[MortonH]

Driving home from Lake Macquarie last night around 10pm and could see how beautifully clear the sky was so came off the F3 and went cruising for a darkish spot. It's been so long I'd almost forgotten how many stars you can see away from the city. The Magellanic clouds, Eta Carina, etc were just so obvious. Shame I didn't have any gear with me but will head back out that way tonight.

I continued my journey home on the old Pacific Highway and stopped a few more times to see how the sky compared as I got closer to Sydney. Found a decent spot away from lights near Cowan but the sky was so much brighter. No wonder I've been disappointed with my casual observing recently - I just haven't been getting far enough away from the city. Lesson now learned.

Really hope I can get out to Katoomba Airfield some time soon.