Are astronomers like surfers?

[grimsay (Iain)]

Are astronomers like surfers? Do the more seasoned observers - without a fixed setup or when escaping the urban light pollution - have secret breaks? An awesome observing spot(s) discovered personally or handed down (earned) that only you or a select few know of.

Close to where I'm based I've heard of a couple of dark sky sites within 5-6hrs (camping trip) and a couple semi-dark within an evenings outing (<1hr). Surely there must be others, it a vast place!

I'm just curious. I should do some more exploring, check LP maps and try some spots. But how do you determine what's worth testing from a map? Road access, minimal properties nearby, dark as possible, secluded yet safe? There are a lot of options.

Cheers, Iain

[Kunama]

I think you need to be 100 klms from any city to have even a chance of truly dark skies.
There are a couple of places that fit the bill within two hours of Newcastle (but of course I can't tell you where they are)

Last night we were observing 50 kms north of Canberra and whilst it was an excellent evening, we could actually see the light domes of Canberra, Yass and Goulburn. Canberra being by far the worst.

I was a little eerie to be out there on a private property given that the farmer dropped in to let us know they would be out shooting rabbits.

[glend (Glen)]

The Bretti dark site is much loser to you - about 30kms northwest of Gloucester, and many oif the central coast/Newcastle people go up there regularly - It's no secret spot.

[raymo]

I used to go out to a low bare hill 135 klm east of Port Hedland for an observing and imaging night. All imaging had to be done facing away from P.H. because of the multi coloured L.P. from the industrial lights.
raymo

[Atmos (Colin)]

I bought 10 acres in Heathcote to which I started clearing over Christmas due to the arrival of a 1963 Fordson Major
The hope is to be able to take people up there when it is a bit safer and less dusty! Dozing a very dry area has made it incredibly dusty, need some rain to hopefully by Spring this year it'll be closer to that.

[grimsay (Iain)]

Originally Posted by Kunama

I think you need to be 100 klms from any city to have even a chance of truly dark skies.
There are a couple of places that fit the bill within two hours of Newcastle (but of course I can't tell you where they are)

Haha... damn...

Yes, Bretti is a good option for me Glen and I hope to make it to a meet here soon - chores pending Mangrove Mt too I believe.

I was just curious as to the habits of astronomers when it comes to spots and tips for exploring my own.

Colin , you have the right idea, and a nice ride! Something to aspire to.

[rustigsmed (Russell)]

Hi Iain,

I think they are especially when it comes to aurora hunting.
when one is going to go off a lot of people I know try to get away from the crowds. not as much when it comes to regular observing.

Russ

[sheeny (Al)]

Have a look here:

http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/s...d.php?t=129464

If you have some spots that aren't on the list, please add them.

Al.

[spiezzy]

My Secret spot/break is my Inlaws they have a sheep station 75klm north west of Lightning Ridge a place called Goodooga .
I have taken some astro friends up there and they were just awe struck on how dark it is the nearest large town is Dubbo around 460klm there is no light dome from Lightning Ridge so 360 degrees to horizon of darkness and there is 186000 acres to choose a sight or stay in the shearers huts only thing is its a 11 hour drive but well worth it .
cheers Pete