[Enchilada]

Originally Posted by Paul Hatchman

I've read the paper through several times now and I'm not sure what point you are really trying to make?

Wiruna is not the best site to select for an astronomical site, as the local terrain is highly influenced by localised weather. Clouds tend to hang around the tops of the mountain - and was overall rejected by the AAO for that reason alone. The site was chosen primarily because of the elevation - without site testing nor actual site testing by the sources mention here before - and that is it Achilles heel.

Known and an established fact.

Originally Posted by Paul Hatchman

As to being disingenuous, I think my comments were clear to all that are not seeking to ascribe malice, but let me spell it out. We have had "on occasion" nights which have been of simlar quality to Coonabarabran. To be clear, I am not saying that Wiruna is the equivalent to Coonabarabran, only that we have had nights of similar quality as reported by a hand-held sky quality meter.

Disingenuous - means "not candid or sincere" I meant no malice at all. Coonabarabran is better than Wiruna - else they would not have built the AAO there - hence the references...

Originally Posted by Paul Hatchman

I am a lowly amateur astronomer, who enjoys visually observing the night sky as a hobby. Nothing I say should be taken as I scientific statement. I have presented the data that I have about clear nights and people can make their own decisions based on that, the papers you have provided etc. But mostly, I think people will make up their mind just by going there and working out if the conditions justify their commitment of time and effort.

Precisely. It is one hell of a way, though - I mean the whole expense and like to just "justify commitment." Again it is the people and NOT observing that make a star party rock. (Others hear say so.) This is really why the SPSP has a great reputation.
If you want to advertise for 'observing', then perhaps the ASNSWI should make a concurrent series of night over a longer period so the 'customers' get what they strive for... and, if necessary, their buck too!

Originally Posted by Paul Hatchman

I do not know why you want to invent some conspiracy where there is none.

Conspiracy?? That's a lawyer trick. Speaking fact, and those who disagree call it a conspiracy! All I've stated, as said above, the fact about the observing site. No more, no less.

Bottom line. The weather at Wiruna this year was shocking. Apparently the organisers, were saying to the 'customers' I.e. "We have never seen wind like it!", when the truth is it actually it is more frequent because of its exposed location.

Originally Posted by Paul Hatchman

Wiruna is a place where a group of about 50 or so regulars go each month to observe, image and socialise. If people enjoy coming along, they are more than welcome. We host a star party each year, which again people are free to attend or not.

Agreed. I've already said this.

Originally Posted by Paul Hatchman

We have had observing at the previous 3 star parties, so the place can't be all bad?

That is not even statistically significant.

Comment : You might think I'm airing 'dirty laundry', but if you take money off customers you must be factual in what is said. Stating something is true when it is not is tantamount to misrepresentation. Wiruna can be an absolutely brilliant site - I've seen it myself - but the reality is statistically it is not.
Really. Marketing the SPSP - you need happy customers - my impression is they were not overly impressed. ngcles says it is "bad luck". Sadly it was "site selection" - hence sell the SPSP as per the comments here - it is a great place to meet people. That is absolutely true - and without the usual spin.

I'm sorry if this is not popular in opinion, but it is the truth as I see it. All I've done is expressed it.