The "Ideal" Astronomy Estate - Split from M45 not

[gaa_ian (Ian)]

Hey Paul
I think we need a "desert Park" estate for Astronomers.
Specs:
1. No plants over 6ft tall.
2. No lights other than red ones.
3. Must have at least 300 clear nights a year.
4. Must have a research grade 1000mm scope installed
5. A Conference facility for visiting Astro guest speakers.
6. Altitude of at least 2000 ft AGL.
Ummm ..... what else ?

[[1ponders] (Paul)]

7. many 2meter by 2 meter concrete pads (covered in a dense rubber to dampen vibration) with 240V power to each one.
8. A large water area stocked with Barra, perch and bass for daytime relaxation.

[gaa_ian (Ian)]

9. Every house to have a fully A/C dark room for daytime sleeps
10. Oh yes ... no Mozzies !

[ballaratdragons (Ken)]

Accommodation. But I think you just covered that with number 9.

[gaa_ian (Ian)]

11. A H-alpha solar observatory with the top of the line Coronado scope. (for daytime non-sleeping hrs)
12. A resident Masseur & Massuese to ease the aching muscles from endless hrs of observing
I'm sure there is more .......

[ballaratdragons (Ken)]

A 5 acre Radio telescope! Some people are into Radio astronomy. I was until Ballarat Society pulled theirs down.

[gaa_ian (Ian)]

Thats #13 Ken, keep them coming !
Once we have the Spec's, all I need is the money & we can build it
Well maybe in our heads anyhow .....
Seriously though, there is an Astronomy Estate in the US, I remember reading about it in one of the Astro Mags
Somewhere in the rockies I think !

[ballaratdragons (Ken)]

14. A fully equipped workshop for Scope & Mount repairs, alterations, and additions or to just tinker during the day. Tools, Lathes, MIG welders etc, etc.

I thought you were funding this Ian?

[gaa_ian (Ian)]

Hmmm ... funding, lets see ... some well placed add's for astronomy obsessed venture capitalists.
I'm sure it can be done

[ballaratdragons (Ken)]

How much you expecting to spend on the venture Ian? $500,000? $750,000?

If you were serious enough about it there are always grants for new ventures like this. Especially if it is science based.

[gaa_ian (Ian)]

Good starting figure Ken !

[ballaratdragons (Ken)]

Hyperthetically speaking, If you did do something like this where would you invisage doing it (besides in your head)?

[acropolite (Phil)]

No forestry activity within 500km and a total ban on forestry burnoffs. Add to this no local councils, all decisions to be made by online voting polls. No privately owned monopolies and all utilities owned and run by the community.

[Starkler (Geoff)]

A resident staff of light tresspass enforcement officers equipped with night vision goggles and a variety of firearms

[ballaratdragons (Ken)]

Originally Posted by Starkers

and a variety of firearms

with Flash Supressors!



Sorry about the name in the quote Geoff. I couldn't resist after remembering your name tag at Camp

[gaa_ian (Ian)]

Hmm ... where to put it
Lets see.. have to get out of the Jet stream
That rules out most of southern Aust (Sorry southerners)
That leaves FNQ, NT topend, or NW WA.
Can't get to close to the Monsoon weather !
Somewher in the Northern portions of the Tamami or Great sandy Deserts would be good I recon

[Starkler (Geoff)]

Originally Posted by ballaratdragons

Sorry about the name in the quote Geoff. I couldn't resist after remembering your name tag at Camp

That gives me an idea for an avitar....umm nevermind

[ballaratdragons (Ken)]

Originally Posted by Starkler

That gives me an idea for an avitar....umm nevermind

Originally Posted by ga-ga Ian

Hmm ... where to put it
Lets see.. have to get out of the Jet stream
That rules out most of southern Aust (Sorry southerners)
That leaves FNQ, NT topend, or NW WA.
Can't get to close to the Monsoon weather !
Somewher in the Northern portions of the Tamami or Great sandy Deserts would be good I recon

How about your back yard Ian?

[gaa_ian (Ian)]

OK ... Obviously you had to be there
Sounds like starcamp was a load of fun

[ballaratdragons (Ken)]

Yep! Had to be there!!