Ten Chain Hill Observatory - Page 4

AlexN · #61 18-07-2009, 09:27 AM

Not a problem mate... I'll attack your alignment, collimation and we'll sort out any guiding glitches without worry!!

Yea my little set up will be running by then.... Should even have guiding for the evening! wooh!! Exciting! the APO gets first light tonight, I look forward to bringing it to dark skies and giving it a real run for its money!

Rod66 (Rod) · #62 20-07-2009, 11:08 AM

Peter,

I think this sounds ideal for my little setup and a first go at a really dark sky location. How much of M31 can you see with the naked eye at your place, that's a really good indicator for me.
Also I use a green laser to point my scope - do you have any rules about laser pointers?
My final question - can I pitch a tent somewhere?

thanks

Rod

AlexN · #63 20-07-2009, 03:22 PM

Rod, you could use a lazer pointer, however im sure if you stick a lovely green beam through someones 20 minute long exposure they will likely stick a fair sized snowboot in your rear

Imagers are touchy with regards to pretty beams of light flying through the skies..

Peter, I too would be interested to know what your view to the North/North east is like... Early AM there will be some pretty targets floating about out that way... M31, M45, M33, M42 etc etc...

Would love to have a go at M31 again!

Rod66 (Rod) · #64 20-07-2009, 04:20 PM

That's what I thought. I'll have to find a remote snow covered peak that takes hours to trek through blinding snow and hail, lugging my heavy gear, just to make sure I don't interfere with someone's 20 minute exposure. I guess its back to the drawing board...
Hopefully most astronomers are non-violent..

pmrid (Peter) · #65 20-07-2009, 05:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rod66

Peter,
How much of M31 can you see with the naked eye at your place, that's a really good indicator for me.
Also I use a green laser to point my scope - do you have any rules about laser pointers?

The eastern sky is terrific. Also the southern. The west is less so and the north is good to excellent if you choose your spot well. It is interesting that you ask about the vision to the north. So far, since I have had this obs working, I seem to have been looking south and east. But M31, 51 and 101 are all on my list for tonight if the clouds clear. At the moment they seem to be drifting in from the west a bit. I've had a good clean and clear view of M31 in the past from a great spot quite close to the house, but I haven't tried anything more adventurous - such as M51 or 101. Judging by the view of M31 though, I'd certainly expect a clean shot at 51 and even 101 if I shoot from an elevated position closer to the front of the property.

Green lasers are interesting devices. Perhaps mine have flat batteries or weak beams but I have difficulty seeing them unless I'm shining it on my own foot. I'd be interested to see someone aim a scope with one. The approach to Brisbane airport for flights from overseas and north Qld seems to be north and east of us so I would urge a lot of care in the use of a laser but that apart, am not inclined to offer physical violence to those that are able to make good use of them.

You may certainly pitch a tent. But bear in mind that I have a 14 metre (3 bay) shed next to the obs set up so astro guests can just throw a camp stretcher in there if they don't want to bother with a tent. There's a good table and camp chairs, fridge, BBQ, TV/DVD, kettle - all the comforts of home except a loo. For that, it's a wander across to the house.

Peter

AlexN · #66 20-07-2009, 05:08 PM

hahah.. im sure provided you announce where you're planning to shine said lazer before firing it off you should come out unscathed!

And yes, the firm majority of us are non-violent!

haha

Always best to call out across the field to see if you're about to destroy 20 minutes worth of imaging time...

RobF (Rob) · #67 20-07-2009, 08:31 PM

I'm really looking forward to this outing Peter. Bringing my tent too just in case, but shed sounds tempting. Not sure I'll be able to stay up until M31 is high, but there's bound to be plenty of other fruit to pick. M101 below 10 degrees, so not going to hold it against you if that's out of reach.

I'm a bit worried I may be arriving on dusk or even in the dark - will it be hard to find my way in?

RobF (Rob) · #68 20-07-2009, 08:39 PM

Actually Peter, could I trouble you to repost the directions to find 10 Chain from Brissy? (I'll probably be coming from Fernvale, then road to East of Wivenhoe down to your way).

I can't find the original thread with the detailed instructions any more......

pmrid (Peter) · #69 21-07-2009, 07:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RobF

Actually Peter, could I trouble you to repost the directions to find 10 Chain from Brissy?

Directions:
We're on the Wivehoe-Somerset Road that runs north-south up the east side of Wivenhoe Dam. We are about 6km from the northern (Somerset Dam) end of that road, on the east side of the road. There is a post at the gate with the number 3336.

If coming from Brisbane via Fernvale: go north from Fernvale about 5km and take the right turn onto Wivenhoe-Somerset Rd and follow for 33.4 km.
If coming from Brisbane via Mt. Glorious, when the Mt. Glorious road meets Wivenhoe-Somerset Rd, turn right and follow for about 19km

If coming via Kilcoy, go through Somerset Dam village by about 2km and turn left over the bridge over the Stanley River onto the Wivenhoe-Somerset Rd. Follow for about 6km. 3336 will be on your left.

ALL: the house is not visible from the road. At the gate, follow the track to the right and just follow your nose about 1 km through the spotted gum plantation. You'll see the shed/obs then. There are plenty of site options for setting up for visual or imaging - each with 240 power options.

Keep all gates shut please. There are about 50 head of extremely dumb cattle on the place and they would just love to make a dash for freedom.

Peter.

jjjnettie (Jeanette) · #70 21-07-2009, 07:55 AM

4 sleeps to go!

astroron (Ron) · #71 21-07-2009, 04:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jjjnettie

4 sleeps to go!

Jeanette what time are you leaving your place, perhaps I could join the convoy with you and Alex

AlexN · #72 21-07-2009, 05:00 PM

Oooh.. yes.. good idea.. the convoy idea...

JJJ.. please pm me your address again and I'll meet you at your place!

Oh, and by the way, how far apart are the rings on the 120mm F/5? Im going to make a bracket to piggyback my ZS70ED on top, but could do with some measurements... Cheers.

jjjnettie (Jeanette) · #73 21-07-2009, 05:15 PM

I don't know what time yet.
Early afternoon I suppose. Around 1pm?
Got to find out what times suit Alex and Les.

Rod66 (Rod) · #74 21-07-2009, 05:27 PM

Ok thanks Peter.

With my budget I have installed the Mark 1 eyeball goto feature on my scope and coupled with the 10mw green laser upgrade, can find most things reasonably quickly. The frequency with which I use it though, it won't work with me calling out every 5 mins to get permission to turn it on.

I think I've found an alternative dark sky location many kilometres east of you so looks like I'm all set. (dare I point it west and see what its range is

)

Its pretty easy to see most green lasers, you must have flat batteries in yours. Unless its less than 5 mw? Note they are notoriously bad on cold nights and need a bit of pumping to get going.

cheers

Rod

pmrid (Peter) · #75 21-07-2009, 07:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AlexN

Peter, I too would be interested to know what your view to the North/North east is like..

Well, I've just run off a few subs on M51 which is at +47 deg so you'll have no difficulty with M31 and friends at +41. All you haqve to do is stay awake long enough.

Will post some M51 later when I have time to process. I'm having a run at M86 and friends at the monent and have decided to walk away so as to avoid the temptation to tinker.

Peter

pmrid (Peter) · #76 21-07-2009, 07:53 PM

Well, I'm sad to hear you won't be here Rod. Not much I can say, I suspect, to change your mind. Hope you get good skies though.
Peter

RobF (Rob) · #77 21-07-2009, 08:13 PM

Many thanks for the detailed instructions Peter.
No family complications now, so I'm planning to arrive about 3 - 4pm.

Rob

RobF (Rob) · #78 21-07-2009, 08:15 PM