Hi guys (or should I say G'Day!), I am going to be in Australia from 31st May to mid-July next year and I'm wondering if there are any astro-events on then. I just miss the South Pacific Star Party and I think I'll be too early for the Queensland Astrofest, but is there anything else on during June/early July?
Er, no - its' winter and on my side of the country that means the rainy season. I know that's not a barrier to having a star party but its usually not a good idea to plan anything much around then.
Even if there's no big star parties on, there are always plenty of informal weekend get togethers' happening around the country.
In South East Queensland there is a chance to meet up with fellow IISers at Cambroon Observatory at Kenilworth. There is usually up to 20 of us there every new moon.
Most of the Clubs and Societies will be holding their monthly Dark Weekends as well as meetings. BAS and SEQAS usually go to Hazeldean, as well as a lot of folk going to Leyburn. In SE Queensland, visit the webpage links at the bottom of the Astrofest 'page for details.
Hazeldean has lots of facilities and Leyburn has much darker sky than Hazeldean, but fewer facilities.
Hope this helps.
Tony
PS Perth maybe rainy, but north to Exmouth we had a great time for the Venus transit in 2004... shorts and t-shirts... clear blue skies and swimming with the Whale Sharks and over the reefs. Climate similar to North Queensland... Guess you CAN have everything :-)
