Another great success for ASAW & the region, with a massive schools program, a visit from an American astronaut and a highly enjoyable star party at Wymah Valley Retreat!
Had a fantastic time myself, catching up with people such as John (JohnG), Doug (Hagar), Chris (Omaroo), Peter (Peterbat), local stalwarts including Petra & Dave, the two Micks (Nolan & Laws), and many others! Friday was a dismal day – cold, high winds, driving rainstorms – so it was almost miraculous when the wind died & clouds cleared to give us clear skies all night, with transparency improving through the night. Saw lots of stuff just using my 4.5" reflector, and strangely didn’t avail myself of much of the "firepower" on site. Did have a look at a couple of comets through a 12.5" dob though (thanks Brian!).
Saturday started clear, but got cloudier. A late afternoon debate was held – "Is astrology a science?". I was very much barracking for the negative – about time we kicked this stuff back to the Dark Ages. Fortunately the negative team was led strongly by Miles, a typical Leo.
It was raining by evening so observing was out. ASAW organised a trivia night hosted by the inimitable Miles! My table of three (myself, Lorraine & Becky) did very poorly! I’d been told on good authority that most answers to trivia questions are either Don Bradman or Phar Lap – might need a new strategy next time.
Stayed up till well after 2 am when the cloud appeared to be breaking up & stars were showing in gaps, but called it a night anyway. Sunny in the early morning so I suspect that there had been an observing window after all.
Congratulations and a huge thank you to all the dedicated and hard-working organisers & volunteers from ASAW (and particularly Petra & Dave) for making this event possible!!!! Back next year for sure!
Cheers!
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