Kulnura (Central Coast) New Moon Observing - 19th May - Page 3

iceman (Mike) · #41 18-05-2007, 03:25 PM

Just a quick note because someone asked me, so others may have wondered as well..

Please don't bring any pets with you to Kulnura. It's a private property, and there are already 2 (very large) dogs on site.

ausastronomer (John Bambury) · #42 18-05-2007, 03:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by iceman

Just a quick note because someone asked me, so others may have wondered as well..

Mike,

I don't think this is something that relates to the property situation and the 2 resident dogs.

A google search on "star party etiquette" or "star party do's and dont's" will show what is and isn't the right thing to do at a star party. It might be a nice friendly dog, but a one night star party isn't the place for it.

CS-John B

Rodstar (Rod) · #43 18-05-2007, 04:13 PM

I must agree with John that bringing a pet to a dark location with lots of strange people and expensive equipment is probably asking for trouble, wherever you are.

In this particular location, though, you can expect that your pet will end up in the belly of one or t'other guard dog....they are the size of a horse, and no doubt have a horse's appetite.

On more than one occasion the dogs have come up to me from behind, and nuzzled at my waist/bum. It can be quite a surprise!

maksutover · #44 18-05-2007, 05:52 PM

Hey all

Man i wish i could come to meet some of you face to face and to get acquainted with the big mighty one, Im talking 20" Rod!!!

But saturday night is the FA cup (soccer) and i cant miss it or ill suicide!

Hope another one will be organised soon, hopefully closer to sydney

!

netwolf · #45 18-05-2007, 11:24 PM

Has anyone recorded the lat/long at the observing field. If so could you tell me what it is.

Regards
Fahim

GTB_an_Owl (Geoff) · #46 19-05-2007, 12:09 AM

round about
33 14 06 50 south
151 14 22 55 east

elevation 329 mtrs

i believe Fahim

GTB_an_Owl (Geoff) · #47 19-05-2007, 12:10 AM

according to google earth anyway

netwolf · #48 19-05-2007, 01:37 AM

Thanks Geoff, and thanks for answering my noobie questions on the phone. Look forward to meeting you tomorrow.

netwolf · #49 19-05-2007, 01:45 AM

Is this right.
http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&q=-33%C2%B0+14'+06.50%22,+151%C2%B0+14 '+22.55%22&ie=UTF8&ll=-33.235403,151.240518&spn=0.003805,0 .007296&t=h&z=17&om=1

iceman (Mike) · #50 19-05-2007, 08:36 AM

It seems like there's going to be quite a few people tonight, including a large number of first-timers!

That's great!

But it could get quite crowded with people's cars there etc as half of the observing field was lost about a year ago when they extended the car park.
If it was summer it would be easier to manage cause it would be light until 8:30pm, but it's going to be dark at 5:30pm and most people will be arriving after that.

If you don't have a telescope, don't park on the observing field (park in the car park). If you do need to park on the observing field, try to minimise the space you will take up.

Try and leave some sort of corridor where cars can get in and out slowly, and carefully, if they need to.

Drive in slowly with your parking lights on. Even get out and walk on the field first to find out where you can setup. If you can, and have room to turn your car around, park with it facing out so you don't need to do a 5-point turn in the middle of the night when trying to go home.

Just common sense and courtesy, but with so many people there I thought it might be worth mentioning.

netwolf · #51 19-05-2007, 09:53 AM

Andrew, Peter and I are planning to be there around 4pm, as its our first time there and we want to get our bearings. Also Peter needs some sun light to setup his G-11 and AP Refractor and my LX90. Our goal for the night is to try and conquer drift alignment technique with our mate Peter's setup. We have spent some time playing with the drift alignment simulator practicing, but hope some experts are around to help us. Could someone who is nearer to the field keep us posted on the weather?

One more questions, I am guessing from the Google map that its the firs property on the left after the hard left from Springs Road onto Gretta Road. Are there any signs or guides to get into the observing field?

Regards

GTB_an_Owl (Geoff) · #52 19-05-2007, 10:23 AM

entry gate is signed Fahim

take the track to the left for the observing field - the one to the right for parking only

actually it may be the second track to the left - any way you will find it if you are early enough

last time we were there there was a couple of old 4wd vehicles parked on the side of the observing field

geoff

RB (Andrew) · #53 19-05-2007, 11:25 AM

I'd like to mention also that the Paintball Place is obviously a place of business and they have groups playing every weekend so it's not a good idea to show up too early either, we don't want to fall out of favour with the management.

Take care guys, hope I can make it tonight to see everyone.
Skies are absolutely clear and we have a nice breeze up here which should help dry things up.

GTB_an_Owl (Geoff) · #54 19-05-2007, 12:03 PM

WHAT is this HOPE business ?

you better be there boyo - or you in trouble

geoff

netwolf · #55 20-05-2007, 10:01 AM

Thanks All for a great night. My friends and I really enjoyed it, we will come again. I am still recovering from the my first look through the big dob's and the unforgettable bino's. It was also my first look through my mates AP APO, simply wonderful. In the hunt for improving my imaging skills I often feel we lose something better about this hobby. Under dark skies sitting in the chair and just looking up under dark skies, I have regained that youthful wonder of just looking in awe and sharing with friends.

Joe thanks for loaning me your cable, very kind of you. Geoff I am finally warm, the suit is great.

Regards
Fahim

astropolak (Joe) · #56 20-05-2007, 12:06 PM

Nice to see you all again.
Thank you all for a wonderful time, especially to Rod for letting us look through his marvellous scope. I can not believe how good that SDM12 actually is, it excels on all objects even planets - have to get myself one of those...

For those of you who were dismayed by the lousy views on my scope with blue filter - it turns out that both sides were full of @!$$, almost like someone tried to clean it with his "used" nose tissue. Do not blame me....

See you again next month - I should have my new Denk Big Easy bino with me. Hope that I have not wasted my hard earned here...

RGDS Joe

iceman (Mike) · #57 20-05-2007, 06:30 PM

Was great fun and great company as always. Looking forward to next time.

Rodstar (Rod) · #58 20-05-2007, 08:16 PM

Official Report
Seeing: 3.5/5
Transparency: 2.5/5
Hepworthy scale: 4/5
Bread and butter pudding: 5/5

Unofficial Report
Great to share some time with friends (some old, some newly acquainted). The amateur astronomy world is in safe hands with the likes of all the great folks who were there last night.

It was a shame the transparency and seeing were both a little below par, but the regular supply of ale, and Geoff's bread and butter pudding did the trick!

See you all next month, when the claws of winter will truly have taken grip.

GTB_an_Owl (Geoff) · #59 20-05-2007, 09:17 PM

as always , you blokes went home TOO early
views of joop were not too bad from 2 to 3am

Andrew, Deeno and yours truly were there till about 4-15 am enjoying the views of joop and a little more prospecting, then just lounging and looking upwards.

good to see the number of new comers enjoying our little site
hope to see you all again next month

geoff

PS: the missus says thanks for your comments on her bread pud Rod
did you notice any after effects ?
wasn't long before i did - but then i had a few pieces

bkm2304 (Richard Brown) · #60 20-05-2007, 11:06 PM

Yes, a friendly evening had by all including the VERY big Hound of the Baskerville type dog! Thanks for all the views and advice everyone! Looking forward to the next effort!

Richard, F5 (that's freezer suite number 5, not my focal ratio)