Ten Chain Hill New Moon nights - Page 37

pmrid (Peter) · #**721** 02-04-2011, 12:43 PM

Well, it seems just possible that we might get a bit of a break tonight. Sorry you won't be with us Rob. We do seem to have the makings of a group coming so we'll have good company if nothing else.

There'll be a new bloke here named Ken (a mate of Robin's) so make him welcome and give him a hand if he needs one.

Since it has rained here in the past 3 or 4 days, some guidance for you on how best to deal with my sloppy internal tracks:

Being black soil country, dirt roads turn to much fairly readily. The way to go will be to follow the track from the front gate for a hundred yards or so to where it forks - the right fork is the better track. Follow that until you get down on the flat and after about another 100-150 yards, you'll see a well-defined grass track forking off to the left. Follow that until you come to signs of life. The right track is OK too, if you keep one wheel at least on grass.

The trick with this sort of soft ground is to keep your wheels on grass, keep moving without spinning your wheels and the car will more or less figure it out for you.

see you all later today.

Peter

RickS (Rick) · #**722** 02-04-2011, 06:55 PM

Sorry, I got caught up in a minor emergency today and wasn't able to get away until too late... I hope my absence helps to keep the clouds at bay

pmrid (Peter) · #**723** 26-04-2011, 10:00 AM

Hi everyone. I'm working overseas this week so can't open up TenChain this weekend. However the following weekend seems clear at the moment. Shall we target that weekend? That will be Saturday the 7th May. I think the moon will be waxing again by then but rising well out of our comfort zone so it should be OK; if the weather will cooperate of course.
cheers
Peter

RobF (Rob) · #**724** 26-04-2011, 10:24 AM

Woohoo. I can't get there next weekend, but Sat 7th might be a goer if my W's align (wife and weather...

)

RickS (Rick) · #**725** 26-04-2011, 11:12 AM

The 7th will probably work for me, thanks Peter.

Tandum (Robin) · #**726** 26-04-2011, 11:35 AM

I'll be in Melbourne that week-end pete. Hope its fine for everyone.

RickS (Rick) · #**727** 26-04-2011, 11:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RickS

The 7th will probably work for me, thanks Peter.

And a few minutes later I overhear my wife on the phone making social arrangements for the 7th

DavidTrap (David) · #**728** 26-04-2011, 12:58 PM

Maybe...

DT

adman (Adam) · #**729** 26-04-2011, 01:14 PM

yep - put me down for a maybe too...

with any luck I will have a fully pimped G11 by then - have just ordered some one piece worms to go with the gemini - but probably too steep a learning curve to climb before then - might have to be a 'test' night.

Adam

ozstronomer (Geoff) · #**730** 27-04-2011, 04:32 PM

Pete

Doing our best to make it up

Geoff/Matt

RobF (Rob) · #**731** 03-05-2011, 08:29 PM

Looks like Sunday morning there should still be Eta Aquarid meteors about - predicted to be the best meteor shower this year (for moon and number/hr)

pmrid (Peter) · #**732** 04-05-2011, 04:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RobF

Looks like Sunday morning there should still be Eta Aquarid meteors about - predicted to be the best meteor shower this year (for moon and number/hr)

Looks like it might be a good plan to do some time exposures with the Canon.
As far as it is possible to say at this stage, Saturday and Sunday should be OK although we are seeing plenty of condensation late at night. Bring those heater straps and warm sox - and a raincoat for the scope and gear.
Peter

pmrid (Peter) · #**733** 07-05-2011, 08:54 AM

Well folks, it's looks like another no-go for tonight I'm afraid. RobF and I had a crack last night with very limited success. I packed it in about 1.30 just as it seemed the clouds had parted a bit, but the condensation was getting very heavy and there was a lot of cloud in the eastern horizon that seemed to swallow up the Eta Aquariids we were hoping to see. Then the fog rolled in and by morning I couldn't see the observatory at all. RobF was out there in his swag and roll beside his gear. The pioneering spirit is alive and well in the boy.
Tonight's Skippy and 7-Timer and BOM seem to agree that band of cloud in the west will arrive later today. So I think it would be a waste of time and effort to come out.
Sadly, then, it seems we'll have to try again in June.
cheers all.
Peter

DavidTrap (David) · #**734** 07-05-2011, 09:23 AM

It's so disheartening to wake up this morning here and see crystal clear blue skies, but I agree with your forecasts...

My wife also put the kibosh on my plans!

DT

pmrid (Peter) · #**735** 24-05-2011, 07:08 AM

Hi folks. Can't do it this coming saturday - family gathering planned and there seems to be an expectation that I will be present. But the weekend of the 4th June looks good so far. Let's target that!!
Peter

ozstronomer (Geoff) · #**736** 24-05-2011, 05:21 PM

OK Pete, Looking forward to the 4th, let's hope for some clear weather

Geoff

RickS (Rick) · #**737** 24-05-2011, 05:53 PM

The 4th looks clear for me too. Hope to see you all there!

Cheers,
Rick.

Tandum (Robin) · #**738** 25-05-2011, 02:01 AM

Looks like Rick finally got a tripod

I need a full set of new cables for the eq6 to make it go but should get it done by then

pmrid (Peter) · #**739** 31-05-2011, 04:24 PM

Just took a sneaky peek at Skippy for the weekend. At this stage, Friday looks terrific; Saturday .... doesn't. Anyone who wants to come up Friday night would be welcome. Saturday remains open for those who can't get away sooner.
Peter

ozstronomer (Geoff) · #**740** 31-05-2011, 05:53 PM

Pete

Can't make it friday, Matt and I will be up Saturday fingers crossed for a good night

Geoff