Quote:
Originally Posted by smithcorp
Hi all. First post here on this useful forum. My seven year old is developing a fascination with astronomy which I would like to nurture. My wife and I would like to take her somewhere out of Sydney so she can be amazed by a proper night sky.
Any suggestions for places not too far from Sydney (suitable for a weekend) where she can see a really dark sky would be much appreciated.
Also, I would appreciate any recommendation for a reasonable entry level pair of celestial binoculars and a tripod.
thanks in advance
smith
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Hi Brian,
A group of Central Coast regulars go up to Bretti Reserve every few months for a camping/astronomy weekend.
It is a free camping area at the junction of the Barnard and Little Maitland (?) rivers.
You can go any time. There is a 30 Day limit to your stay.
It is free, and flat, and a nice outlook, but the only facilities are rubbish bins and drop toilets (maintained by local council).
It is located 32km past Gloucester on the Thunderbolt way.
Very nice area.
It can get busy in school holidays and warmer months, but there is plenty of room.
What we like about it is that the skies are very dark (best in the area) and there are no fixed lights.
Depending on your budget, a good set of binoculars for use in astronomy would be around 9x63 (9 x magnification; 63mm lens diameter).
I have a set of Orion mini giants with that configuration, and they are ideal. However, they cost me $350. I see they are on special at Bintel at the moment for $289.
My first set were cheaper zoom binos ($99 BCF). I would not recommend these for Astro, even though greater magnification, as it was like looking through a straw. They are OK for terrestrial use but.
Hope this helps.
Feel free to contact me for more info.
Also, you should consider going to one of the observing sites listed in the Star Parties forum on here. You are welcome to our gatherings at Mangrove Mountain when they are on. you don't even need to bring a scope, as there are always plenty of willing to share.