At least you're getting somewhere Geoff, if it really bothers you i'd offer to pay half the costs, but I guess that depends on whether it's $50 or $250. But yeh, can't you also erect a screen on your back fence to block it out?
Just as an experiment I tried all of what I said before, nothing worked, might have to give the paint ball a go hehe. Walking under it did nothing except make the neighbours outside light turn on, I haven't ran back home that quick in all my life. I errected a big sail out of a tarp and a few bits of aluminium, but the wind picked up and it came crashing down while I was observing, scarred the %$%( out of me.
Forget the local council clerks, work on the councillors. Councillors and pollies don't like pressure. Why not try getting a few of your like minded astro types and put your case to your local councillors at their next meeting. I have seen councils and even the Tasmanian state government buckle and allow the most rediculous things simply because of lobbying by small pressure groups. It's also a sad fact of life that if you are "well heeled" or someone of prominence in the community that the task will be easier. It also helps if you can get the local media on side.
Originally posted by iceman But yeh, can't you also erect a screen on your back fence to block it out?
I have six foot high fence and a screen to block that light would be another six feet above that. Im pretty sure if I attached something like that to the fence that the neighbor would complain.
Tips, Techniques, Software and Computers.. It's about observing tips and techniques, so as Steve says it's in the right spot.. It doesn't belong under General chat..
Ken makes a good point though Geoff, about hinging your shield and errecting it only when observing.
A very effective & cheap light screen is the
"Weed Mat" that you can buy from your local hardware.
It is a black poly tarp type material, just make sure you use a hot knife, or flame to seal the edges where you cut it.
It comes on a roll so you can buy whatever length you need.
We use it often when we have an observing night in town.
Originally posted by ballaratdragons Make it a temporary thing Geoff. Hinge it to the top of the fence. Lift it up when viewing, fold it down when finished.
I think that is the best solution for my particular circumstance.
Thanks for that Ken.
I hope others who want to take on their council will keep us all informed of progress.
Mike, In the thread,"general astro/space+astro, under "Who is protecting your night sky", Silvie stated that she could get some postcards printed as per my sample. Is this still on? It may be the 1st thing to try with the local councils. How many do you think we'd need & how much are they going to cost?
I have contacted Reg Wilson (IDA), but he is away at present. Will contact me when he returns later in week.
Also contacted Ken Petersen of SOLIS. No answer as yet.
I hope to get info. on how to approach the local councils etc etc.
Will keep all informed as to progress. L.
Be careful with the paintball method. You probably think of paintball gun as a slightly dangerous toy, but the law is pretty strict about them (in Victoria). To the best of my knowledge, legally they're much like a real gun.
made me chuckle.
I errected a big sail out of a tarp and a few bits of aluminium, but the wind picked up and it came crashing down while I was observing, scarred the %$%( out of me.
L.
