Quote:
Originally Posted by OzEclipse
Warren,
Why the dark sky envy? You have equally dark western skies just a bit outside to the west or south of Bathurst? I would suggest heading down the Trunkey Rd south of Bathurst to Caloola (30km south of Bathurst). There's a big gravel area just off the main road leading to the church. That gravel area has clear views to the west and southwest horizons.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/nCMGnGAQuXGPU4QF9
You might have to contend with lights from occasional passing traffic but you should get excellent views from there.
You don't need a telescope, it's best viewed with a pair of binoculars. Although I have been using a small tracker for my imaging, it can easily be captured with a camera on fixed tripod. I had friends staying this past weekend.
Two of them were using fixed tripods and obtained excellent results.
See:-
https://tinyurl.com/2purpxd6
regards
Joe |
Hi Joe;
We recently moved to the western edge of Bathurst, and there's light industry - with the accompanying advertising lighting, spot lights, etc. - everywhere.
I've been scouting a few darker areas to travel to (I'm familiar with Caloola, Trunkey Creek, and even places like Dunkeld) but I miss being able to setup in the back yard without travelling.
I lived in Broken Hill as a younger man, and I do miss the darkness out there.