Well I finally took my 127mm Mak out for a short trip to the Ku-ring-gai Chase park last night. After a month or so of learning to find my way around the Southern skies I decided it was time to get out of our light polluted garden.
The Mak attached to the mount is really easy to transport in the car and carry fair distances.
So I had all my gear in a backpack and my handy little Mak on it's EQ3 under my arm. Hopping over the rocks to the spot that I had found.
What a difference! Although Sydney was glowing in the low South West the sky above was amazing! So many stars and such beautiful conditions! Don't get me wrong I've been to even darker sights in the past but it's very different now that I know so many names, constellations etc. and I own a telescope.
All the objects I'd learnt to find were so much brighter and clearer. Other objects that were invisible from home were now visible.
I was however worried that some drunk bogans might ruin the show. Many times I heard different cars hooning down the road and stopping at where I had parked.
Looks like they were put off by someone else already being there. Seems like a popular look-out spot for them to have a few drinks and stuff....
If only the sky was like that back home in our garden.
Hi Xnomad,
Why don't you come up to the Mangrove mountain Pony Club ( watch in star parties ) usually on or about new moon, there are a few guy that come up from sydney way , it's a good night, the guys are very welcoming, it would be good to see you there.
Phil
