[Rob_K]

The first of three viewing nights at Mt Buffalo National Park was held last night. These are run under the Parks Victoria Summer Program by Bright Astronomy Club members. Unfortunate timing with the near-full Moon but it was cloudy last night anyway so we went for Plan B - a presentation in the building at Dingo Dell. Well-attended considering, with over 20 people including lots of kids. We talked a bit about the different telescopes we brought up and about viewing the night sky. Then a tiny window opened up and the people managed to get a quick glimpse of the Moon through a telescope hastily rushed outside!

There are two more nights planned, on the 17th and 24th of January. Anyone touring the area is welcome to attend. They'll be dark nights and if the clouds play ball you'll be treated to some fantastic Alpine transparency!

Just show up to a small picnic area on the shore of Lake Catani close to the Lake Catani Day Visitor Centre (signposted on the main road, turnoff a few kms past the Mt Buffalo Chalet turnoff), before dark on either night. If it's cloudy or wet we may run Plan B again, but it's up to Parks Victoria whether we actually do. Any IIS members would be welcome to assist - we could do with all the help we can get! Last year there were some big numbers on the clear nights.

Cheers -