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Old 28-05-2009, 01:24 AM
Enchilada
Enhanced Astronomer

Enchilada is offline
 
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Sydney, Australia
Posts: 753
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Paul Hatchman View Post
You seem to be expecting some sort of paper written up about this? Sorry to disappoint, but I can only offer 2 meters held up to the sky and a mobile phone conversation.
I believe our observations officer does take periodic SQM readings at Wiruna and if you are genuinely interested, I would suggest you contact him for his observations. However, I doubt his methods will be documented to your satisfaction.
Cheers.
Perhaps these SQM values are important, and I am please something at least is being evaluated. If observers were to do an year-long evaluations and do a quick localised "site test" using documented methods, perhaps then you can evaluate when the probability of clear nights for the site might actually be best time for the SPSP?

Considering the substantial cost of 200+ people getting to the site, and even the cost of running the site, you might think this a good idea - at least something for the Committee to think about.

The SPSP is a good fun annual event in which the Society gains prestige and a small profit to make it worthwhile - being ploughed back into again improving the site. Surely it would be prudent to consider optimisation when it should occur to keep the observing 'customers' happy?

As to saying; "However I doubt his methods will be documented to your satisfaction." This is really unfair saying this. Scott Mellish has both the experience and observational knowledge to know what he is talking about. His view I would listen too. Yet, my point is that if the ASNSWI just keep sufficient useful records instead of here-say, you might gain something very useful for future SPSP's. (Frankly, if it had done so in the beginning, you might have the reputation of Wiruna as touted each year by others being again "disappointed.")

Something positive. Why don't you approach the Weather Bureau as see if you could get the site listed a weather station site? Who knows, you might even get some funding and equipment for zip - and then evaluate the site location. It is located in the general centre of Mt. Nullo, Mudgee, Lithgow and Bathurst Airport. There is enough "weather geeks" to maintain and get involved in general forecasting and recording there - even purchasing say a small automatic weather station!