Quote:
Originally Posted by gary
Hi Les,
Though I don't know of anyone who took readings last weekend, I know
several people, including John Bambury and visiting Texas, Van Robinson,
who have taken readings several times before and I will find out for you.
When comparing readings with the northern hemisphere, take note, as
mentioned on the manufacturer's web page, no allowance is made for
the Milky Way in the original units. With the Milky Way at the zenith here, compared
to our North American friends, I suspect when trying to compare with
northern hemisphere results, it's not always an apples for apples comparison.
However, it would be interesting to compare Ilford and Mudgee. We also
have some readings for Coona I will try and pass on.
Best Regards
Gary
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Hi Gary/Les/Rod,
I have taken several readings in the past at Ilford under dark clear skies. As Gary correcty points out, the Milky Way effect on the SQM can be significant and you cannot accurately compare Northern Hemisphere readings with Southern hemisphere readings, for this reason.
I will list some of the readings I have taken in recent years.
Coonabarabran. (Timor Cottages, 10km NW of town)
21.45 to 21.88. Coona normally averages between 21.5 and 21.7 with partial milky way effect. I got readings consistently over 21.7 with a best of 21.88 in October 2007 with no milky way effect. The best reading I got was 21.88 (repeated 3 times on the night) on an excepionally good night. Dave Kriege from Obsession Telescopes, who has observed all over the world, commented on that night that it was the 2nd best night of observing conditions he had ever encountered, bettered only by one nights observing atop Mauna Kea, about 10 years prior. Mauna Kea has a significant elevation advantage.
Ilford
21.45 to 21.58 depending on Milky way effect. Ilford averages normally 21.45 to 21.55. I got 21.58 in November 2006 with no Milky Way overhead and very clear skies.
Bucketty (private property about 5km from Koolang Observatory)
21.4 to 21.52 (this is an excellent spot considering its close proximity to major civilsation and its convenience)
Lostock (NSW Hunter Valley)
At the 2007 IISAC at Lostock in Jan 2007 I consistently got readings between 21.45 and 21.55
Border Stargaze (10km north of Albury)
21.45 average to the north away from the Albury Skyglow. 21.3 to the South with skyglow effect.
2007 Texas Star Party (Fort Davis, Texas)
21.45 average with no Milky Way effect.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Rodstar
What a great SPSP!
the Blackeye galaxy in Virgo (M64) was a treat too.
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Rod,
It is actually in Coma Berenices, about 5 degrees North of the Coma Berenices/Virgo border.
Cheers,
John B