Any astronomers/astrophotographers from Melbourne area?

[RayOfLight]

Hey guys!

Will be relocating to Melbourne (from Singapore) early october onwards for a work assignment. Had attended the IIS Camp in Lostock back in 2007. Hopefully I would have time to attend a similar astronomical activity during my work stint in Melbourne. Am hoping to bring a setup there as well, hopefully the logistics will not be much of a nightmare. Are there any astrophotographers/astronomers in Melbourne (or greater region) holding sessions frequently (or even occasionally)? How is the astronomy scene there like? Looking forward...

Clear Skies!
Remus

[RayOfLight]

hmmm....<scratch head>

[iceman (Mike)]

Hi Remus

There's heaps in the Melbourne and surrounds, I guess they just didn't see this thread yet.

There's an active group of observers at MPAS (mornington peninsula), and Alchemy, Tamtarn and others outside melbourne who are prolific imagers.

[iceman (Mike)]

The ASV are also a very big group in the Melbourne area.

[erick (Eric)]

Hi Remus

Think about the coming Snake Valley Astro Camp, 28 Nov - 2 Dec:-

http://snake-valley-astro.000webhost.info/news.html

About 1 hour 30 min drive from Melbourne outskirts.

or maybe the VicSouth Star party, 31 Oct - 4 Nov:-

http://www.vicsouth.com/vicsouth2008.htm

About 4-5 hours drive from Melbourne.

As Mike says, there is an active group that gathers at the MPAS site:-

http://www.mpas.asn.au/BOS1.htm

Cheers
Eric

[§AB]

Originally Posted by RayOfLight

Hey guys!

Will be relocating to Melbourne (from Singapore)

WHAT IS WRONG WITH YOU!!!!???!111!!?!?!!111?!!?!?

Had attended the IIS Camp in Lostock back in 2007. Hopefully I would have time to attend a similar astronomical activity during my work stint in Melbourne. Am hoping to bring a setup there as well, hopefully the logistics will not be much of a nightmare. Are there any astrophotographers/astronomers in Melbourne (or greater region) holding sessions frequently (or even occasionally)? How is the astronomy scene there like? Looking forward...

Try the MPAS, they hold public viewing sessions at the Briars on every 1st Friday of the month.

I myself am a prolific visual astronomer, and expert melbourne weather hater.

[RayOfLight]

Originally Posted by §AB

WHAT IS WRONG WITH YOU!!!!???!111!!?!?!!111?!!?!?

Oh no, SAB, I hope I did not say anything wrong? ;P

Thanks Mike for the information, it would help keep some nights occupied! ha!

Eric: Snake Valley sounds real good. Probably have to take a VLine to Smythesdale...

Can't wait to come! And loads of packing to do....

[§AB]

Originally Posted by RayOfLight

Oh no, SAB, I hope I did not say anything wrong? ;P

mate, you might aswell flush all astronomical hope and gear down the toilet before you jump on that plane.......

Eric: Snake Valley sounds real good. Probably have to take a VLine to Smythesdale...

Be aware that its very cold and dewy there, in spring and even summer if we get a high pressure cell over us. Also, mosquitos are rampant at the first sign of warmth, so be aware of that, and also some nights can be very windy especially at this time of year. Most importantly, Melbourne and Southern Vic is extremely cloudy and mostly cold from about April until November so bear that in mind.

[RayOfLight]

let's wait out for November! :-)

[§AB]

I wish you luck man, I really do. God Speed.

Also take note that Melbourne is very cold in summer compared to Singapore. Average low is 15C and average high is 27C. April to November is uniformly cold, especially at night and your best observing buddy will be a coat and a flask of hot coffee.

here's a real life experience - last JANUARY, I went observing with a couple of other guys on the Mornington Peninsula, and we all had to wear coats and drink coffee because it was so cold. The scope was dripping wet with dew and yeah it just illustrates how cold and unpleasant Melbourne can be even in summer.

[avandonk]

When you are in Melbourne you are quite welcome to use my observatory in Eltham. Either with your equipment or mine. Just PM me. What we can do is set everything up and wait until the terrible weather they all talk about goes away. Then just roll the roof off! Or is that rock and roll!

Bert

[erick (Eric)]

Originally Posted by RayOfLight

Eric: Snake Valley sounds real good. Probably have to take a VLine to Smythesdale...

Just keep in touch. I'm sure we can organise transport.

[RayOfLight]

will do Eric! thanks for the hospitality!