Brisbane/SEQ Last Quarter Moon Star Party @ The Grove

astro_south (Andrew) · #1 13-09-2005, 09:09 PM

Calling all Brisbanite and surrounding SEQ IIS'ers

It has been suggested by Striker that we are due a big get-together in this region, and so a proposal has been put forth to have a last quarter moon session out at Glenore Grove (less than a 1 hour drive for most of us) on the 24th of September.

The location is the olive grove behind Mark Hodson's (mhodson) observatory in downtown Glenore Grove. The location offers skies much darker than Brisbane for the cost of a realitively short drive.

Respond to this thread to show your interest (so we can gauge numbers) and I can PM you the directions to Mark's place if you need them.

I will be out there from about 3pm setting up, so arrival can be from then on.

Current list of attendees:
-mhodson
-astro_south
-Striker
-Iddon
-saturn%5
-Xeelee (and Dad)
-billche (and family)
-dhumpie

[1ponders] (Paul) · #2 13-09-2005, 09:46 PM

24th of September hey. ....hmmmm.... I'll see what I can do. Would be nice to give Tonys new camera a serious workout. Maybe he'll see that its just too complicated for him to use and I can swap him my Canon A10.

Striker (Tony) · #3 14-09-2005, 05:32 PM

Everyone put a big effort in attendance to this Star party...its been a while since I have seen most of you plus a lot of new members could make a really good night.....everyone is invited even only for a chat....its a real nice relaxed atmoshpere out at Marks place so come along.

Paul please be their as I need a scope to use....lol

You can even meet me at my place and I will take you in my ute...you drive straight past my house...its on the way.

Mark dont worry putting on any sandwiches we can help ourselves at the shop next door....thanks for putting the night on...looking forward to seeing what else you have done to your observatory.

I will definetely be there.

mch62 (Mark) · #4 14-09-2005, 06:09 PM

The observatory -- bugger all , still waiting on the machinist to finish the drive rollers for the RA.
A coat of paint on the inside is about it.
Putting together a CPU for the controller at the moment.
I have removed a few trees so there is even a better FOV for you guys to take advantage of my dark skies.
I am hoping to have the scope up and running for the night.

[1ponders] (Paul) · #5 14-09-2005, 11:34 PM

Tony, how do I drive right past your door? I go to Marks via Peachester/Kilkoy and Esk?

Iddon · #6 15-09-2005, 08:13 AM

Count me in!!!! Great idea.
Mark - do you want the laser before then, or do you want me to bring it on the night ?

mch62 (Mark) · #7 15-09-2005, 09:57 AM

Grant just bring it on the night will be fine.

Bugger bugger bugger , just had a set back with the mount and it does not look like it will be finished by next weekend .
If it is I won't have time to set up the drives so it would be a glorified dob for the night

.
Looks like I will just have to wander around all the other scopes again

Mark

p.s. Paul if you come and as you have a long way to go your welcolme to crash in the shed again.
Same for any one else .

[1ponders] (Paul) · #8 15-09-2005, 11:41 AM

Thanks Mark. If I make it that ould be appreciated.

dhumpie · #9 15-09-2005, 01:13 PM

Might be able to swing this one. Were you going to Leyburn the weekend after Andrew?

Darren

astro_south (Andrew) · #10 15-09-2005, 01:37 PM

Not 100% sure about Leyburn at the moment Darren, but it is more than likely. Darren, if you get to my place I can take you out to Glenore Grove on the 24th.

Striker (Tony) · #11 15-09-2005, 02:19 PM

Oh ok Paul...yeah it would be quicker going the inland route...just thought I would offer.

[1ponders] (Paul) · #12 15-09-2005, 02:22 PM

Thanks anyway Tony.

mch62 (Mark) · #13 17-09-2005, 11:12 AM

Andrew add Graeme (saturn%25) to the list.

Zubenel (Wes) · #14 17-09-2005, 03:14 PM

Just inquiring where Glenore Grove is?? Cheers from Zubenel

astro_south (Andrew) · #15 17-09-2005, 03:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zubenel

Just inquiring where Glenore Grove is?? Cheers from Zubenel

Glenore Grove is in the Lockyer Valley. While heading west on the Warego Highway towards Toowoomba you come to Plainlands (well before Gatton). Here you can turn left and go to Laidley, or you can turn right and go to Glenore Grove. The township is about 5 mins off the Warego Highway (heading north). It is about 3/4 of an hour drive from Brisbane.

If you are interested in going I can send you some more precise directions to get to Mark's house. It would be great to see some new faces there!

[1ponders] (Paul) · #16 18-09-2005, 07:42 PM

Guys, as much as I'd like to come down I will pass this time. Sorry. I would like to advance book a night though on either the 5th of Nov (3 days after new moon) or the 3rd of Dec (1 day after new moon)

Might as well start planning now

Striker (Tony) · #17 18-09-2005, 08:06 PM

No problem Paul.

Mark I may have to use your Celestron if thats ok.

What other scopes will be there on the night so far...besides Andrews Dob

[1ponders] (Paul) · #18 18-09-2005, 08:10 PM

What's wrong with your Orion Tony?

Iddon · #19 18-09-2005, 08:24 PM

i will have Pauls old 8" meade there....

mch62 (Mark) · #20 19-09-2005, 02:43 PM

Great to see some new names there in the attending list.
This a very casual get together which we do about once a month or when ever Andrew gets an urge for some dark skies

.

Tony you can use the Celestron , no problemo or Grants SCT I am sure.
Are you going prime or piggy back??

As hard as I am trying it looks like the observatory scope won't be running .
More than likely it will be the following week.
Sorry guys, but not to worry looks like there will be a few scopes to share around and of coarse Andrews Newt will be there as usual.
Just hope he has cleaned that mirror

I would say the next get together will be the grand opening.
Got the computer installed , just loading programs and trying to get them to communicate with each other.
A bit like talking to a politician --a one way conversation.

Mark

P.S. incase any one is wondering where on earth is Glenore Grove -- it's about 3/4 hr west of Brisbane in the Lockyer valley not far from Gatton.
Nice dark skies with only some sky glow in the East to about 15-20 degs being Bris Vages.

Just PM myself or Andrew (Astro South) for directions.