booked, registration complete, freezer suit due next week and a new toy supposed to arrive any day now

Can't wait!


What new toy ??? tell us ... tell us now :P

[jjjnettie]

Please, anyone who is going to Astrofest.
NO LAST MINUTE PURCHASES!!!

[stanlite]

unless it is something based on this

http://www.usatoday.com/news/world/2006-06-29-china-rain_x.htm

[Nortilus]

to go or not to go...money is the question

[hotspur]

Is it too late to book in? Had an astronomer here last night who is booked in with his large tent,and invited me down for a couple of week nights.Last I heard it was booked out.

[thunderchildobs]

Looking at the website, there is plenty of room left.

Brendan

[Davros]

From past experience it wont be booked out. I will have to pull my finger out and book next pay week.

[hotspur]

Thanks Brendan,I will get on to that,was talking with Anthony (in BAS) last night about it-cheers

[h0ughy]

whaddaya mean JJJ:lol:

[allan gould]

Just bring all the equipment that you have bought but not used to date.
That should fill your trailer up!

[jjjnettie]

No no no no, that's NOT what I mean.
If the gear hasn't been used, you'll only be dragging the cloud up behind you.

[h0ughy]

its only a scope and camera.....;)

[jjjnettie]

YOU my friend are being banished to the visual field.

[h0ughy]

nnnooooooooooooooooooooo!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[astro_south]

Yeehah!

Just booked for Mon - Sat.

Really looking forward to catching up with some old friends I haven't seen in a while and also to do some observing (which i haven't done in a while ;) ).

I should be good for some all-nighters too ... after getting back from Senegal on the 9th :) . I would like to have booked in for the whole event, but I need to see the family and spend some time at home :D

the count down begins .... :thumbsup:

[jjjnettie]

1 month, 23 days, 11 hours and 5 minutes to go. :)

[h0ughy]

i must start to pack.......

[jjjnettie]

:rofl:

[mozzie]

no jjj we don't want david bringing the cloud onto the viewing field!!!!!!!!:lol:

[strongmanmike]

Hmmm?...left that a bit late haven't you :eyepop::rofl:

[h0ughy]

hey i am cutting back on the gear this year!!!!!:P

[jjjnettie]

See, if you left it at my place, you wouldn't have to worry about all that packing.

[h0ughy]

quite true - i wonder if they would allow a container to stay on the property so we could store the gear ;)

JK there would be no way i would leave my stuff up there - you guys would make short work of it i am sure ;)

i am planning on using the hyper star this year for something different, never used it before so this would be a perfect opportunity to get it right LOL. then if that fails i can use it as a visual scope.............i am also planning to take the ed80 and the lunt to get some daytime action......... also will be testing out the eclipse setup. i decided on taking the 30D with the 10mm fisheye lens for totality on the polarie and the 60D with the 70-200 L lens for the eclipse shots on the astrotrac. between you paul and all the others up there the photons will have been sucked out of the sky before we get there....:P

[allan gould]

Holy smoke, you'll be going like a bat out of hell. :eyepop:
Oh well it will provide us with lite amusement and a thesaurus update on colloquialisms used by those South of the border.

[Nortilus]

im paid and booked and ready to come to my first astrofest...so excited...any tips for a newbie...

[Davros]

Hot water bottle or two are your friends. Keep your head warm (it gets freezing cold) and buy a phone card before you get there. Dew control is also a big thing.

[jjjnettie]

It still gets quite warm during the day though. So you need to be able to dress for all 4 seasons.

[whzzz28]

Not sure about you, but that flap is mighty tempting...

[hikerbob]

Josh make sure you are set up so that a short interuption to mains power does not cost you a lot of setup time. Judging from the comments from the imaging field if the power gets knocked off it does not sound like everyone does that.

Bob

[stanlite]

given we are now under a month till the event, i am putting in place an Astronomical purchase embargo on all those intending to come. This is so the weather gods have no need to send us punishing rain for all those new purchases making an appearance at said event. Given the unusual amount of rain in Brisbane this week i am inclined to believe that some significant purchasing of equipment has been taking place (of which i myself am guilty) ... also who is bringing this years goat for sacrifice ???? :prey:

[RobF]

Good plan Grady. Any new purchases between now and AF are to be raffled during the week ! ;) :lol:

[h0ughy]

dont look at me - i have bought nothing....... reallly:rofl:

[jjjnettie]

So if they were ordered a week ago it's all good? Phew

[stanlite]

i may or may not have received delivery of a G11 on Monday ... it was paid for the week before though so all good on my end >_> ...

<_<

must get that goat soon though ...

[jjjnettie]

I have a "goat" of a scope that can be sacrificed. A 76mm reflector.

[acropolite]

hmm .... Pagan rituals ..... this might come in handy... http://www.witchway.net/ritual/ritual.html. :rofl:

[RobF]

I don't see the iconic "Clewd Disappear....!" in those spells Phil!?

[jjjnettie]

I have it on the iPhone. I shall play it tonight and just watch , tomorrow will be clear. :)

[Davros]

So stoked, just got my booking in. I will be there for the whole time minus the last Saturday feast night. I am looking forward to trying to get my setup up and guiding. Hopefully i havent left the purchase of a couple of bits too late for shipping like i did last year :P:P damn work keeps getting in the way of my hobbies :D

[glenc]

Attached is a list of 112 clusters, nebulae and galaxies to view or image while you are the astrofest.
The visual observers will probably see most of them, the imagers might capture a few :)
The objects have RA greater than 13 and declination less than 50.
Vmag is the visual magnitude
SBr is the surface brightness
L & W are the length and width in arcmins
RA is in h m s
dec is in d m

These objects were selected from http://www.klima-luft.de/steinicke/ngcic/ngcic_e.htm

[allan gould]

Glen
That's a great list and I'm sure will be used by me as well as others at Astrofest.

[batema]

Thank you Glen.

[RobF]

Thanks Glen
Are you bringing the big binocs? (are you bringing you?! :P)
Would be cool to put them on my new home-brew parallelogram for spin sometime!

[glenc]

Yes, I will bring the 20x80s and a 16" Dob.
See the image for a great way to observe.
Thanks Rob.

[glenc]

In the USA, and elsewhere, they have Messier Marathons where they try to look at all of the 109 Messier objects in one night.
I am planning to do a Dunlop Marathon during the Qld Astrofest and attempt to see 150 Dunlop objects in one night.
If you want to join me go to http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/showthread.php?t=79654
James Dunlop catalogued these objects in 1826 from Parramatta, NSW with a 9" aperture reflector.
http://eprints.jcu.edu.au/10919/

[h0ughy]

Its not looking flash for the first weekend but the last weekend looks good with a mixed bag inbetween

[whzzz28]

You really like to rain on our parade don't you :P

Seriously though, long term forecasts are rarely even close to accurate.

[Davros]

Not to worried. I think it will take me at least a night or two to get everything running together happily. Good practice time.

[mozzie]

well me and my young fella won't be coming this year....i had to cancel the building trade has been a little quiet just like the rest of the country and iv'e just picked up a heap of brickwork and i'm not going to let it go,well see you all at the next astrofest...

[h0ughy]

fair enough Peter - you can be our sacrifice;) will be sad you are not there though:sadeyes:

[mozzie]

:lol::lol:

yes david was really looking forward to going!!!!!!!!!!!!!

but it has been real quiet even scary on the work front.i think the building trade it's self is quiet..have to take all work available...

[h0ughy]

I have been contemplating my navel – that’s no mean feat. A question has been pondering, lingering, bothering me – what to take to the eclipse. So this is a very directed question to those that are attending Queensland Astrofest and who will be driving up to Cairns in November. Would you have room for a HEQpro5, tripod and battery? . Also I would be entrusting you with my mount until Astrofest next year. :help:

I am prepared to chip in some fuel money, and you would have the use of the mount until the next Astrofest when I can pick it back up?:thumbsup:

I am trying to work out my logistics for this year………
:confused2:

[jjjnettie]

:) hope you're all packing yer winter woollies. It was -2 in town this morning. The frost was thick on the ground. The front steps were slick with ice.
Duckadang would have been at least 4 degrees colder. Brrrr

[allan gould]

Thanks for the heads up JJJ

[Nortilus]

i went and bought some extra warm clothes today...gotta borrow some winter blankets from mum yet...LOL

[thunderchildobs]

It would be nice if everyone reads the camp rules ( http://www.qldastrofest.org.au/registration/Registration%20booklet%202012.pdf ) about noise in and around the bunk houses.

Couldn't believe it last year when on a cloudy night I went to bed 11:00pm to waken at 11:30pm by someone to decided to play a DVD on full volume in the bunk house. :(

Almost everyone shows consideration, but there always seem to be one who doesn't.

[hotspur]

Minus five last two mornings,complete white out everywhere-looks like westerly winds,so might get quite cool at astrofest this year.

[hotspur]

I'm not going to cairns for eclipse David,but if you need a staging post-you can store and re collect gear here,if needed,not far from astrofest site.goodluck

[alan meehan]

OH! I better pack some more wollen socks it sounds a bit cooold up there
AL

[h0ughy]

well given the response i shelved the idea:lol:

[h0ughy]

one lone shopping bag is not enough clothing Al :lol:;)

[Tandum]

Just bring an extra bottle of rum :)

[jjjnettie]

Given the amount of gear you take Dave, Al only has room for one shopping bag on his lap. :rofl:

[h0ughy]

hey you will be surprised this trip--------------:rofl:

[whzzz28]

Oh boy. BOM forecast:
Friday: Cold and windy.
Saturday: Cool.

Thank god i just purchased a bunch more clothes.

[h0ughy]

please is there anyone going who has a canon60D - i have placed my disc in a very safe place:confused2::screwy: - so until i can find that may i be able to borrow someones so i can load the drivers and the other software for camera control? if you are there friday or saturday be even better;)

[h0ughy]

oh how i hope this trend is true.....toowoomba and kilcoy predictions

[glenc]

Cold nights to start with and warming up.

[OneCosmos]

I don't want to rain on the parade, but 7Timer seems to be predicting fog!

http://www.7timer.com/index.php?product=civil&lang=en&lon=152.24069499999996&lat=-26.749933

:(

[troypiggo]

Stop talking about it. You'll all jinx it! :)

[OneCosmos]

yeah, you might be right because whilst astronomy is a science, meteorology isn't ;) so I'll consult the tea leaves tomorrow.:D

[Clancy Lane]

Houghy,

I will be at Duckadang on Friday to set up the caravan...... will bring my 60Da disc with me so you can load up your drivers etc .

regards,

Phil

[jjjnettie]

Duckadang weather is closest to the Ipswich forecast, as a rule, just subtract 2 or 3 degrees from the minimum. :)
Chris, if this breezy weather keeps up, the fog should be kept at bay.
My biggest concern is the fact that every man and his dog is burning off at the moment. There's been a lot of smoke around the past few days. But it's "that" time of year, and there's not much we can do about it. A lot of folks don't bother with a permit. :(
Wheeeee! 5 sleeps to go.

[h0ughy]

thanks - in case that doesnt work I have another from Astrotourist that can fit the bill - you guys are tops with the reply - thanks:thumbsup:

[Davros]

Three days to go - just sayin :P:P:P:P

[Nortilus]

im super excited now...car half packed

[RB]

Give this a go Dave, see if this 60D download page works for you.

http://www.usa.canon.com/cusa/support/consumer/eos_slr_camera_systems/eos_digital_slr_cameras/eos_d60#DriversAndSoftware

:)

[h0ughy]

thanks Andrew - thats the update there - i need to get an original version on the system before i can use that update linked files.

[RB]

Ah I see.
How about this bit of info, hope this works....

http://www.northlight-images.co.uk/article_pages/install_canon_software.html#get_can on_software

[ZeroID]

Have a good one guys, I am expecting to see lots of pix and hear lots of stories, not necessarily censored. ;)

[OneCosmos]

That's fine, my wife never reads this forum - always a great place to hide equipment :D

[COSMOPARADISE]

Agghhh just saw rego is closed.... well might check ticketek....agghhh none there either....
Hopefully there will be room for my tent for the last 4 days, finally got time off work.
Will be nice to see everyone again and add some quality, unpolluted data to my growing library of unprocessed fits.

[jjjnettie]

Oh boy....the threads would be deleted if we allowed the uncensored truth to come out.
:D 3 sleeps to go now.
Astro gear is sorted and boxed, snack box filled, alkehol bought and day clothes packed.

[Davros]

3 days to go

Camper trailer half in pieces "being fixed" - check
No warm clothes bought or packed - check
Astro gear not field tested - check
Electrical gear all over the house - check
New power system for camper trailer still under construction - check
Absolutely nothing packed or sorted - check

:P:P:P:P:P:P:P:P:P:P:P:P:P:P:P:P:P: P

[h0ughy]

does anyone have a shrinking ray......





I have heaps of stuff everywhere - oh what to take.....what to take.....:question:

[jjjnettie]

You get told every year Dave. Just leave your gear at my place and pick it up on the way through. That way you just have to pack clothes. LOL

[hikerbob]

Somewhe between mick and jjjnettie on the readyness stakes. The camper trailer has had a test setup and is not dissassembled.
Most gear is spread around the spare bedroom. A couple of cables are still AWOL but I'm quietly confident that I will be ready.

Just a little excited.

Bob

[RB]

Wish I could come up for a visit.....oh well, one day. :sadeyes:

I hope you all have a lovely time and clear skies.
Looking forward to all the write-ups and images when you return.

:)

[h0ughy]

I have capitulated - the trailer is being emptied so i can get the astro stuff in there. LOL still had the camping gear in it - turf out the family stuff and in with the astro.......

[h0ughy]

Yeah i reckon there will be a write up or two:D....... wish you were there RB.

[h0ughy]

does the 60D disk have version 19.1 written on it? if so then i may have found it:question:

[RB]

So Al will have room to sneak on board another shopping bag?

:rofl:

[h0ughy]

yeah had to make way for the extra bag, the small tiny squishy pillow and his hot water bottle - -i tell you it was the straw that broke the camels back:rofl:

[Clancy Lane]

David,

The 60Da disc is ver. 25.0.

I will bring with me on Friday...arrive about mid day.

Phil

[whzzz28]

There appears to be a lot of burn offs going on at the moment.
Hearing a few stories at work regarding mass-burn offs planned while the weather is good.

Was pretty bad today in terms of smoke, but Friday is meant to be windy so we will see.

Been so busy the past two weeks i havn't had a chance to even start packing. Will try and get a lot done tonight, very long day tomorrow then up early Friday to finish packing. Hopefully will be there around 2pm or so, unless i get lost.

See you all there.

[alan meehan]

:)Qld here we come off in the morning ,everyone have a safe trip see you at astrofest
AL

[h0ughy]

i hope it clears. packed and ready

[allan gould]

Don't bring a cold this year!!!!! The one I got off you last year nearly killed me :mad2: be good to catch up again.
Allan

[glenc]

Some forecasts

Ipswich
http://www.weatherzone.com.au/qld/brisbane/ipswich

Kingaroy
http://www.weatherzone.com.au/qld/wide-bay-and-burnett/kingaroy

Might be cloudy Sunday afternoon

[jjjnettie]

An interesting read. More cold weather on the way. http://www.weatherzone.com.au/news/antarctic-blast-brings-snow-to-unusual-places/22208

[hikerbob]

Close to finished at work and concentration here is not so great.
One sleep to go (and a lot of packing).

If those weather predictions are right it might be an early night tomorrow night, strong winds and cold don't seem like a good combination for staying up late.

Bob

[whzzz28]

Been watching the cloud all day, twas a bit concerned but it appears to have done its magic trick and went poof once the sun went down.

Now to have a shower, pack and then get some early shut-eye.

[Tandum]

Looking at bom (http://www.bom.gov.au/australia/charts/4day_col.shtml) that cold front has been and gone but dry and cold is fine by me :)

I was coming on Wednesday but got another client after a server. I'll try and do the 2 step shuffle to get away on time :)

[Davros]

So tired but still have to start packing. Gotta get some new tyres fitted in the morning then back home to hitch up the trailer and then on the way. Should be in by mid afternoon.

[RickS]

Good luck with the weather. I'll see you there for the last couple of nights!

[spacezebra]

Have an excellent Astrofest guys/gals, safe travels and clear skies.

Cheers Petra d

[jjjnettie]

It's blowing a gale outside atm, with wall to wall clouds.
But the cloud will be gone by tomorrow.
We should be arriving as the gates open.
One sleep to go. :D

[pmrid]

Best wishes for a great Astrofest. Sorry I can't be there. I remember the last time I tried to pack up my little computer tent/camp shower thing in a bit of a breeze - and am grateful at least that I'll be spared that pleasure this year.
Take plenty of extra tent pegs.

Peter

[whzzz28]

Went to post office this morning to get my new focuser.
Got home to a "Sorry we missed you" note from Auspost :rolleyes:

Now waiting till 1pm to go down and pick it up.
It's either the EQ6 or Bintel order... either way, worth waiting another hour for.

See you all up there!

[[1ponders]]

I hope they've battened down the hatches out there. It will be just a bit windy and chilly out there tonight with these winds. I don't now if the autoguiders are going to be able to keep up tonight. ;)

[DavidTrap]

I agree Paul,

I was outside at dusk and it was actually quite still. I wondered if the predicted wind might be a furphy, and thought about setting up the scope after dinner. Now, it's howling outside. Only astronomy I'll be doing tonight is some processing!

DT

[hotspur]

Very windy here tonight,and extremely cold,hope they have some big tent pegs for their scopes tonight.

[[1ponders]]

Its really gusty here at times. Some strong ones, I guess around 20-30km/hr . Not enough to stop me rolling the roof off mind you. ;)


That's what I thought Chris. I seem to remember a few gusty nights out that way and its the wind that goes right through you. Anyone brave enough to venture out will need the extra thermals I think.

[hotspur]

Yes Paul the wind was cutting right through one last night.There looked like a storm with lots of flashing light in the S.E,a farmer even rang me up to know what was going on,but there was no cloud,my wife thought she hear thunder at 11 pm.

Looks like more strong wind this morning.

[hikerbob]

Back from Astrofest, car and trailer are unloaded but still far to much gear on the kitchen table and in other places.

A fantastic 10 day's, some beautiful nights, lot's of meteors and that awesome spread of the milky way. The nights were generally still regardless of the winds during the day some days.

Peter arrived yesterday with his 30" dob, first time I've looked through one that big and earlier in the week I'd looked through a 20" at Tarantula and been astounded at the image in the eyepiece. Thanks to those on the visual field who willingly share the visual experience with those of those who wander over from the photography area occasionally.

Thanks also to the organisers for a great event, my first time there for the full period and I left wishing it was longer.

Bob

[OneCosmos]

I am also now back and fully unloaded (now where did I put that laptop?). I just want to say thanks to everyone for making it the best astrofest I have attended thus far. It was so great to see familiar faces - there may be a year's gap in between but somehow it doesn't feel like it. I'm already looking foreward to the next one:)

To the animals who stole my laptop - you know who you are, and I think most people at astrofest have an idea of who you are too, so watch out!), you failed to spoil my astrofest experience. I could say I don't have words for you, but actually I do; I just can't use them on this forum! It was a despicable act and even more so because you also took the two USB disks that were attached to the laptop with much of my astronomy data. I would like everything returned - even anonymously if necessary.

To everyone else, thanks again for just being there and making it such an enjoyable 10 days. Of course I also now have a large shopping list after seeing all the fantastic equipment out there on the field. My wife even looked at the milky way and said "it is amazing" - so perhaps she will get the astronomy bug now and we'll go off in to the sunset lugging a Paramount and a QSI 638;) I can but dream!

Chris

[jjjnettie]

I arrived home some time around 12pm.
What a wonderful 10 days that was. It was a pleasure catching up with old friends and meeting new ones.
I can't remember the last time I laughed so much.


I've just finished downloading the 28 songs that will be on our "Best of Fest" double album. :rofl: Oh boy.....
The duet that Houghy and I made just cracks me up.
:lol:

Happy snaps will be sorted and posted soon.

[Shark Bait]

I am looking forward to the pictures. I could not attend this year but plan to make to the next one.

Did Channel Nine make it out to the Astrofest Site?

One of the Camera Tech's was wanting to hook up a telescope to a TV camera.

[CometGuy]

Looking forward to seeing the photo's! Unfortunately didn't get a chance to go this year so will just have to wait to see the pics.

Chris that is unbelievable, I hope you get your laptop and drivesoon.

Terry

[DavidTrap]

Absolutely flabbergasted to hear this Chris. I remember being told that an eyepiece had gone missing at Astrofest once, but otherwise it had been a pretty safe place. Hope someone has a moment of clarity.

DT

[RB]

Chris, I'm deeply sorry to read this !!!

I hope it's returned in full and an unrighteous act is made righteous.

Andrew
:sadeyes:

[mozzie]

i couldn't make it either this year and hope everybody had a wonderful time..
wow chris that is a low act i thought star parties were a friendly place to learn and enjoy others company!!!!!! iv'e never heard of that low act ever being done before vehicles unlocked wallets left in vehicles etc..lets hope there concious gets the better of them and it's returned..sorry to here of that chris..

[h0ughy]

I am halfway home - at grafton tonight after leaving at ariund 1:30pm today from astrofest - awesome experience - imaged right up to the cloud came in at 3.30am while i was imaging m33. All up i have well over 1.5TB of data which includes deep sky and solar imaging........I am buggered. Should arrive home tomorrow

[h0ughy]

I was the last to see the suspect at 5.40 (my last image was 5.31am) on the morning it was nicked - the guy in the shorts and tennis socks - he was packing up a celestron 4" one arm bandit

[h0ughy]

oh there are some good ones.....:lol:

[OneCosmos]

That's quite a journey you have H0ughy - get some rest and drive carefully tomorrow. it was a pleasue to meet up again.

Thanks to all for showing support regarding the laptop. You're right mozzie, star parties are friendly places and Astrofest in particular and with the obvious exception of the one rogue element at the camp this year I trust folks there completely. It is a real shame these guys came along.

Just to set the facts straight David saw the laptop in the dining room at 05:30 but we know that by 06:30 it had left the building. A couple of guys I won't name left the camp between those times (the only ones to do so) and, whilst evidence is circumstantial it is pretty compelling. So, to the people who took it, if you are reading this please examine your conscience, and find a way to return the stolen items and with that perhaps start to make amends to your reputation within the astronomical community in Queensland.

Chris

[OneCosmos]

they'll get what's coming eventually.

[Nortilus]

hey all, got home about 8pm (12 and a half hours on the road, grr at roadworks). thanks all for making my first astrofest an amazing experience. I am so happy to of met alot of you in person and use all your combined knowledge to take me one step further in my journey of astroimaging...i seriously cant wait for next year...

[jjjnettie]

1. Two BOSS's Greg Bock and Pat Pearl
2. Alan, Houghy and Nick
3. Alison
4. Alison and Grady
5. Allan
6. Allan Allan
7. Allan Allan Allan no Steve
8. Anthony and family

[jjjnettie]

1. Bob Grime's scope
2 Breakfast of Champs
3. Brendan
4. Brendan doing it in style
5. Bryan and his 20" light bucket
6. Cue the theme from Top Gun
7. Houghy
8. Hough lends a hand

[jjjnettie]

1. Dueling Dobs
2. Glen and Ron
3. Grady and Allan
4. Sarah Sweet with her bf and Jon
5. It's Alive!!!
6. Jon and Bryan
7. Jon and Peter discussing aperture
8. Jonathan

[jjjnettie]

1. Josh
2. Josh and Peter's 30"
3. Loading Bob's Cannon
4. the lovely Anne-Louise
5. Solar viewing
6. Nick wins the raffle
7. Out of control dunny tent
8. Robin and Troy

[jjjnettie]

1. Ron and the Milky way
2. The 3 R's, Robin, Rick and Ron
3. The "boys", planning the evenings shenanigans
4. The Young Ones, Josh and Grady
5. Troy's coodies. It was "Code Milky Green" for a number of Astrofestians.
6. Troy crash tackles the dunny tent and beats it into submission
7. Wes, Dave, Greg and Pat
8. Winner are Grinners in the photo comp. Our Robin is on the right and I'm afraid I don't know the other gents name.

[glenc]

Great lot of pics jjj. Like the one of Saint Ron with the heavenly background!

[glenc]

Queensland's frost prone areas have been excessively frosty this August, potentially making it the frostiest end to winter in decades in some places.
http://www.weatherzone.com.au/news/frosty-end-to-winter-for-queensland/22261

[DavidTrap]

Was frosty at Leyburn on Saturday night!

DT

[troypiggo]

Thanks so much for posting more shots of my dunny tent woes, flanny PJs, and snotty tissues than anything else... :)

Don't see any dressing gown shots in there. Phew...

[RickS]

You caught me with my eyes closed. Feels like that was the only sleep I got in the two days I was there, Jeanette :lol:

It was great to meet a bunch of IIS and non-IIS folks and see some nice gear. Those big dobs are really something!

Commiserations on the laptop once again, Chris. We can only hope that karma will catch up with the culprit(s) if the police don't.

Cheers,
Rick.

[NJB]

It was great catching up with many familiar faces again, and getting great advice from many helpful people! Thanks Houghy, and many others! The icing on the cake was being one of the lucky ones at the Astrofeast - I got to take a discount voucher for Software Bisque. Hmm, what to choose?

The solar eclipse workshop was especially helpful for preparing for November and getting ideas on how to photograph it automatically. It was especially great to meet the writer of the Solar Eclipse Maestro (http://xjubier.free.fr/en/site_pages/solar_eclipses/Solar_Eclipse_Maestro_Photography_S oftware.html) program, Xavier Jubier. I am looking forward to using his software.

I've attached two photos, one of solar prominences taken through someone's solar telescope with my iPhone - sorry, can't remember who's scope it was. The other is of a 360 degree panorama of the imaging field. Unfortunately to get it small enough to upload, it doesn't look as pretty as the original.

Looking forward to next year. I wonder if I can get permission for a whole week?.....

Noel

[Tandum]

I wondered how they cut that roast beef (http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20080427110857AASoWc8)on Saturday night :P

[thunderchildobs]

I have posted an image showing the astrofest skies for the entire event in

http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/showthread.php?t=95033

and a image with better scale / detail at

http://www.tcobservatory.com/images/Astrofest_Skies.jpg

Brendan

[glenc]

Thanks Brendan, great idea and images.

[strongmanmike]

Looks like a field of Alien eggs :lol:

Mike

[bartman]

Frak....friggin cold ..............
Bartman:screwy:

[NJB]

Yeah, in the early morning they are very quiet. Then in the late afternoon they begin to hatch. And at night you can see the red glow as the aliens within come to life consuming photons and excreting pixels! :rofl:

Noel

[h0ughy]

all i can really add is for those that did the distance the time was well spent. To all those doing all nighters - this was the morning greeting - complete with a Perseid meteor

[h0ughy]

and after the all nighters there was of course the daytime solar viewing

[Dennis]

You are an incredibly prolific, one man travelling, set up, imaging and processing machine. I don’t know how you do it. There must be something special in that Newcastle drinking water!;):lol::thumbsup:

Cheers

Dennis

[h0ughy]

well it was there for the taking Dennis:rofl: - i missed you being there, i was anticipating that you might have come?:shrug::question:

[thunderchildobs]

What are the dates for 2013 ?

Brendan

[h0ughy]

this was taken on the 12 August at around 3.30

[mozzie]

sounds like it was a fantastic camp....clear skies and cold nights....won't miss next year.

[RB]

Hey that's lovely Dave !!
You can see those 60Da drivers really make a big difference to the finale'.

:scared3:

[whzzz28]

Been meaning to post here.

Was my first Astrofest, and sadly it was cut short. Left Tuesday morning as i had not been feeling too crash hot the past few days. The spider bite on my neck around 4pm Monday did not help either (started having hot flushes).
Wednesday morning i woke up sick, so i think i left at a good time.

Was great fun meeting some of the IIS members and having a chat.
I'd love to attend next year but will probably only be able to do 2-4 days as i won't be able to take holidays.

Luckily, i haven't shown up in any photos yet :)

Hopefully the fog cleared up for you guys after i left.

[astro_south]

Well the weather was great and the company was excellent. It was the first bit of astronomy I have done in some long time. I was there testing out an Astrotrac camera mount, and while that was working I pushed around my dob.

It was great to catch up with many people I haven't seen nor chatted to in a number of years.

The only two downers for me where testing the bounce capabilities of three of my lenses and the 5DMk3 when I neglected to close the zipper on my camera bag (of which only the 5Dmk3 was up to the challenge :sadeyes:), and accidentally shining a red light into Robin's face as he tried to go to sleep (sorry again Robin ... I could have sworn you were still out on the field :shrug: )

Two weeks in Africa followed by a week at Astrofest has really messed up my sleep though!!

I have attached some shots (all through a camera lens - some of the night ones on a fixed tripod, some on the Astrotrac). The night ones are all single exposures essentially straight out of the camera. I have made some multiple exposures and darks for stacking - but there I definitely have training wheels on and it might take me a few weeks to learn the ropes :thumbsup: (and get some flats taken).

1) Crux and Musca
2) Circumzenithal Arc
3) sundog
4) dual sundogs
5) nearby farm house
6) zodiacal light
7) Crux diving for the horizon
8) M57 Ring nebula (400mm lens)

More to come ...

[astro_south]

9) Cr 399 and Dumbell - have to look for them
10) LMC
11) M31 (400mm)
12) fixed tripod shots
13) fixed tripod shots
14) fixed tripod shots
15) fixed tripod shots
16) fixed tripod shots

[astro_south]

17) Some macro mayfly (well Troy was there and keen for it)
18) butcher bird
19) field view as some short lived clouds rolled across
20) heart of our galaxy

[troypiggo]

Andrew! That is an absolutely awesome collection! They looked good when we reviewed them on your LCD screen, and they look good here too! You've got me drooling over an AstroTrac now, and also your TS-E 24L.

The 2min exposures showing up planetary nebula is unreal. Love the shot of your dob and sky, actual love them all.

Reckon you need to get a 135L, and I'll get the AstroTrac and TS-E 24L :)

[astro_south]

Thanks Troy - the 135 is certainly on the shopping list ... it seems to have a magic quality about it - like it hits some sort of sweet spot.

[h0ughy]

great shots there Andrew

[jjjnettie]

Beaut pics Dave and Andrew.
It was a sweet spot for wide fields down on the bottom field wasn't it. I have a feeling I'll be setting up down there next year. :)

[h0ughy]

well here is my first deep sky for over 12 months - i am so rusty - i have forgotten how to process. Some M33

[jjjnettie]

She's beautiful Dave. :)

[OneCosmos]

Lovely M33 David - particularly given that it was barely above the horizon during dark clear periods. How many hours of data is that? I did capture about 1.5 hours, but am not expecting to wow anyone with that :(

Andrew - also some great images - this year I found myself becoming increasingly interested in the very wide field images - regretted not having the Canon 8-15mm lens. Love the one of the DOB with the Milkyway behind.

The Canon 135mm L is great for sure, but I have heard fantastic reports too about the 200mm L f2.8 - super sharp and contrasty and good with the 2 x extender too so pop that on your list too - and whilst you're at it, get one for me too :)

I will be sending pics through as soon as I have my new desktop computer - should arrive next Tuesday (500GB SSD, + 2 x 1TB; 32GB RAM and Intel i7 quad core - topped off with Windows 8 Enterprise - should run like the provervbial, but won't because they never do!).

In the meantime here's a couple of the star trails - not as good as the one lost with the laptop i think - and shame I just got the lens hood in the top right on one, but fairly effective nevertheless.

[jjjnettie]

:D Cracker shots there Chris. Action packed. I love it. :)

[astro_south]

Nice M33 David

I love the star trails Chris. All that activity going on down here and up there is a great synergy. Were these with the 8-16 Sigma?

[h0ughy]

OMG look at all that light pollution:lol::thumbsup: a few nights composed together makes about 6h45min. it is a slight crop

[h0ughy]

;)and a few more widefields from the Canon60d and the polarie

i am kicking myself now that i didnt frame up the antares shot better:sadeyes:. i hsve yet to stack and process this stuff......:help:

shots were gernerally 3min unguided on the polarie with either the 10mm fisheye lens or the the 50mm nifty fifty lens or the 18-200 sigma lens at ISO1600 because it was cold ;) Focusing on the Lappy rules.......:rofl:

[OneCosmos]

You're only whetting my appetitie for that canon 8-15mm lens and Star lapse/astrotrack. My wife will giving you a call if she finds out;)

[OneCosmos]

Yeah, both were taken with the Sigma 8-16mm at 8mm on the 50D (1.6 crop sensor) and at f 5.6 and 200 ISO. The first one was 99 3 minute exposures, the second one was 232 2 minute exposures.

[jjjnettie]

Didn't we make a song about that?

[OneCosmos]

Believe me my wife is capable of making both a song and a dance about it :)

[OneCosmos]

Hi,

I am also way out of practice processing images, but I did practice a little today on my 9.5 hours of M8 and M20 - I could work on it more, but I am much more likely just to start from scratch and make it better from the outset. the quality of the data is high so I reckon I should be able to process it better than this, but it gives an idea of what it may be like at the end.

Chris

[whzzz28]

Nice star trails.
I finally got a time lapse of all the shots i took.
And i found out a firmware upgrade will allow me to use any ISO above 1600 during bulb mode... Wish i had had it for astrofest :(

Not many photos from me, so here's one from the first Friday afternoon and my 50sec exposure.

[RickS]

Look forward to the final version, Chris!

[Davros]

It was such a good Astrofest, possibly the best i have been to. So disappointed to hear about the computer theft. Its the one place you feel safe leaving your expensive kit out. Hopefully some tracking down of those involved can be done via the registrations. It was great to catch up with everyone again. And as always i now have lots of new ideas to play with. And a new OS to try out.

[h0ughy]

yes i think i could picture that after meeting her:lol::help:

[h0ughy]

very quick swamp badly focussed and not enough data for a chook thats over cooked - certainly no master chef here:rofl:

[OneCosmos]

Think I prefer the coloiur of your Lagoon over mine though - I am re-working mine and will probably do so several times - and eventually post the result. I am in the unusual position of finding mine looks better 1:1 as a crop than as a wide pretty view!

***STOP PRESS***

My laptop has been recovered!!!!! More details to come later.:thumbsup:

[RB]

That's awesome news indeed !!

:thumbsup:

[h0ughy]

great news Chris - was it with everything?

[hikerbob]

Chris so glad to hear that.

Bob

[jjjnettie]

That is such good news Chris. :D

[troypiggo]

Awesome, Chris!

[thunderchildobs]

Great News.
Hope the low life scumb bags can be named, so that they can be banned from astromony clubs and events.

Brendan

[allan gould]

Absolutely fantastic, Chris. We all rejoice.

[OneCosmos]

Thanks to everyone for caring about it. I will provide more details very soon.

In the meantime - I don't know why I'm having problems processing - I think it is just because I know the raw data is extra good and extra long I'm expecting more. I have cropped just the main part of M8 processed in two slightly different ways. I'd be grateful for a few views on which is actually the better version. Both will no doubt suffer from the heavy compression applied uploading it here, but....

[OneCosmos]

PS the second one is obviously more 'processed' and shows much more structure, but is that structure 'real' or just artifact/over processing?

[RB]

Chris, second one is more over processed.
The first one's better.

Andrew