Had a meeting to attend last night. I took the binoculars just on 'spec and kept glancing out the window in case the sky cleared a little. My wife says I "obsessed" with this comet. Huh??
Foreign visitor to Melbourne - What is a good spot?
Hi There,
I am from Hong Kong and I am going on a business trip next week to Melbourne. (Jan 25th to 26th, maybe I can extend to 27th). So I have the unique chance to see McNaught.
May I ask some questions:
1) What might be a good spot for viewing that is in "taxi distance" from downtown area. Or do I need to rent a car and go somewhere in the outskirts? Or are there any gatherings of astro fans where I can join?
2) How is the visibility (city light, haze, weather)? Does it make sense to bring my camera? I never took a photo of a comet. What lense do you recommend (I have a fullframe Digicam and several lenses, such as 50mm/F1.4, 24-105/f4.0 and a 100-400/f4.0-5.6)?
3) When is the best time to spot it? I have no clue when sunset is (19:45?).
4) Last but not least: How is it fading away? Still visible with naked eye?
We wish we could clearly answer your questions, BUT we've hardly seen it yet due to the cloud and rain. And if the cloud and rain clears, we could always have thick bushfire smoke roll in over the city (which was the problem last Monday night).
But let me give you my answers (others may have other views)
1. I'd recommend that you take a taxi down to Brighton Beach on the Eastern side of Port Philip Bay. That won't be too far. Ask the driver to take you along the roads by the Bay until you see a spot that you like. The WSW view here is out over the water. I haven't heard of any organised gatherings.
2. Yes bring camera - you'll need a tripod or a way to rest the camera for a few second exposures. Out over the bay, the extra light of the city won't be a very bad problem - but it's a typical city situation - just no direct lights in the line of sight. From the photos I've seen, a wide angle lens might be needed!! 50mm would capture a lot of the tail. 200mm should capture the body of the comet itself?
3. We are on Australian Eastern Daylight Time so sunset is around 8:40pm. I think best viewing will be from about 9:00pm-10:00pm? I haven't checked the charts lately
4. We have no direct evidence (remember - the smoke, the clouds, the rain ) - but, at the moment, it's reportedly just getting beter each night to the naked eye.
Have a great visit and tell us how you went.
Eric
Quote:
Originally Posted by rasc88
Hi There,
I am from Hong Kong and I am going on a business trip next week to Melbourne. (Jan 25th to 26th, maybe I can extend to 27th). So I have the unique chance to see McNaught.
May I ask some questions:
1) What might be a good spot for viewing that is in "taxi distance" from downtown area. Or do I need to rent a car and go somewhere in the outskirts? Or are there any gatherings of astro fans where I can join?
2) How is the visibility (city light, haze, weather)? Does it make sense to bring my camera? I never took a photo of a comet. What lense do you recommend (I have a fullframe Digicam and several lenses, such as 50mm/F1.4, 24-105/f4.0 and a 100-400/f4.0-5.6)?
3) When is the best time to spot it? I have no clue when sunset is (19:45?).
4) Last but not least: How is it fading away? Still visible with naked eye?
Hi There,
1) What might be a good spot for viewing that is in "taxi distance" from downtown area. Or do I need to rent a car and go somewhere in the outskirts? Or are there any gatherings of astro fans where I can join?
thanks for your reply. I think I'll bring my 24-105/f4.0 and my 50/f1.4 and a light tripod.
Smoke sounds not good. The pollution and haze from China keeps me from star gazing since we moved to Hongkong 4 years ago - I did not expect such problem in Melbourne. But of course - its summer and its dry and hot - sure you must have fires.
Anyhow - Are there any areas around Melbourne where I could escape the smoke and haze (if no clouds and rain)? How about south towards Phillip Island or West to Great Ocean Road? I mean, I can rent a car...
The bushfire smoke is generally coming from the east and northeast. Best if you go west from Melbourne out to Ballarat or beyond if Melbourne is smoked out and if there are no fires in the west. Ballarat is around an hour's drive from the western outskirts. You really need to get to the western side of the Bay, at least.
But if you get that adventurous, I suggest you get in touch when you are here and we'll see what we can arrange.
The cloud in Melbourne is clearing at the moment (Monday 22 @ 1:13). Maybe tonight it might be clear? If it looks promising, I will be going to my previous Brighton location "at the end of North Rd". Anyone else venturing down this way?
I haven't seen a cracker since the previous weekend, missed all the best of it. Is it visible in 11x70's after sunset?
The skies the clearest I've seen it in a few weeks. I may get to see this thing afterall. Those that have seen it, when is the best time for viewing? Straight after the sun goes down, or does it hang around for half an hour or so afterwards? It would help if I looked at a chart or two.
I just looked outside, sky is clear at about 4pm Monday 22. Looks like I might head to Brighton Beach later tonight for a little while. At least you don't have to look over the city to see it....
Our first real opportunity to see this thing in Melbourne.
I've scoped out a decent site on the West of the city.
It's a new estate called "The Rise" Melways 202 B2, just past the water tower in Tarneit. The estate has made roads and a clear view until you reach the mountains, which you'd have to go over to clear.
I'll be setting up around 7.30 to 8.00 pm.
Undecided weather I'll track or not, so I'll have the scope and a tripod as well.
The sky looks clear, the weather radar image looks good, so it looks like I'll be heading out to try and find this comet tonight. Being in the suburbs with no clear view to the horizon I'll probably drive to the bay. Brighton beach would be the easiest for me to get t straight down North Rd, might see some of you there.
Hi Eric...
"view the comet!..view the comet!!"..pack a picnic..relax, enjoy and have dinner by the beach!!..
As for me...I'm heading out to Mt Ridley this evening..setting up by around 8-ish...and if the traffic on Mt Ridley isn't too much..might do some Deep Sky stuff as well..but it does look VERY promising..one can only try..hope to see some of you there tonight!!
Cheers!!
Foreign visitor to Melbourne - What is a good spot?
) - but, at the moment, it's reportedly just getting beter each night to the naked eye.
Off to Brighton tonight! 
