Where is good place for stargazing? Currently live in Sydney

[mbaddah (Mo)]

Hi there

Currently I live in Canterbury, Sydney. I want to drive out of Sydney this Friday or Saturday night (for better viewing). Anyone know of a really good place worth driving? Really want to take my dob out to a better place.

I don't mind driving up to an hour and a half, was thinking towards Gosford? Thanks for your help.

[iceman (Mike)]

Hi there
This weekend the moon will be very bright overhead pretty much all night long, so unless you plan on viewing the moon and only the moon, it mightn't be the best weekend.

We have new moon meets at Kulnura or Mangrove Mountain on the Central Coast, near Gosford. The skies aren't really dark, but for only an hour from the city they're pretty good. it's really only the South/SouthEast that suffers.

You're more than welcome to join us next time we meet. We get a few from Sydney come up to them.

There's also the blue mountains (Linden), and other places down south that the various astro societies go to meet.

[astronut (John)]

Hi m,
Mike is correct, it's approaching full moon so the sky will be pretty bright and good for planets (Jupiter) or double stars only.
Nebula's and Galaxies etc will be washed out. You'll have to wait until after full moon.
You have Mike's invitation up to the Central Coast.
I'm the president of The Macarthur Astronomical Society, situated in Campbelltown. We will have our next observing night on Saturday Nov 3rd at The Oaks, about 1/2 hour from Campbelltown. The skies are very good here, let me know if you would like to attend.

[seeker372011 (Narayan)]

The Western Sydney Amateur Astronomy Group meets twice in a month at Linden, in the Blue Mountains. Just another option.

Not this weekend though, the moon is out!

[mbaddah (Mo)]

Thanks guys for all your replies. Didn't know the full moon would have such an affect!

Looks like blue mountains is good area for viewing by concensus?

Would love to come down to Central Coast with you guys Please let me know date and time!

Thanks again.

[ving (David)]

i am with astronut


go the oaks

[Geoff45 (Geoff)]

The ASNSW meets at Bowen Mountain on the Saturday nearest every 3rd quarter moon. People can bring their own scopes or can look through the Society's 16" Dob. (Next meeting 3 Nov). The Society also has a dark sky site at Ilford near Mudgee. We meet every weekend nearest the new moon for Friday and Saturday (Next meeting 9/10 Nov). There are 17.5" and 25" club scopes on the site.
Geoff