Hi Wavytone,
I really don't want to argue with you and you are certainly entitled to your opinion, but first a couple of facts:
For the past 3 years, taking into account Friday and Saturdays for Bowen Last Quarter observing vs Wiruna New Moon observing.
2008: Bowen 9 clear nights, Wiruna 11 clear nights
2007: Bowen 8 clear nights, Wiruna 9 clear nights
2006: Bowen 6 clear nights (Sat only counted), Wiruna 15 clear nights
Last year, we had an average of 36 people attend Wiruna each month and often well in excess of 50.
Now, there is no question that Bowen often has the better seeing conditions, but Wiruna is hands down the club's premier observing site for transparency and dark skies. (Keep in mind that I am the ASNSW Vice President
Crago, so this comment could be considered treason
). If not for Wiruna, I wonder how many people would have seen the Gegenschein or experienced multiple shadows cast on the ground; one from the milky way glow and the other from Jupiter?
On occasion, members have taken simultaneous sky quality meter readings at both Wiruna and Coonabarabran and obtained almost identical results. Quite simply, Wiruna can and does deliver the goods, which is why so many people make the long trek month after month.
But more than that, Wiruna offers a social outlet which many members appreciate. We put on regular communal dinners, movie nights if it is cloudy and often just sit around the fire with a glass of wine chatting. When it is clear, the club provides a range of scopes for members to use, including a 17.5" dob and a 25" obsession.
I'm glad you have found your ideal observing spot. But please don't downplay what Wiruna has to offer.
Cheers,
Paul Hatchman
Vice President
ASNSW