Sydney Astronomy Friendly Suburbs

[trent_julie]

Hello Everyone,
Julie and I are looking to move closer to Sydney city, we intend at this stage to remain on the Southern side of the bridge, but move closer to the city than the Sutherland Shire where we live at the moment. We obviously want a backyard for all our astro-toys, and we are also well aware that moving closer to the city means more light pollution. What I am wondering is,

Does anyone know if there any pockets of less-light-polluted-sky-suburbs around the Sydney area that we should consider whilst hunting for a new home? Particularly when considering narrowband imaging and the like.

Your thoughts and opinions would be greatly appreciated.
Cheers,

Trent

[Matt Wastell (Matt)]

Hi Trent - that is a tough one - I hope someone can help!

[Peter Ward]

Humm.... leave the Shire!!!??? Is there a ring you need to melt down?

I'm still here at the Ridge. Menai is north west, Engadine east. More importantly The Royal and Holsworthy reserves dim eastern and southern
horizons fairly well.

North is Mordor. A real bugger for imaging.

[koputai (Jason)]

Don't forget the glow from the Barden Ridge reactor Peter!

Cheers,
Jason.

[tlgerdes (Trevor)]

I think you will find zilch in that dept. Even if you did find a dark pocket, how long would it stay dark for over the next 5-10 years?

What is your price range? Heading down towards La Perouse past Botany would give you darker skies to the eastern and south eastern horizon (but darker than what?), nothing out there but water.

I have given up anything but really testing stuff in my back yard, but make an effort to go to ASNSW Wiruna every month to replenish my soul and have recently been enjoying ASNSW Crago again.

Mind you I have still snapped a few decent pics of brighter objects (Eta, Omega, Tuc, M42 etc) and I am halfway between the City and Parramatta, plus the brighter planets are always easy to see regardless.

[M110 (Andrew)]

[QUOTE=trent_julie;693664]Hello Everyone,
Julie and I are looking to move closer to Sydney city, we intend at this stage to remain on the Southern side of the bridge, but move closer to the city than the Sutherland Shire where we live at the moment. We obviously want a backyard for all our astro-toys, and we are also well aware that moving closer to the city means more light pollution. What I am wondering is,

Does anyone know if there any pockets of less-light-polluted-sky-suburbs around the Sydney area that we should consider whilst hunting for a new home? Particularly when considering narrowband imaging and the like.

Your thoughts and opinions would be greatly appreciated.
Cheers,




Katoomba

[trent_julie]

Thanks for everyones input, It seems like a futile effort,
and as Trevor said, "Even if you did find a dark pocket, how long would it stay dark for over the next 5-10 years?" it is a valid point considering the rapid expansion of Sydney and its surrounds, none the less in the interum Solar imaging isn't affected by light pollution and I can always ask for a transfer to WA.... after all it is a long way from Mordor, if Peter is correct in all things Middle Earth

Cheers Guys

[noswonky (Peter)]

You could switch to solar observing.