Weather Southern Highlands NSW

[AstralTraveller (David)]

Hi,

I've been approached for some advice by someone planning a tree-change from swSydney to the Southern Highlands of NSW. He understands about local light pollution but also knows that anywhere in that region is a thousand times better than where he is.

His question is about cloud cover in the area and whether there are variations within that region. Specifically, is the cloud/fog much worse at Robertson than further west? I'm from Wollongong and can confirm that it seems cloudier at Robertson but I can't be specific about how much cloudier. He wants to know whether observing from Robertson is 'absolutely futile or just occasionally annoying'.

I'd be pleased to hear from anyone with local knowledge.

[The Mekon (John Briggs)]

Originally Posted by AstralTraveller

Hi,

He wants to know whether observing from Robertson is 'absolutely futile or just occasionally annoying'.

I'd be pleased to hear from anyone with local knowledge.

I'd say closer to absolutely futile than annoying - especially in summer.
It can be a beautiful clear day and twilight, and just as it gets dark the clouds roll in from the escarpment. Better in winter, but this still happens occasionally. Best viewing in the Highlands is at High Range or Canyonleigh - both well to the west.
When we moved to Bowral 32 years ago, we were the 5th house in a new development. Could easily see the LMC and SMC naked eye. Not quite as clear now but still can despite about 600 more houses and all the street lights.

[AdamJL]

Originally Posted by The Mekon

I'd say closer to absolutely futile than annoying - especially in summer.

Well, there goes my dream of moving to the Southern Highlands!

[frank777 (Frank)]

Do you know of any accessible dark sky sites there? I also live in SW Sydney in a bortle 5-6 zone but would love to have somewhere darker to go to occasionally.

Frank

[OzEclipse (Joe Cali)]

Originally Posted by frank777

Do you know of any accessible dark sky sites there? I also live in SW Sydney in a bortle 5-6 zone but would love to have somewhere darker to go to occasionally.

Frank

Belanglo State Forest
Highly recommended by Ivan Milat!

[The Mekon (John Briggs)]

Originally Posted by OzEclipse

Belanglo State Forest
Highly recommended by Ivan Milat!

Jokes aside, Belanglo is probably the easiest dark site to get to for someone coming from Sydney. The turn off is about 20 minutes drive further down the freeway from the Mittagong exit. Another 10 minutes and you will be at the campground which has no lights. Macarthur astro society use the Ranger's grounds not far from the camping area.
I like High Range west of Mittagong. Perhaps slightly closer than Belanglo, but you need local knowledge to find the dark sky spots.
Parks and sporting grounds are a bit of a lottery as you never know who might be using them when you want to.
If you want a shorter drive Colo Vale may be an option. The St Paul's church ground may be suitable. Also Jurd Park.

[frank777 (Frank)]

Thanks John. I have orienteered many times in Belanglo and I know the area and the hut well. I'm a newish member of MAS but I don't think they use the hut any more.

[AstralTraveller (David)]

Thanks for the local knowledge John. Truly is it said, 'Go west young man'.

Thanks for the comforting thoughts Joe.

Yes, I believe MAS no longer use the hut.

[By.Jove (Jove)]

Somewhere on the BOM website there is a chart showing cloud-cover statistics; the southern highlands is just about the worst place in the country for cloud cover. My own choice would be on the fringe of a town in the high country in NE Victoria or along the upper reaches of the Murray river - have been there many times with a scope, and the sky is excellent.

[LonelySpoon (Neville)]

I had over 150 cloudy nights at Yass last year. MSATT at Stromlo recorded 200+...

But the clear nights

I'm about 10 minutes out of town and it's Bortle 2-2.5.

Further inland from the coast you go, dryer and clearer it is.

Neville
LSO