NSW Central Coast Casual Observing

[Allan_L (Allan)]

Unfortunately, tonight is no go.
Better luck next time.

[sharptrack2 (Kevin)]

Fortune smiled on me regardless, surprise visitors for dinner. So here's to hoping next month is better. (still have hopes for the camping trip though )

[Allan_L (Allan)]

I think it is about time to see if our key still works the lock.

Suggesting ... Saturday May 7th, which is a New Moon.
Hoping for Good Weather.
All Welcome.
Free.
Limited facilities.
Good dark skies (for this close to Sydney)
Wisemans Ferry Road, Mangrove Mountain
Directions in sticky at top of this forum.

Any expressions of interest? Reply to this thread or PM.

Subject to weather and/or any prior Pony Club activities booked

[astropolak (Joe)]

I am in..., this collides with SPSP but I am not traveling there...

Hope the weather plays the part...

Joe

[RB (Andrew)]

Yes, if I can, I'll come up to see you guys.

RB

[sharptrack2 (Kevin)]

I'm going to commit to being there, but reserve the right to miss out, if self-preservation is required...

[skullmurphy]

Hope to get there May 7..... Is the site condusive for camper trailers vans etc for multiple day stays or just single nights

Skull

[Allan_L (Allan)]

Originally Posted by skullmurphy

Hope to get there May 7..... Is the site condusive for camper trailers vans etc for multiple day stays or just single nights

Skull

We don't camp here, Scott.
The Pony Club and the Jump Club use it (leased crown land).

We generally vacate around mid-night, the last key-holder locks the gate.

[Allan_L (Allan)]

Time to break out the Freezer Suits guys!

If you don't have one, you can order one here, if you are quick. Freezer Suits

[grimsay (Iain)]

It's about time I experienced what my 8" can do under some darker skies than suburban Newcastle.

What sort of time do people turn up? How close is parking to the site... if leaving earlier are you likely to spoil everyone's dark adaption? Need to factor in Mother's Day morning.

Thanks, Iain

[nobby2 (Neil)]

Have put it into the diary. Will be making every attempt to get there.

[RobertC (Robert)]

New to this but would like to join you.

[Allan_L (Allan)]

Originally Posted by RobertC

New to this but would like to join you.

Welcome to IceInSpace Robert
You will be most welcome Robert.
PM me if you need any information off line.

Originally Posted by grimsay

It's about time I experienced what my 8" can do under some darker skies than suburban Newcastle.

What sort of time do people turn up? How close is parking to the site... if leaving earlier are you likely to spoil everyone's dark adaption? Need to factor in Mother's Day morning.
Thanks, Iain

Best to arrive a little before sunset. So setup of scopes in daylight is easier and allows familiarisation with the site.

I am hoping to arrive around 5pm.

Vehicle access is right onto the observing field. (ie set up next to your car)

It will be cold.!!! (I wasn't joking about freezer suits, many of the regulars have them).
Bring your own drinks, food, thermos, warm clothes, chair, scope/binos if you have them. Cover your torch with Red Cellophane (or like). Or use a red head light (or paint white leds with red nail polish etc)

Come and go as you must, but be considerate of others. If leaving early maybe park closer to the driveway. Check if anyone is imaging.

[Shano592 (Shane)]

Hi all.

I'll be there, fine weather permitting.

[Rick Petrie]

Wish I could be with you guys but I am in USA until at least September to support our daughter who is fighting Ovarian cancer. Missing getting out under the stars as sky is crap over here.
My daughter has got through her major operation and things are looking positive now but will need more treatment to rid this lousy disease.
Catch up hopefully around then.

[sally1jack (Phil)]

Originally Posted by Rick Petrie

Wish I could be with you guys but I am in USA until at least September to support our daughter who is fighting Ovarian cancer. Missing getting out under the stars as sky is crap over here.
My daughter has got through her major operation and things are looking positive now but will need more treatment to rid this lousy disease.
Catch up hopefully around then.

Mate my thoughts are with you family, I hope all goes well
Phil

[glend (Glen)]

PM sent Rick.

[Shano592 (Shane)]

Best of luck to you, your daughter, and family.

Where do we send the care package of Tim Tams to?

[Rodstar (Rod)]

Hey Rick, that is a shocker mate. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your daughter.

[ausastronomer (John Bambury)]

Hi Rick,

Wishing you, your daughter and your family the very best through this difficult time.

Cheers,
John B