Congratulations Trevor (Quark)

[MrB (Simon)]

Originally Posted by Quark

<snip>
Judging by the content of the Keck Observatory waiver of liability form that I have to fill out, there can be quite a few problems with spending time at 14,000 ft.
<snip>

I have a book called 'The Astronomers'* (apparently also a TV series on PBS) that I found in a bookstore bargain-bin for $9 years ago, it's an interesting book, with chapters about different professional astronomers, their stories and research.

Anyway, there are a few interesting stories about the effects of altitude on astronomers on Mauna Kea, including stories about tourists finding the road leading up to the summit and attempting to drive up, getting drunk on the altitude and driving straight off the road!
Apparently, rental car contracts have warnings "Do not drive this vehicle on the 'saddle road'"
Rescues seemed pretty common but I reckon there would be some sort of control now, even if it's just a locked gate.

Mate, looking forward to next weeks Catalyst story, enjoy your trip!

*
The Astronomers
Donald Goldsmith
1991
ISBN 0-312-05380-0

[Kevnool (Kev)]

It should be great viewing Trevor i,ll make sure i see it.........By the way Trev i now have a new laptop (Toshiba)that i,m useing now to take out to the next observing session with Starry night.....cheers Kev.

[Ric]

I've got Catalyst marked on the calendar for next Thurday to tape as I have our Astro society meeting on the same night.

[astroron (Ron)]

(Mr wrote)

Anyway, there are a few interesting stories about the effects of altitude on astronomers on Mauna Kea, including stories about tourists finding the road leading up to the summit and attempting to drive up, getting drunk on the altitude and driving straight off the road!
Apparently, rental car contracts have warnings "Do not drive this vehicle on the 'saddle road'"
Rescues seemed pretty common but I reckon there would be some sort of control now, even if it's just a locked gate.

There are no locked gates
I spent a day up there a few years ago and there was no restrictions except no vehicles above the 9000ft mark on the the mountain after dark, that is where the visitor centre and living area for the astronomers and maintanence staff.
the mountain is the property of the Hawaian people on the island and is supposed to only have a certain amount of telescopes permitted.
the reason that the hire cars are not allowed to go up the mountain is the thin air is not good for normally asparated engines.
People ski up there in the winter time and I think the area is classed as a national park.
Ron

[AlexN]

Ron, Correct, High altitude thin air is no good for aspirated engines, a turbocharged or supercharged car/van would have no problems.. (ie - turbo diesels etc.)

I'm set to record Catalyst on the 21st Should be great!

[strongmanmike (Michael)]

I read your post with much excitment Trevor, I recon just about everyone on this forum would be very jealous but also very happy for you. I really hope you have a great time in Hawaii and the weather is kind to your observing program.

Will you be on the sumit at dark? If so and it's clear skies please test the naked eye limiting magnitude, there have been so many conflicting claims, would be interesting to get some first hand reiable confirmation if it proves possible?

Congratulations again and I will be watching ABC next Thursday

Mike

[MrB (Simon)]

Originally Posted by strongmanmike

Will you be on the sumit at dark? If so and it's clear skies please test the naked eye limiting magnitude, there have been so many conflicting claims, would be interesting to get some first hand reiable confirmation if it proves possible?

Yes please do, should be very interesting.

[AlexN]

Post removed by AlexN....

May have been seen as less than Civil and Respectful..

[RB (Andrew)]

Keep the thread civil please.
Reminder about TOS Rules:

2. Respect
Please show respect for others in the community, as you would expect to have respect shown to you.
Please avoid posting something that is intended to cause a reaction. Don't call people names or attack them or their character.

[turbo_pascale (Rob)]

If you missed the show, Catalyst have the vodcast (WMV for MP4) online (Episode 27, 2008)

http://www.abc.net.au/tv/geo/catalys...st/default.htm

[taminga16 (Greg)]

Steve (Kinetic),
A knock on the bloke's door might have been a better approach.

Regards,

Greg.

Well done Trevor, I can only see Steve's initial motivation and your acheivements as good for all of us.

[RB (Andrew)]

Originally Posted by kinetic

I'm not proud of what I posted 2 days ago, if it had been the right thing
to say, I would be feeling pretty good about myself right now.
I don't.

Greg was right, I should have talked it over with Trev in pm.

If the moderators choose to delete this and all of
my previous posts then I respect that.
Steve

Yes time to move on folks.

Steve you have the ability to edit your own posts if you really want to change what you've posted.

As moderators we prefer people make this sort of correction themselves rather than have us do it.