The camping area is a short walk from the main observing field, just over a line of bushes really, so it depends on where you setup on the main field, it can be under 100ft.
You should be able to drive your kit up to the main field during daylight hours without any trouble, I don't remember any restrictions last year, it just gets a bit busier than usual with people and kit
Thanks for the maps; that really helps. Really looking fwd to it. Hope the weather holds. Had a great time at the IIS AstroCamp (my first Oz star party) in spite of the weather. Met some great folks. Hoping for same again in two weeks.
Cheers
Bill
As Geoff has indicated, Wiruna sits at over 1000m above see level and can get very cold at night (have seen -5deg at the SPSP 3 years ago). Geoff's suits are used by a lot of people. Ski clothing is another option, and don't forget suitable footwear and headwear.
Yes I remember last year, about 30 minutes before sunset, it was like someone opened up the fridge on the place. The temperature sure drops real fast at that time of the day.
Do you expect dew to be a problem? Sure was heavy at IIS AstroCamp, but then we were right by the creek. If so I may need to pick up an extra dew htr or two.
Also, what is the power situation? Places from which to run extension cords or at least recharge batteries during the day?
Thx
Bill
Yeah, but 2 of them were party hats, they don't count
Quote:
Originally Posted by bstrim01
Do you expect dew to be a problem? Sure was heavy at IIS AstroCamp, but then we were right by the creek. If so I may need to pick up an extra dew htr or two.
Also, what is the power situation? Places from which to run extension cords or at least recharge batteries during the day?
Dew...it depends which way the wind is blowing (dry desert wind or moist coastal) but the 1000+m altitude usually helps a lot compared to Lostock. What sort of scope will you be taking? It's not unheard of for a big newt or cat to dew up a bit, so may be better to take precautions if that's the case Last time I used my C11 up there it stayed dew free all night without heating.
The site is off-grid and has solar panels with a limited number of sockets and it may get busy at times given the volume of people, but you should be able to recharge at some point during the day.
Do you expect dew to be a problem? Sure was heavy at IIS AstroCamp, but then we were right by the creek. If so I may need to pick up an extra dew htr or two.
Also, what is the power situation? Places from which to run extension cords or at least recharge batteries during the day?
Thx
Bill
Hi Bill,
Yes, it can get dewy, but not to the problem extent. I have a 200mm imaging newt (closed tube) and it has never had an issue with dew in my 7 years of visiting Wiruna. My guide scope dews up all the time though. So prepare with dew heaters/shields as appropriate.
The main field will require batteries and there is a formal recharge station next to the main hall. The imaging field has off-grid 240v solar/battery power, but batteries are always welcome. We can usually run 10 imaging setups overnight from the imaging field power system, and we have generators to backfill and recharge during the day. Generators can be used on the imaging field, just bring long extension cords (20+m) so you can run them away from where people are.
i'm considering renting a motorhome since I'm bringing the family. Where would these need to park? Is there a particular part in the camping area designated for motorhomes and caravans? Do a good number of campers tend to set up in the camping area in lieu of the observing field and put up with the potential for a bit mote stray light in order to be close to camp. How close could one get with a motorhome to the observing field?
I also recall during registration something mentioned about activities being planned for kids. Mine are 10 & 13 and will be there Fri & Sat. What plans are there?
i'm considering renting a motorhome since I'm bringing the family. Where would these need to park? Is there a particular part in the camping area designated for motorhomes and caravans? Do a good number of campers tend to set up in the camping area in lieu of the observing field and put up with the potential for a bit mote stray light in order to be close to camp. How close could one get with a motorhome to the observing field?
If you refer to this image here - http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/a...e.php?a=181423
the larger campervans tend to be parked in the zone designated
"Camping Area" close to Old Ilford Road. Come through the main gate,
turn left onto the camping area ground and park. If you then walk to
the Registration Desk, someone can advise you further on the best place
to park if it is not self evident.
Some observe immediately next to their campervans/caravans
but many set up their telescopes just immediately past the line of
bushes and trees that form a hedge between the camping area
and main observing field. It is then only a two minute walk to your
scope. Bring something to cover it from the weather.
Quote:
I also recall during registration something mentioned about activities being planned for kids. Mine are 10 & 13 and will be there Fri & Sat. What plans are there?
They typically have workshops for children during the day and at night volunteers conduct
sky tours using large aperture scopes for families and those who did not bring
a scope.
There are typically no shortage of kids there and many of the older one tend to team up, hang out with each other
and explore Wiruna on their own. There is bush and walks and stuff to explore.
Bring clothing for the kids as if they were spending a weekend down at the
snow.
Quote:
Lastly, how long a drive into Mudgee for the day?
About an hour from Wiruna to Mudgee. It is a 68km drive one-way.
Quite a few people do bring motor homes. The areas designated for caravan also apply to motor homes, in general it is the camping area below the main observing field (see picture above) or anywhere you can find space on the imaging field.
Many do setup their equipment in the camping zones, it really depends on your personal light tolerance. You can always change the location during the day.
There is a children's astronomy workshop (approx 1hr) on the Saturday morning. The content of these vary from year to year, but have included things like making a scale model of the solar system across the property and star magnitude identification charts. In addition to these at night we have night sky tours with "expert" commentators on our big scopes.
The property is just over 100acres, so the kids can bring their bikes and explore if you feel comfortable. Bring some fishing line (5-10m), a bucket and some raw meat and try yabbying in the dam (catch and release as they taste really muddy). There is usually around 10-20 kids from 5-15years (my son is 13, arrives on Saturday due to school commitments). Plus there are formal lectures that appeal to everyone from our 2 guest speakers.
Mudgee is around 45m drive, Bathurst around the same via Sofala, Hill End is around 90m.
This than 1 week to go. Information kits have been sent to attendees today via email. If you have not received yours, please send me a PM and I will forward it on to you.
to Ice in Space, Bill!
