city viewing

[dwhisky (David)]

I live close to the city of Sydney and there is a great deal of light pollution. I have a Meade 10 inch model LX 200 GPS. What can I do to eliminate the city lights?

[Amaranthus (Barry)]

A light pollution reduction filter will help, as it cuts out wavelengths of mercury/sodium street lights, and urban sky glow. Higher mag will increase contrast by darkening background sky.

[OzStarGazer]

You could use a light pollution reduction filter if you cannot change your location.

Edit: Sorry, I see that it has already been said.

[Allan]

Originally Posted by dwhisky

I live close to the city of Sydney and there is a great deal of light pollution. I have a Meade 10 inch model LX 200 GPS. What can I do to eliminate the city lights?

The best way is to fill your car with petrol and get the hell out of there!

There are plenty of observing nights and star parties running throughout the year within a few hours of Sydney at darker locations. Just check out the Star Parties section.

Failing that, get an observing hood to block out stray light when you are looking in the eyepiece. Setup where there are no street lights shining directly at you. Narrowband and line filters help a lot. Spend time observing the moon and planets which aren't affected by light pollution.

[Bassnut (Fred)]

Image in 3nm narrowband. I have in Sydney and its fine. Assuming you have a mono astro CCD.