A big g'day to Seeker (now known as "Finder"), Anna and Xtreme (who allegedly only tagged along to the SPSP because Anna "is the one interested in astronomy" -yeah, right!@!!), Robby and Mike.
The SPSP was worth the drive! It was great to meet with 290+ other astro-geeks for some solid viewing and discussions on all matters astonomical. For those who are new to the game, like me, you will find you will learn SOOOOO much if you go to a Star Party. I am keen to go next year, hopefully with an even bigger IceInSpace contingent. Nina and the kids might come too.
In brief, got some great views through 25" and 20" dobs, took full advantage of the dark skies to see some great things through my new scope and with naked eyes (The Milky Way actually looked "milky"), bought an OIII Filter (making the second night's viewing even better!), met some great people, ate some OK food, bought some wine, and saw some of the most inventive contraptions you could hope to see!
Like Mike, I intend posting my detailed observations soon. I also have some constructive comments about how the SPSP could be even better next year.
Yes, one thing that could have been done better was the adjudication of the best astrophotography image in the Webcam section! For some bizarre reason that is completely beyond me and EVERYONE I have talked to about it, some very ordinary shots got the prizes, and Mike's images, which were miles ahead in quality and detail, were not mentioned at all. Not sure what galaxy the judges were living in?!
(Disclaimer: the opinions expressed in this email are mine, and any similarity between those opinions and those that others may hold on this site is entirely UNcoincidental)
Hi All,
Back in the land of the "Long White Loser"... Or at least that's what the Sydney customs official called NZ as I was heading out, after our pitiful 2nd innings performace in the cricket.. Shocking!!
Yeah, it was a great weekend and a big "Full Credit" to Mike for taxing me out & back.. Full Credit is also in order for Rod, Mikem & John for allowing me ample time to puruse the sky with their scopes. Cheers guys. Full Credit to ASNSW for winning all the prizes.. See above disclaimer!.. Nah just kidding, but Full Credit to them for having the guts to put up with 300 odd people using up all their tank water.
Full credit to the guys with the 25 inches (telescope I mean!). Was great to get a perception of objects with huge aperture. It was great to compare visual 25" objects with my images via the 8". Very similar...!
Full Credit to the weather God's for two clear nights!
Full Credit to Mr & Mrs ArgoNavis for spending a good 90mins showing us how to use the Argonavis DSC. It proved to be a great little aid over the weekend. Mike, I'm looking forward to seeing the list of how many galaxies we managed to cover!
Anyway 3:30am here now, and bed time.
Cheers
G'day Guys,
Yep! Anna and I are back safe and well.
BTW you don't want to know what the seeing was like on sunday night it will make you cry, just let me say we didn't want to go to bed but the thought of the 8hr trip home over ruled at 2.00am.
I'm not going to say much more now, will do that later just thanks for the great weekend; It was a pleasure meeting you all.
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