Central Coast Observing - 15th December

[iceman (Mike)]

Hi all

After the new moon washout, I'm still really keen to get out under some darkish skies.

I'm planning to head out on Saturday night, the 15th December. The Moon won't be a problem after 10pm (under 20deg alt) and it takes me that long to get everything plugged in and aligned anyway

..and the weather is looking fairly good so far. Fingers crossed.

Friday
Mostly fine.

City: Min: 16 Max: 25
West: Min: 15 Max: 27

Saturday
Fine.

City: Min: 17 Max: 27
West: Min: 17 Max: 31

Sunday
A few showers developing.

City: Min: 20 Max: 27
West: Min: 18 Max: 29

Anyone else keen to join me? I'll hopefully be bringing a friend from Karate too.

[iceman (Mike)]

Imaging Plan / wishlist

9pm-10pm: Accurate Align
10pm-11pm: Holmes 17P.
11pm-12pm: Pleiades or Triangulum Galaxy or California Nebula
12am-1am: LMC or Tarantula
1am - 2am: xmas tree cluster or horse/flame?
2am-3am: Eta Carina

Probably way too ambitious.. I really should spend 2 hours on a single target, and I don't even know if Holmes/17P will still be visible - but SNP shows it peaking at around 10-11pm so we'll see.

Maybe i'll spend 2 hours on Tarantula (12-2) and 2am-dawn on Eta

Oh and I've gotta fit darks and flats in there somewhere too.

[Inmykombi (Geoff)]

I wish I could be there.

I will be in Qld. for my Nephews wedding until the 18th.

I hope you have clear skies and get thru your Imaging list.

I have to catch up soon , so I can get my Beanie too..

[iceman (Mike)]

Originally Posted by Inmykombie

I have to catch up soon , so I can get my Beanie too..

yeh doh, sorry I couldn't be there last Saturday.
If you want it sooner (before xmas for example), just fill in the order form and I'll post it to you (it will cost you an extra $5 though).

[Inmykombi (Geoff)]

Its OK, I can wait to get the beanie till I meet you in person.
Thx anyway.

All the best on your imaging night.

Geoff

[Rodstar (Rod)]

I should be able to make it, Mike! Here's hoping for some clear weather.

[wavelandscott (Scott)]

NOt sure if I can make it as I must head overseas for one last trip before year end next week...but, just in case...

Which location?
Paintball or Pony Club?

Cheers!

[iceman (Mike)]

Pony club!

[GTB_an_Owl (Geoff)]

i have emailed Justine to leave the key out for frid /and/or sat nite

geoff

[Rick Petrie]

I just can't seem to get lucky lately with getting to obs nights up at the mountain.
October was in USA to meet new grandson and see daughter but happened to see Holmes 17/P up close. That was cool.
Last Saturday night had to attend wife's Christmas Party and was going to come late but alas - nasty sky.
This Saturday have wedding in Sydney and would have been there as the weather looks promising.
Maybe January is my next dark viewing -really hanging for a fix.
Merry Christmas to all.

[Deeno]

Gee, dunno if I can make it

[Deeno]

Kidding....
Just wanted an extra post to make the magic hundred.

[GTB_an_Owl (Geoff)]

well done on the 100 posts Deeno

we have confirmation the key will be left out from friday

geoff

[Inmykombi (Geoff)]

I hope you all get favourable weather for the weekend.

I cant get there, but I really hope you all have a nice dark sky.
I expect to read all about it while I am away too.


Cheers

[iceman (Mike)]

Are you coming Geoff (GTB)?
Where do we pick the key up from?

[GTB_an_Owl (Geoff)]

yep - i should be there
friday or sat - whatever we decide on - or should i say whatever the "weather gods" decree

it was nice out here at 3am this morning - could actually see the milkyway

geoff

[RB (Andrew)]

I'll be there too, if all goes well.

[iceman (Mike)]

I can't make Friday, but will definitely be there Saturday (weather permitting).

[ausastronomer (John Bambury)]

I can't make it unfortunately. My wife has conned me into taking her to see "Billy The Kid", at the Capitol Theatre. Won't that be fun.

Cheers,
John B

[iceman (Mike)]

Shame you can't make it John, haven't caught up in ages!

Weather is looking great so far!