Central Coast observing session THIS weekend

Rodstar (Rod) · #1 28-12-2007, 10:34 AM

Mike and I have been discussing an impromptu observing session sometime this weekend at the Pony Club.

Sure, the moon is rising fairly early (about 11pm-midnight ish), but it would be kinda nice to have a few hours under some darker skies. The forecast for most of the weekend is very good, so I don't want to miss the opportunity. It doesn't have to be a really late night, and one can always polish off a fine night with some Rutherglen Reserve Liquour Muscat.

And, I have a new ETHOS to try out.

I can't do Sunday night, which would have been my preferred option otherwise, and I suspect my brothers-in-law who are both out from the UK at the moment may have plans for me on Monday night (New Year's Eve). The weather forecast favours Saturday night, so that is what I am planning at this stage, subject to final variations and the comments of others.

Who is interested?

Geoff (GTB), are you already away by then?

iceman (Mike) · #2 28-12-2007, 11:37 AM

I'm interested! But can't do Saturday night, Kate and I are going to dinner/movies.

Sunday or Monday is fine with me!

Rodstar (Rod) · #3 28-12-2007, 12:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by iceman

I'm interested! But can't do Saturday night, Kate and I are going to dinner/movies.

Sunday or Monday is fine with me!

Sorry Mike, you did say something about that!

I have checked with SWMBO, and it looks like New Year's Eve (Monday night) should be OK after all. The weather forecast for Monday is much the same as Sunday (but more cloudy on Tuesday). Another benefit to Monday night is that the moon is all that bit later in rising, so we should be able to do some good observing until about 12.30-1am.

So shall we say Monday?

iceman (Mike) · #4 28-12-2007, 12:55 PM

I just realised Monday is new years eve.. will have to check with SWMBO.
At this stage, Sunday is the best day for me.

GTB_an_Owl (Geoff) · #5 28-12-2007, 12:55 PM

Yep - i am allready away Rod

in Port Macquarie at the moment
going to Coffs saturday sometime

geoff

Rodstar (Rod) · #6 28-12-2007, 01:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GTB_an_Owl

Yep - i am allready away Rod

in Port Macquarie at the moment
going to Coffs saturday sometime

geoff

You are doing the reverse of John Bambury. He is headed today to Coffs Harbour (from Ballina), then onto Port Macquarie after that.

Hope you enjoy some nice weather.

While you are in Coffs, try Cafe Aqua, near the Bowlo. Great breakfast!

Inmykombi (Geoff) · #7 28-12-2007, 02:18 PM

Sorry folks.
Unless all my plans for Saturday , Sunday, and Monday turn to mud, I wont be going.

New Years eve we are hosting a Party as well,and I am cooking, so I can't do Monday.

Hope the weather is kind to those who do make the treck....

Geoff No:4

gmbfilter (Geoff) · #8 28-12-2007, 06:46 PM

Sounds like a perfect way to spend new year. I probably won't be able to get there. Have a great time

Rodstar (Rod) · #9 29-12-2007, 08:09 AM

Just in case anyone is thinking of dropping in to the Pony Club, it is now looking like Sunday night is the night, as I do not really want to be on my own.....I will be a little late on Sunday, though, probably there by 9ish.

I observed last night at home until midnight quite comfortably, so there should be a few good hours of time at the Ethos before the glare of Luna is unduly corrupting on Sunday night.

Mike, are you able to notify the owners, and collect the keys?

iceman (Mike) · #10 29-12-2007, 10:50 AM

I'll give them a call this arvo.
The moon won't rise till after 1am, and it doesn't get dark until 9pm, so I think you'll be fine getting there around that time.

I'll try and get there by 8:15pm or so.

Rodstar (Rod) · #11 29-12-2007, 12:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by iceman

I'll give them a call this arvo.
The moon won't rise till after 1am, and it doesn't get dark until 9pm, so I think you'll be fine getting there around that time.

I'll try and get there by 8:15pm or so.

Thanks Mike. See you Sunday night.

Deeno · #12 29-12-2007, 05:41 PM

Fantastic.
Shall make an appearance

Deeno

RB (Andrew) · #13 29-12-2007, 07:10 PM

Looks like I'll be there too, unless anything changes I'll see you guys there.

Rodstar (Rod) · #14 29-12-2007, 08:15 PM

Great news, Deeno and RB!

iceman (Mike) · #15 29-12-2007, 09:34 PM

Fantastic! And I have the go-ahead, too. I'll be there!

David · #16 29-12-2007, 09:38 PM

Hi Rod, Mike Andrew. hope to see you there, that's if I can find the new site. hope it is a night like tonight.

Rodstar (Rod) · #17 30-12-2007, 08:43 AM

It will be good to see you David, if you can make it. I must remember to pack your Dune DVDs, which I have had for far too long.

iceman (Mike) · #18 30-12-2007, 09:16 AM

Weather looks great! I've organised for the key to be in the letterbox, but I don't know if i'll be first there.

If you plan to be there before 8pm, give me a call or PM and i'll give you key instructions.

Inmykombi (Geoff) · #19 30-12-2007, 11:39 AM

I can now make it, if I get all my jobs around the house done. That came from the boss too.......

It will be great to finally get my Meade onto the mountain.
So I am working like a steamtrain today to get things ready for our New Years Party.

If you read this Mike, please bring me a beanie along.

I will get there as early as I can. As close to 9 as I can.

weather is looking good from here.

Geoff No:4

David · #20 30-12-2007, 04:06 PM

Thanks Rod, looks like its going to be a good night & I will be bringing my dad & he knows the way as my sister used to go to pony club so I will see you all there.