Queensland Astrofest 2012 - looking forward to this one

[jjjnettie (Jeanette)]

An interesting read. More cold weather on the way. http://www.weatherzone.com.au/news/a...l-places/22208

[hikerbob (Bob)]

Close to finished at work and concentration here is not so great.
One sleep to go (and a lot of packing).

If those weather predictions are right it might be an early night tomorrow night, strong winds and cold don't seem like a good combination for staying up late.

Bob

[whzzz28 (Nathan)]

Originally Posted by hikerbob

Close to finished at work and concentration here is not so great.
One sleep to go (and a lot of packing).

Been watching the cloud all day, twas a bit concerned but it appears to have done its magic trick and went poof once the sun went down.

Now to have a shower, pack and then get some early shut-eye.

[Tandum (Robin)]

Looking at bom that cold front has been and gone but dry and cold is fine by me

I was coming on Wednesday but got another client after a server. I'll try and do the 2 step shuffle to get away on time

[Davros (Lauren)]

So tired but still have to start packing. Gotta get some new tyres fitted in the morning then back home to hitch up the trailer and then on the way. Should be in by mid afternoon.

[RickS (Rick)]

Good luck with the weather. I'll see you there for the last couple of nights!

[spacezebra (Petra)]

Have an excellent Astrofest guys/gals, safe travels and clear skies.

Cheers Petra d

[jjjnettie (Jeanette)]

It's blowing a gale outside atm, with wall to wall clouds.
But the cloud will be gone by tomorrow.
We should be arriving as the gates open.
One sleep to go.

[pmrid (Peter)]

Originally Posted by jjjnettie

It's blowing a gale outside atm, with wall to wall clouds.
But the cloud will be gone by tomorrow.
We should be arriving as the gates open.
One sleep to go.

Best wishes for a great Astrofest. Sorry I can't be there. I remember the last time I tried to pack up my little computer tent/camp shower thing in a bit of a breeze - and am grateful at least that I'll be spared that pleasure this year.
Take plenty of extra tent pegs.

Peter

[whzzz28 (Nathan)]

Went to post office this morning to get my new focuser.
Got home to a "Sorry we missed you" note from Auspost

Now waiting till 1pm to go down and pick it up.
It's either the EQ6 or Bintel order... either way, worth waiting another hour for.

See you all up there!

[[1ponders] (Paul)]

I hope they've battened down the hatches out there. It will be just a bit windy and chilly out there tonight with these winds. I don't now if the autoguiders are going to be able to keep up tonight.

[DavidTrap (David)]

Originally Posted by [1ponders]

I hope they've battened down the hatches out there. It will be just a bit windy and chilly out there tonight with these winds. I don't now if the autoguiders are going to be able to keep up tonight.

I agree Paul,

I was outside at dusk and it was actually quite still. I wondered if the predicted wind might be a furphy, and thought about setting up the scope after dinner. Now, it's howling outside. Only astronomy I'll be doing tonight is some processing!

DT

[hotspur (Chris)]

Very windy here tonight,and extremely cold,hope they have some big tent pegs for their scopes tonight.

[[1ponders] (Paul)]

Originally Posted by DavidTrap

I agree Paul,

I was outside at dusk and it was actually quite still. I wondered if the predicted wind might be a furphy, and thought about setting up the scope after dinner. Now, it's howling outside. Only astronomy I'll be doing tonight is some processing!

DT

Its really gusty here at times. Some strong ones, I guess around 20-30km/hr . Not enough to stop me rolling the roof off mind you.

Originally Posted by hotspur

Very windy here tonight,and extremely cold,hope they have sme big tent pegs for their scopes tonight.

That's what I thought Chris. I seem to remember a few gusty nights out that way and its the wind that goes right through you. Anyone brave enough to venture out will need the extra thermals I think.

[hotspur (Chris)]

Yes Paul the wind was cutting right through one last night.There looked like a storm with lots of flashing light in the S.E,a farmer even rang me up to know what was going on,but there was no cloud,my wife thought she hear thunder at 11 pm.

Looks like more strong wind this morning.

[hikerbob (Bob)]

Back from Astrofest, car and trailer are unloaded but still far to much gear on the kitchen table and in other places.

A fantastic 10 day's, some beautiful nights, lot's of meteors and that awesome spread of the milky way. The nights were generally still regardless of the winds during the day some days.

Peter arrived yesterday with his 30" dob, first time I've looked through one that big and earlier in the week I'd looked through a 20" at Tarantula and been astounded at the image in the eyepiece. Thanks to those on the visual field who willingly share the visual experience with those of those who wander over from the photography area occasionally.

Thanks also to the organisers for a great event, my first time there for the full period and I left wishing it was longer.

Bob

[OneCosmos (Chris)]

I am also now back and fully unloaded (now where did I put that laptop?). I just want to say thanks to everyone for making it the best astrofest I have attended thus far. It was so great to see familiar faces - there may be a year's gap in between but somehow it doesn't feel like it. I'm already looking foreward to the next one

To the animals who stole my laptop - you know who you are, and I think most people at astrofest have an idea of who you are too, so watch out!), you failed to spoil my astrofest experience. I could say I don't have words for you, but actually I do; I just can't use them on this forum! It was a despicable act and even more so because you also took the two USB disks that were attached to the laptop with much of my astronomy data. I would like everything returned - even anonymously if necessary.

To everyone else, thanks again for just being there and making it such an enjoyable 10 days. Of course I also now have a large shopping list after seeing all the fantastic equipment out there on the field. My wife even looked at the milky way and said "it is amazing" - so perhaps she will get the astronomy bug now and we'll go off in to the sunset lugging a Paramount and a QSI 638 I can but dream!

Chris

[jjjnettie (Jeanette)]

I arrived home some time around 12pm.
What a wonderful 10 days that was. It was a pleasure catching up with old friends and meeting new ones.
I can't remember the last time I laughed so much.


I've just finished downloading the 28 songs that will be on our "Best of Fest" double album. Oh boy.....
The duet that Houghy and I made just cracks me up.


Happy snaps will be sorted and posted soon.

[Shark Bait (Stu)]

Originally Posted by jjjnettie

Happy snaps will be sorted and posted soon.

I am looking forward to the pictures. I could not attend this year but plan to make to the next one.

Did Channel Nine make it out to the Astrofest Site?

One of the Camera Tech's was wanting to hook up a telescope to a TV camera.

[CometGuy]

Looking forward to seeing the photo's! Unfortunately didn't get a chance to go this year so will just have to wait to see the pics.

Chris that is unbelievable, I hope you get your laptop and drivesoon.

Terry