Hi all,
The Airfield is being made available to us for May, Saturday 11. Many thanks Rod,
Even with IISAC '13 also being on April, 12 people still were able to come to Katoomba. I'm impressed with the photos posted in April's thread taken that night.
Access to the Airfield is via Medlow Bath, the first village straight after Katoomba heading west. At Medlow Bath's only set of lights, turn into Railway Parade. Turn left into Rutland Steet (also called Grand Canyon Rd). The Airfield is 4km from here. The last 3km is unsealed, but the road surface has recently been regraded, so it's nice and smooth - heavy rain could change this though, so a cautious eye is a good idea.
On entering the Airfield, head up the track on the left hand side - there's no access to the observing area by heading straight ahead. Head past the "No Entry" sign and turn right up past the set of buildings towards the main runway to the set up area. The photo below will help show the way to the set up area.
If you haven't been to a star party before, you are most welcome to come. Scope or no-scope, no problem either. This is also a great occassion to bring your new scope for a good old thrash under a dark sky. If are considering which scope to get, you can come to see the variety of instruments that folks will be bringing and see the level of complexity each type has.
We are also welcome to stay overnight if it is a ripper of an evening. The Airfield's office building is open to us to sleep in. It also has a combustion heater that is the centre of the universe on those cold winter nights,
I'm hoping to get there around 5pm, sunset. You are welcome to come when ever you can, and leave when best suits you. As we can stay the whole night, when you'd like to leave is up to you.
If you haven't been to a star party before, do bring a torch, but cover it with three or four layers of red cellophane. Red light causes the least amount of disruption to our dark adapted eyes.
Hope to see you there.
Mental.
fingers crossed I'll be there
