Blue Mountains - Katoomba Airfield, NOW Friday Jan 11

[mental4astro (Alexander)]

Sooooo good to finally get a whole clear night. Sunset to sunrise all clear.

All up some 9 people came, including a couple of kiddies. I stayed over night with my son & hickny. A hot north westerly wind blew all night, & still blowing when we left. Conditions not 100%, but I'll take 90% after 18 months.

Achieved one goal of observing the Horse Head nebula. I used a locator map I found here in IIS, and there it was. A few other new objects too, & one sketch. A satisfying night for me. I'll let others give their take.

Mental.

[MortonH]

Sorry I missed it. Hopefully we won't have to wait so long for the next good night.

[Wavytone]

Many thanks to Alex for having the persistence to keep trying !
Thankfully it turned out to be quite a good night with good seeing despite the warmth of the day, and a gentle breeze just enough to keep the mozzies at bay.

[Steffen]

Me and Alex (my son) had a ball too, despite the big disappointment of leaving some key accessories at home (including the star diagonal) so I didn't get to use my own scope. But everybody was very accommodating, in particular thanks to Adrian for letting me use his 12" Dob all throughout and Alex for showing me the Horsehead.

Cheers
Steffen.

[AG Hybrid (Adrian)]

Yep a good night. No worries Steffen. Thanks for letting me have extended use of your Pan24.

[MortonH]

So when's the next one? I really want a good night!

[mr bruess]

So when's the next one?
I gotta come!
I couldn't find it on the UBD road map before.

[killswitch (Edison)]

I am also interested in attending the next one

[rogerco (Roger)]

How would it compare with Linden in terms of dark skies?

[mental4astro (Alexander)]

Have to see if Peter or I can make it first. If we don't look after the Aifield manager we run the risk of loosing access to the Airfield. I had asked several people to do this on a few occasions when neither Peter or I couldn't make it and Rod was always forgotten. Nothing was done on February as neither Peter or I could make it. All that we need to do is get Rod a gift slab of his preferred brew and we all then just share that cost to say thanks to Rod.

The Airfield has no significant horizon restrictions, unlike Linden. The only major light pollution comes from one direction, towards the east with Sydney & Katoomba. Also, being at around 1020m above sea level, it is one of the highest places within close proximity to Sydney. This height is significant in reducing the influence of the 'light dome' of Sydney. The glow to the south is very small, and next to none west and north. When conditions are at their best the limiting magnitude can be as low as 6.5/7 - truly beautiful.

I've been to Linden once to pick some folks who wanted to switch to the Airfield, and the difference in a few km west and being higher up does make a difference. But, hey, not too many places are better than Linden too.

[Wavytone]

Originally Posted by mental4astro

Nothing was done on February

Just as well - LOL - a massive thunderstorm passed over about 4pm on Saturday, and it remained overcast and raining gently all night.

[mithrandir (Andrew)]

Originally Posted by mr bruess

So when's the next one?
I gotta come!
I couldn't find it on the UBD road map before.

I've never been there but if I remember correctly from the description given the coords you want for Google Maps, Google Earth or your GPS are 33°40'5.55"S 150°19'8.86"E

Directions to Katoomba Airport from opposite The Edge Cinema, Katoomba

1. Head southwest on National Route 32 (Great Western Hwy) toward Katoomba - go 6.6 km
2. Turn right at the lights onto Railway Parade, Medlow Bath (just past the Hydro Majestic) - go 900 m
3. Turn left onto Rutland Rd - go 1.0 km
4. Continue onto Grand Canyon Rd - go 2.5 km
5. Katoomba Airport entrance should be on the right. There are some signs.

[killswitch (Edison)]

Ive been hiking around Blackheath in the past, i remember seeing the turn off for Katoomba airfield.

Originally Posted by mental4astro

Have to see if Peter or I can make it first. If we don't look after the Aifield manager we run the risk of loosing access to the Airfield. I had asked several people to do this on a few occasions when neither Peter or I couldn't make it and Rod was always forgotten. Nothing was done on February as neither Peter or I could make it. All that we need to do is get Rod a gift slab of his preferred brew and we all then just share that cost to say thanks to Rod.

That would be great if you guys can organize one for March. I dont mind paying like a $10 entry fee to the airfield.

[AG Hybrid (Adrian)]

Hmmm... Our concrete slab is gonna get a bit crowded haha.