Astronomy in Darwin?

[castor]

I may be going to Darwin for work for six weeks next winter and I was wondering whether anyone here has attempted to stargaze from northern Australia (NT, Broome or Queensland) during the dry season. There is little rain and most days are clear but what about the nights? Also, I know it's theoretically possible to see most of the northern sky from there has anyone attempted to see objects in Cepheus, Cassiopeia, Ursa Major, Cygnus etc. from up there?

Would likely take a small refractor there with me.

[Dan31415]

castor,

observing up here in the dry is great, clear skies for 6 months straight. check out the darwin astronomy group web page!

[hogly52 (Graeme)]

Castor,

I'm fairly inexperienced in this hobby, but I have to say I believe it is excellent viewing in the north. Over the last 12 months I have observed from both Gove (NT) and Ayton (just south of Cooktown, QLD) and have never failed to be amazed by the experience and views each time I go out. It's getting close to being a nightly occurrence again with the wet nearing an end.

Last night I concentrated on the area of sky around Eta Carinae with good first-time (for me) views of the Keyhole Nebula, NGC3372, 3532, 3114 & 4463, IC2602 & 2944 . There's no waiting for mirrors to cool either .

Welcome to the north, cheers,

Graeme

[gd253]

I'll be going to Ngukurr, NT this year. My niece teaches primary kids in the remote community's school. I would like to use a green laser pointer to show the kids what's in their sky. Can anyone please tell me if it's illegal to bring, say, a 5 or 10mW green laser pointer to the NT? If it is illegal (like it is in Vic) how do I obtain a permit? Local cop shop up there? Is it even possible to obtain a permit for astro purposes? Will airport authorities allow me to bring a laser on the plane from Melb and Darwin?

Hope the group can help with my question. NB: I haven't bought a laser.
Cheers,
Geoff
Astronomical Society of Victoria
http://www.asv.org.au