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What a great SPSP!
I was delighted to enjoy the company of some great people, many of whom have posted above, and to meet a host of new acquaintances. There was a great feeling of commradery at this year's event, and I was heartened by the welcome extended by many ASNSW members....so much so that I have finally applied to become a member! I particularly enjoyed meeting Bernie and Eddie Bernard and their wives. They were set up right near us and made for good neighbours. Also, I learnt that Roger Davis and Gerry Aart are both very adept at the guitar.
In terms of observing, I was inspired by my purchase of Uranometria to hunt down some galaxy clusters in Hydra and Centaurus, and boy was I in for a treat. The Centaurus cluster is mind-blowing under dark skies. In Xstream and Anna's 26 Nagler, we saw 12+ galaxies in the one FOV, with many many more crammed into the region immediately adjacent. When confronted with such a scene, it really does provide food for the mind and imagination.
Michael Chaytor (Bintel) was kind enough to introduce me to the galaxy NGC 2442, which is a lovely S shaped spiral, with an ESO galaxy in the field. That is a very fine object indeed. Other galaxies that impressed included NGC 2997 in Antlia, M83, M104 and the Blackeye galaxy in Virgo (M64) was a treat too.
By Sunday, I was full up with amazing sights, so it almost came as a relief to have a night of wind and cloud on Sunday evening. I had over 9 hours sleep that night, just what the doctor ordered before the long drive home.
It was very cold, but not oppressively so....according to the Mary Rose it did dip down to 0.0 degrees at one stage, but with Geoff's freezer suit, I was toasty warm!
I particularly enjoyed the usual hospitality from John and Anna (thanks again, guys!) and Mike is a good tenant....he does not snore, and he always puts out the cat before going to bed.
We missed the dry wit of HOughy and David (the Unbeliever) and the bubbly company of Petra. And RB.....mate, it was such a shame you couldn't make it, but we will catch up soon.
I understand that next year's event is to be held in late May to avoid the Anzac Day long weekend in April. Hardy souls will be required to endure yet colder conditions. So, if you are thinking of coming next year, come prepared!
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