Thanks Dave and MPAS. So that's what a viewing night is?
It was nice meeting people in the flesh that I'm only familiar by login ID. Yes, there was a lot of, oh you're Mill (love your engineering work ). Steve, I could have probably picked. I would never have picked Geoff in a line-up with the promise of a million dollars for the correct guess
Nice night and I actually learnt something while standing next to Geoff's dob and saying, show me something interesting Geoff. After doing something with his ArgoNavis, he put two galaxies into the the eyepiece. Not bad I say, got anything better and he shows me Eta Carinae. Which at first didn't impress me because I've seen it a number of times before but he pointed out Eta Carinae, the star. I never noticed the gas that is being ejected from it. (Yes, I know you know but us newbs don't)
Also the 18" was amazing! Thanks to Helmut (I think? Sorry if I got your name wrong) for giving people a tour with that impressive scope!
The moral to the story is, astronomy is fun but it's far more interesting when there are people there to explain what it is you're looking at
Thanks Dave and MPAS for an excellent night! It was great to see so many other nerds. Had a ball with the society's 18". Next time I'll have to get Greg and Dave to teach me how to collimate it.
Thanks Dave, Greg and the MPAS for the BBQ dinner and a top night!!
I got to meet many more IISers in person as well as some MPAS members and the night sky was magnificent!
Hi all,
Our next get together will be on March 10th. Now the Moon will be up early.
But the following week is Snake valley camp and I did not want to interfere with that.
The 10th of March is a special day for the MPAS. Once a year they have what’s called a scope day. Really it’s the “Ken Bryant Scope Day”. KBSD.
Named after a well known MPAS (ASF) and LVAS and ASV member.
This day starts at noon and runs into the night. We have speakers on various topics.
Meteor observing, Variable star observing, Deep Sky observing Etc.
Raffle prizes. Telescope display’s which the main event.
We have various people talking about there equipment etc. It’s a great day for anyone into telescopes and observing.
There is also a buy sell and swap table. I have seen some great bargins on this table.
So bring your eyepiece or book you may want to sell.
There is a BBQ dinner on offer which the MPAS caters for. You can byo if you like also.
BYO lunch and drinks. Tea and coffee on site.
Below are some photos of previous KBSD.
I hope to see some of you there. It’s a great day and make it a date on your calender.
Hi,
Anyone thinking of coming down on the 10th of March, for the scope day (KBSD) and who may want to give a talk on there scope, or anything they maybe doing in the world of Astronomy. Please you are most welcome to do so.
We would love to here from any telescope makers, or imagers. Anything you may be doing like DSO observing logs. Meteor observing. Super Nova searching, variable star work etc.
Please pm me if you may want to do any of the above.
But please come along enjoy the day and show everyone your scope big or small.
Hi,
A good night was had by all who attended. Not everything went to plan, including the start time. And lack of guest speakers!! Apologies for any inconvenience.
With winter approaching it will be hard to put any dates for get togethers.
So all I can say when its new Moon or there about. The MPAS site is open to IIS members as long as they contact me first. I will normally be observing at the site most Friday or Saturday dark sky nights. So anyone who has been there before please come along and newbie’s contact me first before coming up.
The MPAS has the first Friday of each month public nights. Well worth coming along.
Hope to see you at the MPAS observing site some time.
The MPAS site at the Briars although maybe not quite the darkest site near Melbourne, isnt far off it either. The facilities are great with a bbq, toilet, clubhouse with fridge stocked with cold drinks and coffee making facilities.
On top of all this is the great social atmosphere. Many thanks to MPAS for the welcome given to us IIS members Next time down I'll have a completed membership form in hand.
It was a good day and you can pick brains and talk to a lot of good people.
Have to remember to bring straightjackets for the kids next time
Just joking, the kids that were there had a really good time and were pretty well behaved.
So all in all it was a very good day even though the organisation went wrong a little bit, and anyone who wants to come is very welcome.
So just come along next time there is an event, it is just good to have a talk and look trough some scopes , you won't get bored.
With lots of other events this weekend Snake Valley and ASV at Heathcote.
I will still be at the Briars this weekend as i can't get away. If weather is fine and clear and your not going to the above, come on down to the Briars for a few hours of viewing.
Saturday? I'll have to get clearance for take off but I'd like to make it out again, was a little too brief last time. Saturn still deserves a better look, it's going to start becoming more distant from now.
If weather is clear this Saturday night (vespine ) I will post Saturday afternoon re the weather.
I will be at the MPAS site, around 7pm.
see map through out this thread.
I'll be coming down, so is it regular for the BBQ to make it out or is that only on special occasions? I don't mind either way, I can eat before I leave, but if there "is" going to be bbq, i'd rather bring some stuff for that.
I'll be coming down, so is it regular for the BBQ to make it out or is that only on special occasions? I don't mind either way, I can eat before I leave, but if there "is" going to be bbq, i'd rather bring some stuff for that.
Sorry no BBQ this time. It's still a bit cloudy and a bit windy but i think the weather should be better through the night.
Hi all,
Life’s been busy to post much! Or at all!!
Just a note re IIS get-together’s at the Briars. Nothing is planed over the winter period due to hopefully lots of rain.
But the MPAS has viewing nights at the site on most Saturday nights near new moon.
Also worth the trip is the MPAS first Friday of each month public viewing nights.
If you have been to the site before you’re welcome to come along and help show the public the night sky. Normally around 100 people turn up!
For those who have never been to the site and want to go to a public night, here is some information for you. This is of the MPAS web site. http://www.mpas.websyte.com.au/
“Bookings are essential as space is limited (excuse the pun). Simply leave your details on 0419253252 or email us at skywatch@iprimus.com.au . Cost for adults is $8.00, Kids $4.00 and families (2 adults and 2 kids) is $20.00.”
Hopefully I may see you up at the Briars some time.
PM me if you want more details.
A map of the site below.
Can you please leave this as the last post on this thread for the time being. THANKS.
Hi All,
Viewing season is upon us.
I know it’s short notice but if there is anyone around Melbourne who would like to go the MPAS
Briars site the group is holding a public astrophotography night. This event was advertised in the Age newspaper today 18th August.
Weather could be a problem but it’s only partly cloudy today. So if anyone is free tonight go along and see what goes on.
Map to the site above post.
Unfortunately I’m unable to go. But more nights will come up in the future.
Regards.
This Saturday night 1st September there is a father son viewing night at the Briars. Starting at 8pm
See map in above post.
Any IIS members who want to join in and show off the night sky to people in the local community your are very welcome to come along.
). Steve, I could have probably picked. I would never have picked Geoff in a line-up with the promise of a million dollars for the correct guess 
)
Had a ball with the society's 18". 
