SPSP details

montewilson (Monte) · #1 04-02-2008, 08:42 PM

Hi Guys - The SPSP is coming and we are busily preparing for what we hope will be the best in this series of Australia's largest and longest running annual star party. I would like give you a better feel of what we are planning and also ask for your understanding with some of the changes we have decided to make.

In the last five or so years Astrophotography has become increasingly popular and this year we have made improvements to the way we cater for people wanting to image over the weekend.

There will be a dedicated astro-imaging section of the main field. Monitors and computers will be allowed. This area is separated form visual observers by a hedge and we hope it will offer convenience to both groups. Generators are not allowed anywhere on the lower main field for use with astro equipment or for camping. They are allowed up at the house.

The house which is about 300m to the West of the main field has been set aside to meet the needs of astro-imagers. Generators are allowed there if they are small and quiet. Light from monitors and laptops will be acceptable if its not bothering others.

There is enough room for about couple of dozen imagers and there is a toilet and shower in the house.

Last year there were problems with queues for the showers and toilets. We appreciate nothing would be more frustrating for our guests and we will be renting two portable showers in addition to the two installed units we have had for some time.

While everyone likes to have a shower in the morning between seven and eight we suggest you consider having your shower at less orthodox times such as in the early hours of the morning after your observing. There is rarely a line then.

This year we will not be opening the gates until Friday at 9.00am. This is a departure from the normal way we have operated but the size and popularity of the event means we just can't run it for more than a few days anymore. Please don't come earlier.

Last year we had 200 people on the site by Thursday night and this was a major cause of the queues for the facilities. Wiruna has no mains water. Our showers are supplied by the tank water we capture during the year and while 300 people for a few days is not a problem, for more days it would be.

We know this will cause some inconvenience but we have no option and we apologize if some people are not able to justify traveling larger distances for a two day event.

PM me if you have made plans to come from a considerable distance and this will greatly effect your ability to attend. Don't forget the Wiruna site is open every new moon weekend for three to four days so if the SPSP is not practical a normal new moon weekend maybe.

Best regards

Monte Wilson
Secretary ASNSW

Inmykombi (Geoff) · #2 04-02-2008, 09:38 PM

Please excuse my ignorance, as I have never been to a star party before.
I would love to get my scope undewr a "real" dark sky.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I have a few questions I hope someone can answer.

How can I get directions to find Wiruna?

Do I need to bring a tent?, or is there other accommodation or a local Motel or Pub I can stay at nearby while there ?

what about 240 volt power to re-charge my batteries ?

Do I need to bring water ?

Thanks in advance for anyones answers.

Geoffro

montewilson (Monte) · #3 04-02-2008, 10:06 PM

Hi Geoff,
All the directions are included in the kit you will receive if you register.

There is no power but there will be battery chargers available. These are powered by the big generator we hire for the hall.

You will need to bring a tent/camper. There is no accomodation during the SPSP.

There are many local motel/B&B options. They are listed in the rego kit.

You shouldn't need to bring water. We have enough tank water for showers and drinking.

Food is available for sale but it is advisable to bring snacks and staples as the food available is more of the comfort food type.

Inmykombi (Geoff) · #4 04-02-2008, 10:55 PM

Hi , Thanks a million for the super quick reply.

Sounds like it'd be a great weekend.

Geoffro.

Rodstar (Rod) · #5 05-02-2008, 08:34 AM

Geoff,

There is always a contingent from IIS there, and everyone from ASNSW is very friendly...you will have a ball.

The skies truly are magnificent. You will be amazed how much more you can see in your LX200 than under usual conditions.

I always recharge my power pack each day from the power points near the main hall, and have never had a problem with that.

I always pack plenty of fresh fruit to balance the fried takeaway style of food catered.

It has become something of a tradition that we go to one of the neighbouring towns for a full hot cafe breakfast on one of the mornings. It warms the cockles after a long night of observing, and insufficient sleep to have someone make a full breakfast for me, and to endulge in some freshly ground coffee!

Inmykombi (Geoff) · #6 05-02-2008, 05:47 PM

Thanks Rod.

Where do you stay when at SPSP?
Do you stay nearby or on site ?

Geoffro

iceman (Mike) · #7 05-02-2008, 06:00 PM

Hi Geoff

Almost all of us camp on site. Rod loans out the other half of his large tent for me to occupy

iceman (Mike) · #8 05-02-2008, 06:01 PM

Thanks for all the details, Monte. Sounds great.

I guess it's a shame for those that can't come earlier than Friday, but I can fully understand the reasoning behind it.

qld · #9 05-02-2008, 06:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by iceman

Thanks for all the details, Monte. Sounds great.

I guess it's a shame for those that can't come earlier than Friday, but I can fully understand the reasoning behind it.

monte please tell the bretheren what they have to do to become members of asnsw that it is a great club with lots of helpfull members good lecture nights and of course wiruna go out and get them to join up qld

montewilson (Monte) · #10 05-02-2008, 06:35 PM

www.asnsw.com

Inmykombi (Geoff) · #11 05-02-2008, 08:42 PM

Looks like I bring my Tent then.
Although my tent isn't big enough to share half with anyone or anything.... except my esky...

Thx

Kal (Andrew) · #12 05-02-2008, 10:35 PM

Monte, when I was there last year I arrived rather late Saturday and the camping area was quite full. I set up my tent + telescope in the hedged off area next to the dirt road that leads up to the hall, which was almost completely empty at the time. I assume that this is the area that will be dedicated to asto-imagers on the main field?

Will camping be prohibited from this area? I must admit I found it quite convenient having the tent + car + scope all together there last time.

montewilson (Monte) · #13 06-02-2008, 04:47 AM

I don't think there is anything against camping there. It will however be a bit lighter than other areas because monitors and computers will be in full use there. I will check and try to remember to post an answer. Remind me by PM if you don't see an reply soon.

Inmykombi (Geoff) · #14 01-03-2008, 04:31 PM

Hi again,

I am trying to get one of my sons to come along to the SPSP, but cant get him motivated as yet.

I am hoping there are some good daytime activities at the Site to keep him interested during the day.

ie: Is there bushwalking ? or freshwater swimmimng holes?

What is there for Teenagers to do during the day ?
What happens during the daytime besides the obvious catching up on sleep?

Cheers.

Geoffro.

wavelandscott (Scott) · #15 01-03-2008, 06:39 PM

There are some activities during the day for kids...but, if your son is a teen, he might be a bit old for them. However, my 6 and 10 year olds love them.

Inmykombi (Geoff) · #16 01-03-2008, 07:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wavelandscott

There are some activities during the day for kids...but, if your son is a teen, he might be a bit old for them. However, my 6 and 10 year olds love them.

Thx.

What activities are they ?

Geoffro.

Rodstar (Rod) · #17 01-03-2008, 07:50 PM

Geoff, because the facilities are very basic, there is a lot of work involved to bring a child and keep them happy. I imagine a teenager who is not particularly fussed with astronomy may be bored rigid.

I take my kids to some other star parties, but I find that the facilities at SPSP are just too basic. There are certainly no swimming holes.

There really is nothing much for kids to do, other than some astronomical talks arranged for newbies and kids for one or two hours of the weekend. Some of the families who have been going regularly over the years have children that play together, but obviously your kid would not fit into that situation.

During the day there are astronomy talks for the grown-ups, vendor displays, the astro comp, etc. For most of the time, people just chill out, discuss their equipment, and as you have indicated, catch up on some kip.

You might consider coming by yourself this year, and then you will have a better idea of whether it would be appropriate to bring a teenager along next year.

Inmykombi (Geoff) · #18 01-03-2008, 08:18 PM

Thx Rod.

It looks like I will be there on my own.
My wife doesnt like camping, and my Son probably will be bored out of his brain without his MSN and computer games.

I look forward to seeing what The "Mary Rose" can do under dark skies.

Cheers.

Geoffro.

GTB_an_Owl (Geoff) · #19 01-03-2008, 08:38 PM

any one would think it was getting close

who's staying sunday nite ?

think i will if it looks like being fine - seeing as how i will be doing the vendor stall, i will have to go to bed sometime friday and saturday nite.
sunday will be my chance to have a good nites viewing i guess.

geoff

Inmykombi (Geoff) · #20 01-03-2008, 09:13 PM

If you are staying Sunday Night, then I think I will as well. As long as I can have a "squiz" through that dob of yours.

Another night under dark skies sounds great to me.

Does anyone have directions to the site ?

Geoffro.