Queensland Astrofest 2016

[QLD_Astrofest (Committee)]

Hi all Astrofesters and friends,

Just a quick reminder that the Earlybird Registration is closing at he end of the month. To put into context, if you intend to come for the whole event it will pay for one night accommodation or a couple of meals from the Lions.

Cheers
Astrofest Committee

[QLD_Astrofest (Committee)]

Originally Posted by dreamstation

How would one attempt to attend something like this if you didn't plan on taking a scope, only wanted to visit for the one night and have never met anyone before from IIS?

Hi James,

There is no requirement to have a lot of expensive equipment, vast knowledge, or know many of the people there. The Queensland Astrofest was started by the Astronomy Clubs and Associations in South East Queensland to gather and share our joy of astronomy and... Well, that's it actually.

Everyone who come to Astrofest is coming to enjoy their hobby. Some like to image, some like to draw what they see, some like to view the skies directly and all like to share. And there are some that have extensive set-ups at home but come to Astrofest to take part in the amateur astronomical community - to socialise, share their knowledge and to learn.

I'm sure that you will find you will have a great time, see fantastic telescopes, and meet lots of amateurs, some of whom frequent this forum.

Cheers
Queensland Astrofest Committee

[Zubenel (Wes)]

Hi Committee ,
I have always been conscious regarding light pollution on the visual field especially with the proliferation of computer assisted DSC's for guidance , information and observational notes.In the current edition of Sky and Tel P36-P39,Robert Dick advocates the use of LEDS and I quote" Ensure it does not emit light at wavelengths shorter than 500nm. The peak wavelength should be 590nm which is the boundary between orange and yellow",and 1 to 3 lux. This standard has been adopted by Canadian Dark-Sky Preserves. I was thinking of fixing an old "Geoff Special" black box 3 led torch and including one of these LEDS in the upgrade.As RED light(650nm) traditionally been the standard can you advise if this can be considered and advise if acceptable?
Cheers. Wes.

[AstroJunk (Jonathan)]

Originally Posted by dreamstation

How would one attempt to attend something like this if you didn't plan on taking a scope, only wanted to visit for the one night and have never met anyone before from IIS?

Walk up to any large Dobsonian on the Observing field and say to its owner:

"Hi I'm ...., Could I Join you?"

This works even better if you are holding a bottle of port and the dob owner is me

(This is especially true if Peter is there with his 30", because I'll be Johnny no mates with my teeny twenty )

[QLD_Astrofest (Committee)]

Hi Wes,

I'm not sure what the real question is. Are you proposing to use a torch with a yellow/orange led instead of red? Or instead of white?

From your quote it seems that the article refers to illumination for buildings or outside areas. The colour they describe is close to sodium vapour (~589.3 nm), and 1 lux is described as a night-time carpark brightness (liteonled.com.au).

On the face of it if you want to replace your white light with a sodium yellow LED for when packing up in case of rain etc, I can't see a problem. But not for general use on the field, red is the only acceptable colour.

QLD Astrofest Committee

[Camelopardalis (Dunk)]

Originally Posted by AstroJunk

(This is especially true if Peter is there with his 30", because I'll be Johnny no mates with my teeny twenty )

In the event of that happening, come find me on the imaging field and I'll be your mate

[AstroJunk (Jonathan)]

Originally Posted by Camelopardalis

In the event of that happening, come find me on the imaging field and I'll be your mate

Hurrah!

[astroron (Ron)]

Originally Posted by AstroJunk

Walk up to any large Dobsonian on the Observing field and say to its owner:

"Hi I'm ...., Could I Join you?"

This works even better if you are holding a bottle of port and the dob owner is me

(This is especially true if Peter is there with his 30", because I'll be Johnny no mates with my teeny twenty )

My scope is smaller than those two guys scopes and I too will be happy to show you the night sky.
They may have bigger scopes, but I have better stories and patter.
I am a bit cheaper than Jonathan, I am happy with a beer.
Cheers

[Zubenel (Wes)]

Originally Posted by AstroJunk

(This is especially true if Peter is there with his 30", because I'll be Johnny no mates with my teeny twenty )

You and me both..

[Zubenel (Wes)]

Originally Posted by QLD_Astrofest

Hi Wes,

I'm not sure what the real question is. Are you proposing to use a torch with a yellow/orange led instead of red? Or instead of white?

From your quote it seems that the article refers to illumination for buildings or outside areas. The colour they describe is close to sodium vapour (~589.3 nm), and 1 lux is described as a night-time carpark brightness (liteonled.com.au).

On the face of it if you want to replace your white light with a sodium yellow LED for when packing up in case of rain etc, I can't see a problem. But not for general use on the field, red is the only acceptable colour.

QLD Astrofest Committee

The article specifically is directed towards light used for reading . I only use red leds but this article is saying that this frequency affects your night vision less. I suppose this topic is very "new " and somewhat controversial so just thought it may be worth discussing, that's all.

[AstroJunk (Jonathan)]

Originally Posted by astroron

I have better stories and patter.
I am a bit cheaper

He does and he is

[DavidTrap (David)]

Originally Posted by AstroJunk

He does and he is

Ron = walking, talking Argo Navis

[Zubenel (Wes)]

Originally Posted by DavidTrap

Ron = walking, talking Argo Navis

Under wet cement

[astroron (Ron)]

Originally Posted by Zubenel

Under wet cement

[winstar (Wendy)]

An update about the road to Duckadang, of interest to those pulling heavy loads: the bridge on the far side of Linville featuring wood and lumpy bolts, has been pulled down, presumably for a nice new bridge, but that won't be happening anytime soon. Meanwhile it is an earthy drive down one side and up the other. Right this moment it is probably full of water, with all the wild weather that we've had.

[h0ughy (David)]

Originally Posted by winstar

An update about the road to Duckadang, of interest to those pulling heavy loads: the bridge on the far side of Linville featuring wood and lumpy bolts, has been pulled down, presumably for a nice new bridge, but that won't be happening anytime soon. Meanwhile it is an earthy drive down one side and up the other. Right this moment it is probably full of water, with all the wild weather that we've had.

that doesnt sound good

[winstar (Wendy)]

Originally Posted by h0ughy

that doesnt sound good

It was easy to navigate a couple of weeks ago before the rain came, and this is very unseasonal for south east Queensland. Should be OK by then.

[h0ughy (David)]

Originally Posted by winstar

It was easy to navigate a couple of weeks ago before the rain came, and this is very unseasonal for south east Queensland. Should be OK by then.

the last time we diverted was after the floods. Now you have booked clear skies for that week haven't you

[Camelopardalis (Dunk)]

Thanks for the heads-up Wendy - does not sound promising for those with a trailer or motorhome

[MortonH]

Is there an alternate route if the bridge area is impassable?