I just got back from my first time out at Honeysuckle Creek's Apollo campground.
It was also my first time setting up my G-11. I had a few issues as one of my deep cycle batteries wasn't charged completely and just wouldn't power the mount. This put a bit of a drain on the second battery that I had -- mount, laptop and camera were all running off it.
After all sorts of niggling issues, I gave up on imaging and spent most of Friday night observing. The kangaroos and possums were happy to share in the experience, too. This was the first time I've done proper observing; hopping from object to object and, I thoroughly enjoyed it. Saturday night was a write off -- cloud and rain all night.
I think the sky is quite dark up there. Looks like my trips to the Pony Club might finally be over.
For observing, I was only using a stock standard 15mm (GSO SuperView) eyepiece through the ED80.
The highlights for me were the Small Magellanic Cloud, M8, M7 and M4. For the first time I understand why M4 is called the Cat's Eye Cluster! And, just naked eye observing of the stunning Milky Way. I couldn't get Robert Gendler's latest image out of my head when looking up.
I look forward to going out again. I'd also like to extend an invitation to any other local Canberran's who'd like to head up there on a monthly or bi-monthly basis.
Attached is a photograph I took of my tent, equipment (ED80 with DSI, 40D (modified) with 200mm f/2.8L on the G-11) and surrounds. It really is a beautiful and peaceful spot.
Yes, the Pony Club's skies are far from ideal, but better than most of us put up with in our backyards. One place not too far from Canberra which I highly recommend is Wee Jasper. Very good skies there.
I haven't been to Wee Jasper, but, I have heard favourable reports. It might also be worth a peek in the future. But, for ease, cost and proximity from home, this can't be beat.
Hi Humayun, sounds like you had a good weekend Observing
I have a niece who lives in Camberra and may get down that way sometime this year
I have the same tent
Cheers
It's 30 years since I lived in Canberra - so have they removed the Honeysuckle Creek tracking station ? I mean the dish and buildings... There used to be a public BBQ area in the valley just before reaching the tracking station, with a hill between them.. I used to go there occasionally with a 20cm f/7 Newtonian.
As I recall it wasn't all that dark though, there was a lot of sky glow from Canberra even then and it must be much worse now.
Another question - in my day there used to be a lunar ranging station at Orroral valley up a very steep track (most 2WD vehicles wold not make it) - a metal dome with a 50-inch cassegrain and a ruby laser... is that gone too ?
Wavytone: my understanding is that they have torn down the old buildings. It's just concrete left over now. I could have sworn it was pretty dark out there. Up at the Honeysuckle campground, it's shielded by trees 360 degrees around. So, you see all the good stuff directly up overhead. I couldn't see any skyglow. Then again, I am an observing newb. So, /that's/ what eyepieces are for!
Barry: I'll be in touch.
Michael: I got your PM. Next time.
Nick: Cheers! That was my mate's tent. I have to get one of my own now.
trick: fees are only $5 per person per night. I also bought a bag of firewood from the visitor's centre for $12.
I have a tent just like that only a little bit bigger. I also have a ute and canopy for all the gear.
All I need is cloudless nights and someone as keen as I am to get amongst it! I have so many dark sites picked. Done recon of them by day so I know the access points.
I will go for a drive tomorrow to check out some more.
Humayan, we really should actively push for anyone to attend and maybe get a regular Canberra thing going.
Michael: I rang the visitor's centre and booked in advance. If you get there after hours, you can always just drive back down to the centre in the morning and make the payment there and then. They hand you a little green permit which I suspect is supposed to go on your windscreen somewhere. You can't sign up/pay online as far as I know. Best bet is to call -- they're really quite helpful.
Barry: I'm going to do some reconaissance this weekend, as well, hopefully. But, so far, the Apollo campground is a goer. And, I'm up for a local push to go imaging. I have never been to the deep sky nights that the CAS holds. Thing is, I don't want to be restricted to one night a month of imaging. I would like to be able to go whenever I want -- I'm even up for mid-week imaging sessions. I've got all this equipment, spent a lot of money on it, and, I really should make use of it.
Thing is, I don't want to be restricted to one night a month of imaging. I would like to be able to go whenever I want -- I'm even up for mid-week imaging sessions. I've got all this equipment, spent a lot of money on it, and, I really should make use of it.
Regards,
Humayun
Mate, you are reading straight out of my own brain. We won't become good photographers by just owning expensive equipment now will we?
I have a tent just like that only a little bit bigger. I also have a ute and canopy for all the gear.
All I need is cloudless nights and someone as keen as I am to get amongst it! I have so many dark sites picked. Done recon of them by day so I know the access points.
I will go for a drive tomorrow to check out some more.
Humayan, we really should actively push for anyone to attend and maybe get a regular Canberra thing going.
Baz.
Baz. I'm up for it, Friday nights are good for me as I finish work 2:30 ish in the arvo. Im into wide field stuff at the moment just learning. I often just go out to tidbinbilla nature reserve by my self on Saturday nights. What other places have you sused out?
Humayan. I might as well go and check out the place I put you onto.
Nice weather too, down to sub zeros soon.
I've observed from a nature reserve off the south side of the freeway just on the Canberra side of Goulburn, as well as on the ridge along the west side of Lake George. Both quite dark but not for camping - the Bushranger pub at Collector might be warmer.
I thought Honeysuckle Creek campground looked like it might be useful for observing when I was there for a scouts night with CAS a while back. Never got around to it though. We go to CAS deep sky nights when we can but that's only a few times a year because of other commitments, bad weather etc. If you advertise on this forum when you're going we might be interested in joining you but probably not until after winter.
trick: cheers for the suggestion, by the way. It's turned out for the best! Get yourself a Hepworth's freezer suit off GTB_Owl and you'll be set. It is so toasty inside one of those things. I might end up having to buy the boots off Geoff, too.
Wavytone: I've stopped several times on the drive up to Sydney (and back down again) at many places, including the driver rest stops, and the sky is beautiful from those locations. But, as you've said, not ideal for staying over night.
charsiubau: I can see this becoming a regular event. I will post in here several days (perhaps up to a week) before I go. If it's a snap decision and I feel like going, I'll post in here so people can come find me if they're interested.
I'm really warmed to see some interest in here. It's a good feeling being amongst like-minded individuals.
Look, I think this Friday night might be a bit of a big moon, but as it starts to decline, Friday nights might be pretty good.
Honeysuckle is good, I have been hiking all over the mountains there in the bush with a backpack, but I think we should keep it simple.
Overnighters or at least half-nighters are what we should aim for. (For those who have to work the next day) The more complex you make it, the harder it is to organise and motivate.
There is a spot up on Mount Stromlo, a tarred area just before the boom gates that is good to set up and surprisingly dark, so close to Weston Creek.
Another place is out the Cotter and another at Gibraltar Rocks. I will take a drive tomorrow to check out both of these and post back here tomorrow afternoon.
As soon as I have all the details, let's get together and make it solid.
Stromlo isn't dark, not even close - in the 70's I had the use of the Oddie most Monday nights and the Reynolds 30", and it wasn't all that dark even then.
