Mangrove Mountain (Pony Club) July

[Arthur Alchin (Arthur Alchin)]

Thanks Allan, did a late setupinthe front yard friday night, sydney saturday evening unfortubately.

Had some great views of the north, east and west skies. Found a double that was unknown to Geoff. Alberio: was very inpressive. Once we blinkered the street lights the viewing was excellent. Called it anight at 2300hrs. Nearly completed the Dew heaters, should be able to keep the scope 2-4 gegrees above dew point all the time, with a purge function

[Rodstar (Rod)]

Hi all, glad to hear the Friday night group had a good time.

A small faithful band gathered last night: Phil Townside, Jo (Astropolak) and me.

Not a cloud in the sky, and with a light breeze there was no dew to contend with. However, there was significant skyglow that was so pronounced that it was akin to having a bit of moonage. Seeing started off pretty good, but deteriorated by 11pm.

We had ABC radio up loud from my car so we could listen to the Wallabies getting thrashed by the British and Irish Lions. Oh dear.

I brought along some Glendronach Batch #2 cask strength single malt whisky, with some Glencairn nosing glasses, which Joe and I savoured as we admired the Milky Way (Phil abstained). Not a bad way to warm us up in conditions which got progressively colder, ending up at about 2.1 degrees.

Joe had his 10" LX200 coffee grinder, which gave a nice 3D view of Omega Centauri with the Denk binoviewers plus 17mm UWANs. Unfortunately technical issues plagued Joe, possibly due to battery failure?? The CIA are investigating....

Phil came scope-free and was a great assistant in setting up and commandeering the Mary Rose. We caught up and had a good giggle about a range of subjects, and also some good man talk about matters of the heart.

To the subject matter of astronomical observation, and I can report that we enjoyed a number of targets, ranging from the usual suspects as a warm up: Omega Centauri, Centaurus A, Eta Carinae, Pavo Globular, Saturn, etc, before doing some more serious observing of less common items. Phil particularly liked M80.

I found a tiny tight glob in Centaurus that was right next to a yellow-white star with heavy shroud of nebulosity. I also enjoyed the Centaurus galaxy cluster, which is so thick with faint galaxies that the area has the appearance of "lumpiness".

We spent some time in Saggitarius, highlights included the Triffid Nebula (M20), the Lagoon (M8), the Star Cloud (M24) - note I found another tiny globular hidden in the Star Cloud -and the Swan (M17).

With plummeting temperatures, and astronomical appetites satiated, we packed up and left about 11.15pm.

Thanks to Phil and Joe for a lovely night.

Clear skies and slainte!

[GTB_an_Owl (Geoff)]

glad you boys enjoyed the evening Rod
given the conditions of late, a clear sky and no dew is indeed a bonus
we too noticed the skyglow from Sydney seemed more pronounced

geoff

[Irish stargazer (John)]

Originally Posted by Rodstar

We had ABC radio up loud from my car so we could listen to the Wallabies getting thrashed by the British and Irish Lions. Oh dear.

!

Probably just as well I couldn't make it last night then

Feeling better today after a rough day yesterday. I hope the weather next New Moon is as good as this weekend.

[Rodstar (Rod)]

Thanks Geoff - the skyglow was frustrating as it meant less contrasty views, but was not a major problem.

John - congrats on the outcome of the rugby! And glad you are feeling better.

[ausastronomer (John Bambury)]

Originally Posted by Rodstar

I found a tiny tight glob in Centaurus that was right next to a yellow-white star with heavy shroud of nebulosity!

Hi Rod,

Great to hear you guys had an enjoyable night. That globular to which you are referring would be NGC 5286, also cataloged as Caldwell 84. A really pretty little glob nicely set off with M centauri right beside it. One of my favourites through late Autumn and winter.

Cheers,
John B

[Rodstar (Rod)]

Good to hear from you John!

[sally1jack (Phil)]

While the seeing wasn't great we did have some nice views ,the company made the night thanks Rod & Joe, i believe we saw 2 degrees on Rod's scope , the freezer suit did it's job though
phil

[arc4ne (Kev)]

Damn! Looks like I logged on just a little too late
I was hoping there might be a catch up, Sorry I haven't been active in some time, I've been flat out with Uni the past few months!

Hopefully there is a catch up soon!

~Kev

[Allan]

I had a great time on Friday night. Everyone I met was for the first time. I really enjoyed showing off my gear and looking through everyone else's stuff.

I saw Pluto for the first time. Sensed some people were scepticle, but saw it again on Sunday and it had moved so that confirmed it for me.

Look forward to catching up again and look forward to the dark sky's at Bretti.