Blue Mountains - Katoomba Airfield 21st July- CHANGE OF DATE

[mental4astro]

Hi all,

We can only try, can't we?

The Airfield's being made available for us for Saturday 21'st of July.

At 1000m, it is one of the highest places close to Sydney for observing. At this elevation too, the effects of Sydney's glow are surprisingly reduced.

If you haven't been to the Airfield before and would like to come along, access to the Airfield is via Medlow Bath, turning into Railway Parade at the Villiage's only set of lights, and then left into Rutland (also known as Grand Canyon Dr). The Airfield is some 4km from this intersection, with the last 3km being an unsealed road that can have some damage from erosion.

We are welcome to stay overnight in the office building - just take your own blankets or sleeping bag.

The Airfield is purely a BYO situation - your own power, food. Tank water is available. There's loos for the kids and ladies.

Once at the Airfield, take the LEFT hand track and follow it past the "No Entry" sign. Turn right up the hill past the various buildings to the main runway. We set up on the concrete slab just to the left of the access track. The picture below may help out.

It will be a cold one and the combustion heater in the office is very much welcome!

Hope to see you there,

Mental.

[AG Hybrid]

Can only hope.

[seeker372011]

Hi

I have a couple of questions

What time do people get there in the arvo?

Second I dont usually pull all nighters so leave earliesh

Will this cause offense? I mean in terms of headlights and so on?

I have a perfectly good dark sky location at Linden but would like to check katoomba out as an alternative/back up but only if things are reasonably relaxed over there

Thanks

[mental4astro]

I try to get there before sunset. Rod the Airfield manager lives on site, so someone will be there.

Not everyone does all-nighters. If you've got to go that's fine! Packing up you'll need to do with a red light, or let folks know you're gonna use a white light. Last fellow who didn't warn us is lying quietly somewhere beside a taxi-way - such a shame, seemed like a nice fellow too, :rolleyes:

Many folks who come with their kids leave early too, so it's never a problem. Come and stay as long as you like.

If you can't make it before sunset it's not a problem either. Get here when you can too. I TRY to get there before sunset. Life gets in the way sometimes.

[Steffen]

So James as right last month and it *is* the eastern slab. I was sure and insisted that we more often set up on the bigger western slab. Apologies to James… :)

Cheers
Steffen.

[AG Hybrid]

PFFFFFFFFFFFFFFT I try to turn up at about 7:30 to 8:00 With my high beams blazing like 2 suns.

[mental4astro]

Saturday night forecast isn't looking good. I've called Rod & Friday night is a goer.

I'm looking at going Friday night now. It will be a latish start, so that Wentworth Falls pizza shop may get a visit again! Mmmm, pizza...

[AG Hybrid]

Ill do my best to be there.

[vic4loc]

Sorry busy with work commitment, wont be able to make it :(

Victor.

[eclipse]

Alex, Providing weather remains good we intend to be at Katoomba this friday night.

Les and Deb

[lacad01]

Won't be able to make it but hope you guys have clear skies :)

[AG Hybrid]

Bah work commitments. Im out

[Steffen]

I don't think I can make it either. I work till 6:30pm and won't be able to get up there before 10pm…

The forecast looks good, though. Even Saturday's forecast is coming along nicely now.

[mental4astro]

I'm planning on an all nighter, so if anyone can only make it here late there will be someone here.

[eclipse]

We are coming, will be there early whilst it is light, see you there Alex.

Les and Deb

[Wavytone]

Hi Alex, it's looking spectacularly clear this afternoon - not a cloud on the mountains - I have a fine view west from my office.

The snag is I have the dreaded lurgi so am confined to warmer quarters, darn it....

Cheers, Nick

[GeoffW1]

Arrrgghh,

Been trying to rearrange Grandpa duties from Fri to Sat, as the weather looks stunning. Haven't succeeded.

Still, as before, they are great little vegemites, so it isn't all a loss.

Enjoy yourselves

[Wavytone]

All, the sky has turned hazy - its a solid whiteout now (4:30pm) over the mountains, so I think you're out of luck tonight !!!

Cheers, Nick

[AdamJL]

I might be able to make this! Will keep an eye on the forecast :)

[eclipse]

Clear without any clouds here at the airfield. No wind and not too cold if you rug up, Just us at present.

Les and Deb

[bazaud]

So how did it go?

Barry

[mental4astro]

I got there at 7:30. Spectacular sky!

Light breeze that slowly got firmer but nothing dramatic. Low cloud did cause nuisance as it came & went, but made for a welcome excuse to visit the combustion heater for a little while.

Clouded over at 1:30. Had a sleep until 5am and was rewarded with a gorgeous clear but freezing sky. Spied out the Andromeda Galaxy too.

Can't wait until it warms up!

Glenc & Paddy, couldn't manage a sketch of the Dunlop objects in the SMC, low cloud just too problematic later in the evening. So much detail & nebulosity! Just gorgeous stuff.

Thanks for the company Peter, Daniel, Les & the lovely Deb. I couldn't belief it had rained so much in Sydney when I got home!!!

Until next time,

Mental.

[bazaud]

It sounds like a great spot, love to meet you all next time.

Barry

[AG Hybrid]

This hurts me.

[Vegeta]

sadly, my trials are coming up, I basically need to utilize every hour of the day:scared2:

[hickny]

Hi All,
The airfield is available for us on Saturday August 18. We'll pass that hat around for Rod's gift during the evening as usual.
All welcome.