I know what you mean....that's why I liked the skies out near the 'curry. Where I was, was about 40kms away from McKinlay... where they filmed the pub scenes and such for Crocodile Dundee. Was doing some geo work at a place called Answer Downs. The skies there were that black I had no problem seeing 10-12 stars in the Pleaides. The zodiacal light was actually a pain in the butt. It and the Galaxy had no problems casting shadows...dimmish, but you could see them. It was that black. Incredible. This was in June to September, so you could say the winter months. Oh, and it was cold
Speaking of Hyperstar.... I wonder just how big they could make a hyperstar lens??. I was thinking how about mating one up with a 24-32" RCOS scope. The 32" has a primary f ratio of 1.5. Just think....32" monster running at f/1.5. With that much light gathering power and quickness!!!. Have the mega hyperstar as permanent fixture to the scope!!. It'd almost be too much!!!