[H.Treur]

Hello all,

I live in Europe and will be visiting Australia from November 11 till 27.
For I have never seen the Southern skies, I would like to be prepared for observing those new deep-sky-territories.
I would like to get in contact with someone who is familiar with deepsky-observing, and who is willing to show me the way across the sky.

First: I will be staying in the area outside of Brisbane (Luscombe). This is where my sister lives. According to her, the skies from her valley are very impressive: but she is not into astronomy at all, so we can put some doubt to her opinion. Is anyone familiar with this area? Any SQM-values? Considering Brisbane and Goldcoast within 40 kilometres I expect no SQM above 20,5.

http://i61.tinypic.com/158b1h1.jpg

Second: I rent a campervan to drive around. Can anyone advise me decent spots for stargazing within a 100 Km-circle from Luscombe?
I expect southwest is the best option for me. Especially since my interest will be the zenith and the circumpolar area of your skies.
(You will understand that my interest will not be the northern horizon).
How about Mount Barney National Park?

Third: will there be a starparty in this area half November? (the weekend of 13 to 15 november seems to be good moment for public starparties).

Fourth: because of airflight-weightrestrictions I cannot bring my favorite 16-inch dob with me. Would anyone be willing to borrow a likewise instrument to me?
I know I know; it is an awkward thing to ask…
But in that case I only have to bring my own eyepieces to Australia.

Well, enough for the moment. Hope you can help this dude from Europe.

Best regards,
Harro Treur