Ravenswood Camp, North Qld

[Liz]

Townsville Astronomy Group are holding their annual weekender viewing session on April 21/22 at Ravenswood, 1 1/2hrs wsw of Townsville.

This is a lovely old gold mining town, still with active mining in progress, but alot of history. We set up at The Showgrounds in town, which is reasonably dark. There is a nearby .... huge, opencut mine, but is so deep, that only a little light filters up from it.

This a quiet affair, not big number like the Southern Star Parties, but we have great fun, nonetheless. Last year we had about 20 there, but probably less this year.

We usually rock upon the Friday arvo, so we have 2 good nights of viewing and taking pics.

The Showgrounds has powered and nonpowered areas to set up, loos and showers.

So, anyone wanting to join us, and see some of the more northerly constellations, come along. Anyone welcome, as I said, a pretty quiet but fun affair.

Hmmm .. coincides with the Lyrid Meteor shower, yeah. I aim to do some time lapses, if I can work that out.

[jjjnettie (Jeanette)]

I'd love to be able to join you all up there. I know you will all have a wonderful time.

[erick (Eric)]

Maybe on next year's travel plans. I'd love to come. 'tis a long drive. Have fun and let us know how it goes.

Accommodation? Tents, or motel nearby?

[astroron (Ron)]

Hope all goes well Liz, Have a good weekend's observing
Cheers

[Liz]

Thanks jjj, Eric and Ron. This event is on next weekend, yeah, alas weather is not looking good, but you never know.

Boys have bought too many toys up here, so might have to try jjjs trick with the clewd chant.

Hoping we will have some clear skies as it is New Moon and also tjhe Lyrid Meteor Shower. Comet Garradd is also lurking in the upper parts of Ursa Major and should be nicely visible, plus all the usual suspects.

Will let yous know how it goes.

[Liz]

All over Red Rover.

A fabulous time had at Ravenswood, so much so that we intend to have another 2 weekends this year!!

Weather was bful - fine HOT days, and clear though moisture ridden nights, The views were gorgeous!! We sat out for 2 hours under the stars on friday night from midnight hoping to glimpse some Lyrid meteors. Not much luck there.

Not many of us there this time, unlike previous years, but nice and cosy. Had only 6 scopes set up, and I had the only DOB!! Allan (Catweazel on IIS) had a C11, Dave(Strawb) a CPC dont know what they are called but the 9 3/4", and Richard a 10 Meade .. and a couple more.

Saw many bful sights, and played with my Gstar under Dave (Stawb on IIS) tuition.

Dave also had a HA sunscope,and the views were amazing!!! So many proms.

More pics in Solar System section.