Tasmania observation sites

[jenchris (Jennifer)]

Thinking of a holiday next spring, so would love to know if there are any places that would be good for a little astronomical relaxation that have low cloud profiles!

[Wavytone]

Tas isn't a good place for stargazing.

Personally I'd say leave the gear at home and enjoy all the other things Tas is renowned for. At most carry a pair of binocs.

If your main mission is to do some stargazing in a nice holiday destination however, I will suggest Bright in NE Victoria where you stand a good chance of clear skies, with Mt Buffalo and Mt Hotham nearby and many fun things to see/do by day. Best family destination I know of by a wide margin.

[Amaranthus (Barry)]

Tas is terrific - really dark skies! You've just got to pick the right night

I live in the Huon Valley, and it's a Bortle 2 sky, only 40 min from Hobart.

[jenchris (Jennifer)]

Thanks guys .
I just wish your answers weren't so diametrically opposed

[Amaranthus (Barry)]

Well, I'm a resident. It's definitely cloudy quite regularly, but there are typically 10 clear or mostly clear nights a month. You've just got to get your timing right! When it is clear, it's wonderful.

[omegacrux (David)]

Where I am on the NW coast next to Ulverstone I can see Tuc47, Omega Cent both Mag clouds naked eye , ten minutes drive away it's better
You don't have to go far to get really dark skies, like others said clouds can be bad for long periods
It's worth it though when it clears

David

[Wavytone]

Sure I agree the skies are great there - when its clear, which isn't so often as most would hope for on a holiday esp if you're touring around the island.

[el_draco (Rom)]

Originally Posted by Wavytone

Tas isn't a good place for stargazing.

Personally I'd say leave the gear at home and enjoy all the other things Tas is renowned for. At most carry a pair of binocs.

Phewy... I've lived here for 20+ years and we have some of the darkest sites in Australia. Some areas are better than others and the East is generally drier but it depends on the season as well.

Great views of LMC especially and we have best chance of aurora as well.

Rom

[jenchris (Jennifer)]

We'll be renting an apartment for a month.
We appear to have found a cottage up in the hills. My other half is organising. I'll post the area when I get the details and you can tell me to take the gear or not!

[acropolite (Phil)]

Originally Posted by Wavytone

Tas isn't a good place for stargazing

. Must be a Tasmania on another planet.

As the other other natives have indicated, Tassie has dark skies and city light pollution is easy to get away from. The weather is variable and can change very quickly.

Up in the hills is a bit vague, Tassie is mostly hills and mountains, where ever it is I'm sure you'll find a spot to observe within easy driving distance. Sign up for aurora alerts and maybe the Aurora facebook group, as it's probable that there may be some activity over a one month period.