Hi,
I am one of the OZSky volunteers.
OzSky is run on a not-for-profit basis with the emphasis of helping host enthusiasts from the northern hemisphere to experience deep southern skies using large aperture scopes without the need for them to bring their own.
So given you are coming from Europe, you are exactly the demographic of attendee we tend to cater for.
OzSky runs for the week to maximize the chance of clear skies at least on a few nights.
More often than not it is observe until you drop. We book out the entire motel and the observing field is outside your back door.
Some attendees stay in town, only 15 minutes away.
Many attendees describe it as "the best star party they have ever been to" and many have been multiple times.
Some attendees come in advance with an observing list knowing exactly what they plan to see.
I was in the presence of one from California when he checked off his last NGC object having over decades systematically
observed and recorded notes on every one of them. Others are just as happy to join with the volunteers or tag along
with other visitors and be shown stuff. Apart from all the southern sky eye candy, there is always plenty of fantastic things
off the beaten track to see and the volunteers are all highly experienced observers eager to show them to you.
You need to register if you plan on attending for the week. If you would like to drop by for a night, email
info@ozsky.org and my colleague Lachlan will see if we can accommodate you.
The number of attendees are kept small - typically around 36 people - because that is all we can cater for to guarantee everyone plenty of eyepiece time.
If you are seeking a bigger gathering, then the South Pacific Star Party hosted by the Astronomical Society of New South Wales is the go. It is a festive affair with a few hundred people. Chances are you will make friends who will share an eyepiece there.
In any case, hope you can make it to OzSky 2025.
Best Regards
Gary Kopff
Mount Kuring-Gai, NSW, Australia
