Pony Club APRIL Meet ?

[Jinji]

Hello

I am new and would like to meet people that have more experience to show me how to get max out of my telescope , I heard of a group on the central coast , that meets every month on Mangrove Mountain ? if you know what date and time please also details to get there , it would be most appreciated

thanks :)

[Allan_L]

New Moon in April is Saturday 21st.
So that seems likely to be our main day. (weather permitting).
We would love to see you there Frederique.

Try to get there before Sunset so you have time to meet people and set up (if you have a scope) in the light.

Bring plenty of warm clothes. and a red light (or torch covered with a few layers of red cellophane) if you have one. Some bring only binos. Some bring 20 inch DOBs. Some come without any equipment. But at least bring a chair.
Briefly:
From Narrarra head down the F3 to the Sommersby exit follow the road for about 4km to the exit ramp. Turn right of the ramp and follow this road (straight across at the STOP sign and about another 10k.)
When you see a yellow warning sign on your left with a pony on it, hit the brakes, the entrance is the next on the right).

Fuller Directions and maps with more details are in the sticky area at the top of this forum.

Let us know if you have any further questions.

[Deeno]

G'day Frederique

You have found the right place.
I would guess the next new moon is Saturday the 21st being the most likely date. I'm sure there are a few not going to the South Pacific Star Party who would be starters.

The directions are in a sticky at the top of the previous page.

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

So feel free to come along, anyone is welcome and being a friendly bunch, someone will surely steer you in the right direction with your scope!

Seeing you started this thread, its probably the best one to keep an eye on

[Rodstar]

Hi all, I am not going to the South Pacific Star Party this year, too busy at work, so I should be a starter on the 21st April. I understand that sally1jack may also be planning to come along. Sounds like we might have a bit of a group.

[Inmykombi]

G'day Frederique, You are most welcome to turn up. Just keep an eye on this thread.
And here is the thread for directions.... Cheers....
http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/showthread.php?t=26142

I'm in.

Just wrote it into the diary.

I may even bring a scope this time....:eyepop: and not just use Deeno's rent-a-scope ....

Does anyone know if we have access to the club house as yet ?

[vic4loc]

I will try to make it as well, currently pending some work comittment whether it will require weekend hours.

Victor.

[Allan_L]

7 timer long range forcast does not look good for the 21st.
I am contemplating a revolutionary move to go to the PC on the 14th.

[sally1jack]

i'm in , if the weather is kind , it will be great to catchup
phil :thumbsup:

[gb_astro]

Allan I hope the moon is not the only thing you can find now you have given up GOTO.
:) :) :)

Greg.

[Allan_L]

I estimate the moon will not be up until after midnight.
I will probably be gone before then.

i have surprised myself over the last couple of nights that I have been able to find some targets unaided. (although I do have my mobile apps to help if necessary).

Just missed the Orion 14 Dob, with goto yesterday! :)
Probably just as well.
Two new scopes in one week would be even harder to explain

[Rick Petrie]

I don't think that Orion 14" had GOTO Al. Would have been good if you could have picked it up, however it went very quickly. We would have been able to compare notes!;)
May be able to go Sat if weather is OK.

[Inmykombi]

I was just given 1/2 a nod from the cheese and kisses re: Saturday night.:D

Hope the weqather is kind to us....


Geoffro

[Rick Petrie]

That's how the other half works!!!!;)
Does that mean you can only take 1/2 a telescope?
I'll bring the other half if you like.:P

[bones]

Hi all, urgent news. there is a development application lodged on the site next door to the PC. I've posted a thread in the general chat section titled "Will this mean goodbye to the Pony Club???". As this section of IIS is used for star parties, etc, use that other thread for any comments. Let those who use the PC know about it.
Bones.

[Inmykombi]

:lol: Wether is looking pretty ordinary for tinight folks.

Looks like its a date with my Wife to see a movie instead.

[Rick Petrie]

All of a sudden Saturday night 21st, is looking good according to 7 timer.
Not holding my breath as it is only early days. Promising though.

http://7timer.y234.cn/exe/ape.php?lon=151.15&lat=-33.33&en&

[Shano592]

I'm in, if I can get there.

I sold my car, so I need to behave all this week, in order to steal the boss's wheels.

Welcome Frederique.

[Allan_L]

Hope you are right Rick.
It is a very small window.:cloudy:
"clear but very wet".
Fingers crossed

[Deeno]

I'm away this weekend so, no show for Deeno...

Hope the weather plays nice for you all.......

[Irish stargazer]

Heading to the SPSP this weekend. Hopefully a clear Saturday night for all.:campfire:

[Arthur Alchin]

Not holding my breath for good weather but if its good I'll front up for a change as I am off work this weekend: yippee. Looking at present all our equipment will be water cooled :lol:

Failing that i am almost packed for the May excursion to Bretti, now will i be disappointed if that is a flop!!!! (Only have to pack the food, drinks and clothes and I'm ready)

[Allan_L]

What do the weather mediums now predict for this New Moon weekend ? :prey2:
Which day looks best? (if any)

[GTB_an_Owl]

both nites dewy and cloudy i'm afraid Al

geoff

[Zincberg]

missing you guys at wiruna... little bit of cloud here's and there but it's been mostly really clear.

[gb_astro]

7Timer now showing clear all night...
Super dewy though.
Greg.

[Rick Petrie]

Sounds like a roll call is dew..(due):thumbsup:
No problem Greg provided we have plenty of jew control.:P
I'll get there about 5 ish if weather holds.

[Allan_L]

I am keen.
Yes 7 timer Looks good, now.
But it has been changing its mind.
Let's hope this is the final word.
I will start packing.

[gb_astro]

Should be there about 5 too.
The massive cloud band off the coast seems to be slipping off to the SE.
Greg.

[Inmykombi]

Should be there about 4.30 to 5 ish.

Scope is packed in case Deeno isnt there to " rent-a-scope " :P

Only a few patches of light cloud can be seen from my window.

See you all there.

[Allan_L]

ok packed.
Leaving shortly.
Should be there bout 5:30 +-

[Rodstar]

I'll be there about 7.45pm with a newbie called Gary. Phil T is also coming (I hope - he is bringing his SDM and the Mary Rose is having a night off!).

[ausastronomer]

Unfortunately it"s a bit far for me for one night. Would love to be there.

Cheers,
John B

[Rodstar]

John, it would have been a long drive with some disappointment at the end of the road...unfortunately after some clear and reasonably stable conditions early on, we were fogged out by 10pm. Gary and I were the last to leave, closing the gate at 11.15pm. I have never left that early before EVER, and to be the last out, now that is saying something!

Still, we saw some nice views of Saturn and M104. NGC 5128 and 5139 were looking mighty fine, as were M65/66 and the Ghost of Jupiter PNe. And, as always, the company was first class.

Thanks to Phil for navigating the night skies for us. Also, great views through Rick's scope, and I even took in some photons through Allan's new-old 10" dob - nice views of Saturn Allan!

Hope for better skies in May.

[Allan_L]

All in all it was a good (short) night.
Thanks everyone who came, I enjoyed your company.
Thanks for the nibblies;
Thanks for the views;
thanks for the help/advice.

Already looking forward to next time.

[Rick Petrie]

I would just like to reiterate all those comments and thank all for a good night albeit shortened by the fog that rolled in later.
The dew heaters were getting a good workout and the scope held up pretty well under these conditions. Good views of all the usual suspects.
Nice to meet Gary, Rod's friend and I think he learnt a lot from the night. Thanks for the peeks through everyone's scopes and I think you're on a winner Al with the new dob. You have certainly done your homework on getting the most out of it.
Cheers till the next meet up.:)

[Irish stargazer]

Sorry I missed out but was at the SPSP. Had a beautiful evening last night. The sky cleared up about 5pm to give pristine skies for the evening.

[Deeno]

Great to hear you guys got some observing in.