Well I'm at Woodford in the mid mountains and at the moment its 80% thick cloud overhead. But it looks a lot clearer to the west. I'll be going up to Hazelbrook about four so I can report back then unless there is someone already up there. Mid mountains isn't always a good guide to what is going on in Katoomba.
Just been up to the top of Boddington Hill (the start of the upper mountains). Cloud about 40% but more to the north and north west, slight breeze from the north west. Photo is Great Western Highway look west top of the hill Wentworth Falls.
Shame about the clouds but the company was great. I had a really enjoyable time meeting you guys. Cheers Adrian again for sharing those eye pieces with me! The views of eta carinae, omega centauri, the 3 galaxies in leo, sombero galaxy, tarantula nebula... just amazing. Now to invest in some ES eye pieces! Really wished we could've spent more time out there but those rain drops made my heart skip a beat! Haha glad your parking lights working again, but by the sound of it you'll be able to rewire it ;-) can't wait to do it all again next month!
Hi All,
Yeah it was fun meeting all of the first time attendees as well as seeing those who have come before. Pity about the clouds but the conversations made for an enjoyable night and seeing all the high end equipment was a real buzz. Next month coincides with the IIS camp at Lostock. Mental4Astro (Alex) will not be able to go as he is booked into the AstroCamp. I'll contact Rod closer to the date about us going, I cannot see it being a problem.
It was still a good night, despite the clouds. The clouds came over in waves rather than sucker holes so we still got to see quite a bit. Damn shame the imaging guys with the FSQ106 (what a gorgeous looking scope!) couldn't get enough photons for dinner!
The clouds made us chat a bit more - great social night. And there was no dew or ICE on our scopes that night - quite balmy really (16 C). I am guessing we had about 12 people turn up with about the same number of scopes!? Even had some scopeless people, which I think is a great way for people to get interested in the hobby.
Alex, I think you should expect more people in future as the airstrip is developing a name for dark skies and good seeing (when there is no clouds!). Still like calling this gathering "The Katoomba Cloud Makers"
I got some good views of Jupiter in the C11 about 8:30pm, and some terrible views of Saturn at 11pm - it was floating in boiling yellow oil on the horizon!
Peter, are you up for next month? I can't make Lostock. Happy to call Rod if you can't make it either.
better luck next time with the clouds. I was late but had a sneak peek at Orion and saw some great scopes. Hopefully next time we will have a longer night.
But it was still good night, good chance to meet to talk to everybody. My friend (Mac) was his first time at a dark site, and thanks all to let us see through your scopes. He was so excited to see Jupiter, Saturn and some DSO for the first time.
I managed to get 1 set of 5mins RGB of the Rosette, no darks or bias/flast, and combined with previously taken Ha images to produce the HaRGB.
But it was still good night, good chance to meet to talk to everybody. My friend (Mac) was his first time at a dark site, and thanks all to let us see through your scopes. He was so excited to see Jupiter, Saturn and some DSO for the first time.
I managed to get 1 set of 5mins RGB of the Rosette, no darks or bias/flast, and combined with previously taken Ha images to produce the HaRGB.
Victor.
Fine job on that image. Especially with such a small amount of exposure.
.
on our scopes that night - quite balmy really (16 C). I am guessing we had about 12 people turn up with about the same number of scopes!? Even had some scopeless people, which I think is a great way for people to get interested in the hobby.
