Ballarat area - how good it is for observatory?

[Nab (Darren)]

Hi Bojan,

Most of the growth in Ballarat is planned on the north/north west side of town. There are considerable urban restriction on subdivision and lot size to the south and south west.

So, keep this in mind about where the light pollution is likely to grow in coming years. Have a look at this if you haven't already for an idea. http://www.ballarat.vic.gov.au/pbs/c...-strategy.aspx

Cheers.

Darren.

[bojan]

Hi Darren,
Thank you for the link, it's very useful and I will certainly have a good look at it...
It seems that Cresswick might be the right choice re LP in long term.. however I am not sure I will live that long

[AussieTrooper (Ben)]

Just incase it hasn't already been posted 100 times, here's a good link to show you the light pollution in any given area.

http://darksitefinder.com/maps/world.html

Have you considered Mansfield?
- the area is flat
- 400+m elevation
- north of the divide
- outside of Melbourne's light bubble
- not too far from Melbourne
- small enough to avoid too much LP
- has all the services you need (due to the large number of skiers breaking themselves it has a good hospital)
- minimal future growth
- a short drive gets you to elevated dark sky areas.
- local council prohibits subdivision outside of the town centre.

My folks have a farm near there, and it's where my telescope lives.

[bojan]

Well, it's done (or will be done next year or so, after my retirement).
My future residence (and obsevatory) will be in Laurie Street, Mount Pleasant.
Not ideal in terms of LP (there were many other more important factors to consider), but better than Mt Waverley for sure.
Wish me luck

[xelasnave]

Congratulations. It must feel good to not worry about that anymore. Good luck.
Alex

[bojan]

Originally Posted by xelasnave

Congratulations. It must feel good to not worry about that anymore. Good luck.
Alex

Yes it does...
Thank you

[Merlin66 (Ken)]

Bojan,
Are you going to visit the area at the end of the month ??
Snake Valley Camp?
Ideal opportunity to check things out.
Hope to see you there (bring your spectroscopes....)
Ken

[Nab (Darren)]

Welcome to the 'rat Bojan.

Cheers.
Darren.

[Atmos (Colin)]

Exciting! Should get some really good seein' at times from that altitude

[bojan]

Thank you guys
The actual move will wait for a while, since I am still working full time (maybe next year).
But I will try to do some shots in December, when I plan to spend couple of weeks in 'rat ...

I am not sure about next Snake Valley Camp though, most likely I will miss it this time.

[bojan]

Hello Ballarat, here we are!
Last night we visited Municipal Observatory in Ballarat (it is 500m from our new place). It was a very pleasant evening, thanks to museum curator (unfortunately I didn't catch her name - but she told me she is a member of this forum) and relatively clear sky (there was a lot of humidity in the air).
Anyway... we are slowly becoming locals in Ballarat (but not in full yet- I am still working in Melbourne, so.. ).

[pfitzgerald (Paul)]

Great news Bojan - may everything continue to go well for you.

Paul

PS See you at the March SVAC!