Macedon Observatory

Heath (Heater) · #1 04-01-2011, 07:36 PM

Hi all,

Does anyone know whether you need to call in advance for a spot at the Macedon Observatory in Kyneton Victoria? I have read that they hire out powered sites but I cant find a number to call in advance. Looking for some darker skies!

Kind regards Heath
http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/....c/progress.gif

chrisp9au (Chris) · #2 04-01-2011, 08:39 PM

G'day Heath,

The most I can find on the Macedon Observatory is at: http://www.southerngalactic.com/
I understand that a gentleman by the name of Bert Candusio runs the place.

I live only 13km to the west of the site but, apart from hearing a couple of years ago how expensive it is, I've never been there or heard of anyone who has.
I do know that the site, like mine, would suffer from being under the flight path into Tullamarine International!

Cheers

Chris

chrisp9au (Chris) · #3 04-01-2011, 08:51 PM

Further research suggests that the Macedon Ranges Observatory is rather exclusive, for International and Advanced astronomers!
I don't seem to be able to find any mention of the observatory or it's activities since 2008.

Cheers

Chris

Paddy (Patrick) · #4 04-01-2011, 09:43 PM

If you are a member of ASV you could use their dark site at Heathcote. I think membership is about $70 per annum which is very modest.

Heath (Heater) · #5 04-01-2011, 10:00 PM

Thanks for your replies. I did read a thread that said you could pay approx $15 f0r an unpowered site and $20-25 for a powered site. The scientific remote sites are well expensive and are used for more permanent set ups.

The Heathcote site and membership sounds like a much better and affordable option. Will make some enquiries tomorrow.Other than that may check out whether there are any good spots to set up off the road as I have indepnedant battery supply
Cheers Heath

Paddy (Patrick) · #6 05-01-2011, 09:06 AM

Sounds a good move. I forgot to put the ASV web site address on my post - http://www.asv.org.au/

RCOS1 (Bert) · #7 05-01-2011, 12:22 PM

Having seen this thread we thought it best to provide the following information:
Our main site at www.northerngalactic.com but is generally not open to the public for registration although we do allow some registrations when requested. Our sister site www.southerngalactic.com is mainly for Telescope Hosting enquiries by overseas users.
We have powered concrete sites available for $20 per weekend and bookings are essential due to security constraints.
Aircraft flight paths are generally 10-15 Kms to the north and approx 20 Kms to the south. At 630 M (2000 Ft) elevation, we are situated well above Melbournes light dome and far enough south from the ASV site so as not to be effected by Bendigos light dome.
See attached Light Pollution image.
Hope that helps.

jamespierce (James) · #8 07-01-2011, 05:57 AM

What is the booking process ? What facilities if any (apart from the pad and power) are our at the site ? Where are the nearest places to stay etc ?

dannat (Daniel) · #9 09-01-2011, 08:53 PM

James -nearest place to stay would be in kyneton, possibly lancefield to the east

RCOS1 (Bert) · #10 09-01-2011, 11:51 PM

There are several well priced Bed and Breakfast Accommodation venues within a few kilometers of the site and we have a large camping site area available on site for tents, caravans etc.
Bookings may be made by email using:
admin@southerngalactic.com
Further information regarding facilities and operations are available here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Xubf4PTZ1A&sns=em