NSW Central Coast Casual Observing

[Allan_L (Allan)]

Originally Posted by iaindooley

Hi there I live in North Avoca and my daughter told me the other day she is interested in looking at the stars and planets.

I'm interested in coming along to one of the night events for star gazing.

What is involved and who should I contact?

Thanks
Iain

Hi Iain.
Welcome to IceInSpace
Not much is involved.
Just turn up and say g'day.
Keep an eye on this thread for sessions at Mangrove Mountain Pony Club.
This month most of us are looking to a 4 day astro camp at Bretti free camping reserve.
You are welcome to join us for all or part.
It is about 3 hours north. Good dark skies. FREE.
Or maybe someone else will initiate a one night session at the pony club.
Looking forward to meeting you and your daughter.
Please keep in contact.
Allan

[nobby2 (Neil)]

Monday to Wednesday is looking clear at Mangrove Mountain (Pony Club). Sunset 19.20.

[nobby2 (Neil)]

Planning a visit tonight to Pony Club. Arriving around 17.00. We have had very clear nights and Cloud Free Night looks good for wednesday evening.
Sunset 19.22

[Shano592 (Shane)]

It does look excellent, and if it is anything like last night, it should be a doozy.

Unfortunately, I will be in my office, bolted in front of my laptop.

[glend (Glen)]

Neil do you gave a key?

[sharptrack2 (Kevin)]

I wish I could make it out anywhere, but a little house bound at the moment. Nothing serious, just time management and body getting older. Good luck to anyone going out to a dark site, would have been so much better for my first foray into photographing last night.

[nobby2 (Neil)]

Thanks Glen.
Yes, Shane gave me a key. Very handy for the non-workers to catch optimum times mid week.
I had a great night of clear, dry sky with no wind.
Started the night in the south west with the regular miky way targets below scoropius before they sank below the horizon. Ptolemy cluster to the wild duck cluster. Very low for a dob and slightly effected by the small waxing moon.

Was very happy to discover some new galaxy targets including the cluster of galaxies in the East, close to Dorado and Reticullum. NGC 1533, 1533, 1543 all around the magnitude of +10.53 using my new Telrad in combination with my 8 x 50 Finder.

Star hopping reward on a similar cluster in Formax. Starting with Achemar and working down to NGC 1365 and others close by. Not many guiding stars to help.

Finished the night almost lying on the ground (the joy of dobs) to catch Andromeda Galaxy very low in the North.

[Shano592 (Shane)]

Did you just wake up, Neil?

Must have been a late one!

The sky looked excellent last night. Unfortunately I didn't get to see it until around 9pm, when I turned off the lights at the office.

[Allan_L (Allan)]

Contemplating a Sunday night (according to Mr Owl's wise astronomical forecasting) ie: Sunday 27th November.

Not locked in yet!
Just looking for expressions of interest (as the Saturday appears going to be rained out).

Open to change if forecast changes (as it inevitably does)

[Inmykombi (Geoff)]

Ill keep it in mind and check the weather. Sunday nights are a little difficult for me but Saturday nights are OK....

[astropolak (Joe)]

Me thinks today is the only opportunity to have a clear sky...

Anyone ?

[GTB_an_Owl (Geoff)]

7Timer forecast for tonight says a bit dewy, BUT if your desperate, might be worth a shot

for myself - i can't make it - going down to blacktown workers sports club to watch my nephews band "Oxygen" and to catch up before Xmas

geoff

[Satchmo]

I'd be up for some viewing tonight . Only have some 25 X 100 on a parallelogram to add to the space though .

[astropolak (Joe)]

Mark
Do we know what the weather is doing tonight?
I have the blessed key to open the gates..., will we have clear skies ?

Joe

[RB (Andrew)]

It's clear here atm.
I can't make it tonight though.
And I had so many new toys to show you Joe.


Have a good night guys.

[astropolak (Joe)]

7Timer if I am reading it right is showing clear skies tonight...!
I am in if anyone else goes.

[Satchmo]

Joe ,
Yes Cloud Free Night showing clear until well after midnight .

I've still got a few things to do and make dinner so I prob couldn't be up there until 8 30 but I'd be happy to give it a shot .

[astropolak (Joe)]

OK
I am in, I will be there about 8PM, as I've said I have the key, never actually tried it but I am told it worked for Greg.


See you there.
Joe

[Satchmo]

Ok mate see you there .

I've had a look at my rig and realised after stealing some bits for another project I have no way of putting the 25 X 100 on the surveyors tripod , so I'm down to 8 X 40 and a box of eyepieces Anyway it will be nice to get under a dark sky and I get to try out my special hi rez night time contacts .

[GTB_an_Owl (Geoff)]

well!
what was it like boys?

geoff