April 9 Star Party @ Kulnura All Invited!!!!

[iceman (Mike)]

I'm almost certain there will be, as the site is at "The Painball Place" where he works/lives. Look forward to seeing you there.

On a slightly-related topic, i've just posted about next months Official IceInSpace Star Party on May 7, again on the central coast.

[ausastronomer (John Bambury)]

Anthony,

I will be attending on Saturday night so COUNT ME IN !!!!!!!!!!

What should I bring, something to throw on the Barbie ? and a thermos of coffee. PS. I don't drink alcohol when I observe cause I can't see shyt after a few beers but normally I love a cold drink on a hot day. Actually it doesn't need to be hot, any day will do

Gary Kopff, Andrew Murrell and Daniel Beringer are unable to make it this Saturday Night due to prior commitments but should all be available to attend on 7th May, including Gary's partner Mai.

Cs-John B

[frogman (Anthony Lord)]

Lookin good ....... 6 so far .... you still a maybe Ice ????

This is going to be a test too. If things go ok on the night, there should be plenty more to come. However........ if someone does something to stuff it up for us then there will be NO MORE NIGHTS!!!!

SO.... everyone will need to be "police" i dont know whats going to happen seeing this is my first "gathering of astro nerds".

i will run out a few power leads and a table to put our ERNIE on with cups and stuff.. ill put out my nescafe and sugar someone will need to bring milk....
Im organising to get a black light to go in a fluro so there wont be any blinders on the field.
can we have only leds or red lights on the night too please.

Ok i will need to know what time you boys are going to arive! a rough time. There is a mammoth flood light overlooking the field and will be shut off when we start.

Anything else needed ?

Anthony

[iceman (Mike)]

You won't need to worry Anthony.. I think most people attending will have been to observing gatherings before and know the protocol.. and amateur astronomers are usually a mature bunch so noone will do anything to burn our bridges.

something to throw on the Barbie ?

I wouldn't worry about a dinner this time around, we'll have a BBQ on the 7th May.

As for the time, if we need to get there before dark (which is a good idea for a first night there), we should probably say 5 or 5:30pm, because it'll be dark by 6pm.

[atalas]

Hi Anthony

Is there anything I can do to help?do you want me to come at a certain time to help you ?do you want me to bring anything?just let me know I'm free to help.

Louie

[iceman (Mike)]

That's a nice offer Louie, it might help Anthony if one or two available people get there an hour or 2 earlier than everyone else, to help set up etc.

[iceman (Mike)]

6 so far .... you still a maybe Ice ????

Count me in as a definite for now.. and you forgot trufflehunter (Wayne) on your list.

[iceman (Mike)]

Changed mind on that location

Have 2 potentials

Will mow both before you guys turn up

As for the observing field, it's really up to you where you want us to setup, but just think about the following for astrogeek parties:

1. Accessibility for cars.

We don't want to have to carry heavy scopes 500m if it can be avoided. At the same time, you (or your boss) might not want people driving all over his paddocks.

2. Clearish horizons.

Ideally the spot should have fairly clear horizons with no big trees around. Sometimes that's unavoidable, but the less big trees the better.

3. Flat ground

Not always possible, but preferred. If there's a slight slope, let us know so us dob owners can bring something to stick under our bases to level them.

4. No street lights/flood lights

Self explanatory


Also make sure your boss knows that we're coming and make sure he's ok with it. If he's not, let us know ASAP so we can arrange an alternative site.

[frogman (Anthony Lord)]

Ummm there are games booked for that day so ill prolly be worknig till 4:30 5 ish so ...... if you turn up around 5 5:30 i should be right.

do this next bit in caps

NOW WHEN YOU TURN INTO GRETA RD, TAKE THE FIRST (THATS FIRST) GATE..... IT HAS THE PAINTBALL LOGO AND STUFF ON IT IT WILL BRING YOU INTO THE PLAYERS CAR PARK.
This is NOT where we will be setting up but a meeting area so i can show you all where to go on the property to set up....not near my house.

Anthony

[frogman (Anthony Lord)]

Originally posted by iceman

1. Accessibility for cars.
Drive up and unload no walk needed

2. Clearish horizons.

no such thing up here unfortunatly.

3. Flat ground

done

4. No street lights/flood lights

Done


Also make sure your boss knows that we're coming and make sure he's ok with it.

He mowed the field for it !!!!

[iceman (Mike)]

Do GSM phones work up there or only CDMA?

[frogman (Anthony Lord)]

If you stand on your head with your tongue out you might get a bar

[ausastronomer (John Bambury)]

Originally posted by iceman
I wouldn't worry about a dinner this time around, we'll have a BBQ on the 7th May.

Suits me fine, I was shuddering at the thought of a new coating of tomato sauce on my Pentax's

I will bring a 2 litre bottle of milk and I aint buying that low fat stuff

What time should we meet at Kariong to get out there and setup before dark, about 4:45pm ?

CS-John B

[Rodstar (Rod)]

I've promised my other half that I'll get the kids organised for bed before coming, so I don't expect to be there much before 8pm. Can you just make sure that there are a few signs so I have a rough idea where you are all hiding. I'll dim my headlights when I know I am close.

Is anyone doing any imaging? I wonder Mike if you want to capture Jupiter with the tracking on my scope? You are most welcome.

Looking forward to it. Thanks for having us Frogman.

Rodstar

[Rodstar (Rod)]

PS I bought an Orion Dew Zapper today.....no dew problems for me on Saturday night!!!!

Rodstar

[trufflehunter (Wayne Robinson)]

mmm... full cream milk, Pentax eyepieces and an Orion Dew Zapper!!! Sounding better all the time!!!
I'd be VERY interested in having a look at your Pentax's and UO's, John. I was hoping I'd have my 8mm Radian and 13mm Nagler by the weekend, but I've only just received the UPS tracking number from OPT.

Rod, at least this time I'll have a fully charged battery!

Might even bring along the lappy and LPI and christen it, with the help of you good folks!

[iceman (Mike)]

I've promised my other half that I'll get the kids organised for bed before coming, so I don't expect to be there much before 8pm

Bugger Rod.. I'll call you when we get there to tell you the best way to get in.

Is anyone doing any imaging? I wonder Mike if you want to capture Jupiter with the tracking on my scope? You are most welcome

I would definitely be keen to capture some Jupiter avi's on your scope, or even on Ed's (Orion's) 18" dob But he may not be coming this weekend But thanks for the offer, once the dark sky stuff is out of the way and we're in need of a breather i'll fire up the laptop and do some imaging.

I'd be VERY interested in having a look at your Pentax's and UO's, John

ditto!

I'm heading up to Kulnura on thursday arvo to check out the site and work out the best place to observe from.

[Orion]

Originally posted by iceman
I would definitely be keen to capture some Jupiter avi's on your scope, or even on Ed's (Orion's) 18" dob But he may not be coming this weekend But thanks for the offer, once the dark sky stuff is out of the way and we're in need of a breather i'll fire up the laptop and do some imaging.

Unfortunately I won’t be able to make it this weekend, I have so much going on but I’ll be there In May with some of the NAS members also.
Just wondering Anthony how hard would it be to find the viewing site in the dark.

[iceman (Mike)]

For the May one we'll be starting in the afternoon for a BBQ etc, so unless you turn up late it will be light.

If you do have to come in the dark, you'll get to the main carpark ok and someone can lead you to the field after that.

[frogman (Anthony Lord)]

depends on which one Ice and i choose

my prefered is easy enter our third gate