Border Stargaze 2009 (19th - 23 August 2009) - Page 5

Omaroo (Chris Malikoff) · #81 11-08-2009, 09:56 PM

Where is that turnoff Petra? Looking at Google Maps it makes no sense... as Wymah Road comes straight off the Hume Highway without any of the other roads mentioned on that Abi map. Sweetwater Road is nowhere Wymah Road according to Google.

spacezebra (Petra) · #82 11-08-2009, 10:17 PM

Hi Chris

This map is hot off the press from AbiGroup today! They are "as I type" buiding the road. Abi have advised that they will do their best with signage to guide visiters to Wymah Road.

We have test driven the road and it is as indicated on the map.

Cheers Petra d.

Matthole (Matthew) · #83 12-08-2009, 07:29 PM

leave was approved for the friday so i Booked and paid today!

looking forward to getting up there and getting amongst it...

Matt

trent_julie · #84 18-08-2009, 05:41 PM

Knowledgeable Forum,

I'm hoping that someone might be able to provide some advice for camping with astro-photography gear, as this is the first time I've tried astro-photography, I admit I have no idea when it comes to being away with the gear (let alone anything else with astrophography)

Please advise me if I have missed anything obvious,

Power supply (Jump start)
Cardboard box with red cellophane
Spirit level (iphone)
Compass
illuminated retical for SCP alignment
Tarp for covering the scope
Eye pieces + books etc
red headlamp

I wont however have heaters for the scope, not sure if this is going to be an issue (I assume it maybe but however time has got ahead of me)

Any suggestions / advice will be greatly appreciated (I still have time to buy anything absolutely essential)

Trent

spacezebra (Petra) · #85 18-08-2009, 07:08 PM

Hi Trent

We have a group of astrophotographers heading to Border Stargaze so in terms of onsite knowledge - there will be no shortage. However the guys might like to chime in here before you head out.

Cheers Petra d.

JohnG (John) · #86 18-08-2009, 08:09 PM

Hi Trent

As this is your first step into AP, might I suggest that you use this as a learning experience, you have covered most things, make sure you have all your cables and methods of attachement, eg T-Rings sorted, there will be 240 v power available on the Tennis Courts where we will be setting up. I don't know what sort of scope or camera you use but if it is in the Canon EOS range, there will be a number of people using them.

Dew will be an issue so make sure you have, at the minimum a hairdryer of some sort. I take it you will be hand guiding.

Don't worry about being your first step into AP, there will be plenty of people to give you a hand and get you started.

Just turn up at the Tennis Courts and we will give you a hand.

See you there

Cheers

John G

trent_julie · #87 18-08-2009, 08:18 PM

Cheers John G,

I do have an auto guider (all equipment no experience) i shall try and fing a little hair dryer tomorrow to get me thru, i will aim for 12v but i assume that 240v is readily available,
i will be bringing a ed 100 on a heq5 mount with an orion autoguider.

I will take off down to the shops tomorrow for a hair dryer, might be a bit embarrassing, but im sure i will get over it

thanks for the advice

Trent

seeker372011 (Narayan) · #88 18-08-2009, 08:24 PM

weather forecast a bit depressing is it folks?for friday night and saturday night?

i have looked forward for this for so long would be a shame if we didnt get one decent night

Big Dave (Dave) · #89 18-08-2009, 08:47 PM

As everyone usually shares the same power circuit, hair dryers are a pain in the butt as they quite often trip the power breaker due to overloading. That buggers up everyone in the area; make sure you get a low wattage one at the very least or one with varaible heat outputs.
First try wrapping a foam mat arround your scope (an extension of your dew shield) as this slow the dew by insulating the outside casing.

Quote:

Originally Posted by trent_julie

I will take off down to the shops tomorrow for a hair dryer, might be a bit embarrassing, but im sure i will get over it

thanks for the advice

Trent

seeker372011 (Narayan) · #90 18-08-2009, 09:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Octane

Hopefully there's plenty of room still available to set up with the guys taking images.

yes but you have to pay the toll

Doug and/or John will collect your dues

narayan

JohnG (John) · #91 18-08-2009, 09:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Big Dave

As everyone usually shares the same power circuit, hair dryers are a pain in the butt as they quite often trip the power breaker due to overloading. That buggers up everyone in the area; make sure you get a low wattage one at the very least or one with varaible heat outputs.
First try wrapping a foam mat arround your scope (an extension of your dew shield) as this slow the dew by insulating the outside casing.

Dew straps would have been better but as you have said you don't have any, a 12 volt Hairdryer would be OK or, as Big Dave has said a foam mat will help stall the onset of dew but wont totally stop it.

Cheers

Octane (Humayun) · #92 18-08-2009, 11:47 PM

Narayan,

What on earth are you talking about?

It will be great to see you again, after, how many years?

Regards,
Humayun

Quote:

Originally Posted by seeker372011

yes but you have to pay the toll

Doug and/or John will collect your dues

narayan

Big Dave (Dave) · #93 19-08-2009, 08:17 AM

Well, of I go now for the 5 hour drive. See everyone up there. Hope there will be a few there tonight as the weather looks like it may be ok.

- Dave.

spacezebra (Petra) · #94 19-08-2009, 08:44 AM

Hi all

We are just off to the airport to pick up NASA Astronaut - Megan McArthur - too exciting for words that she will be in my car!!!!

.

Safe trip Border Stargazers

Cheers Petra d.

kezstar (Kerryn) · #95 19-08-2009, 07:30 PM

Hi all,
just wanted to say Thank You to the organisers of Border Star Gaze. I took about 50 Year 5 students to hear Katherine McArthur speak in Albury today. Wow! Never mind the children, I was so inspired. The children chattered about the images and info all the way back to school and I'm sure they are now relaying some fascinating news to their families over the dinner table.
XXX

Kez

Octane (Humayun) · #96 21-08-2009, 03:04 AM

Kerryn,

Woops! Her name is Megan, not Kat.

I'm spewin' I missed the talk.

Regards,
Humayun

leon · #97 21-08-2009, 04:45 PM

Have a good one, guys, gees I wish I was there.

Leon

trent_julie · #98 21-08-2009, 09:03 PM

Just a quick thanks to everyone at border stargaze who helped me take my first astro-pic.

I'm quite pleased with my fuzzy, drifty, un-processed not to mention un-centered M8

Hope you have better luck with the sky tonight if not tomorrow
Cheers Again

Trent

spacezebra (Petra) · #99 21-08-2009, 11:57 PM

Hi all

Thank you all for the excellent comments - we still have a lot to learn so feedback is always great.

I have just finished my final rounds and the observers are observing - the astrophotographers are astrophotographing and all is well with the world.

The skies cleared - just after we cancelled the public night. So at least a couple of good nights.

Saturday is looking a bit dicey - but so far the weather reports have been a bit weird!

Cheers Petra d.

anthony2302749 · #**100** 22-08-2009, 09:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by spacezebra

all is well with the world.

Not really, I am stuck in Melbourne and knowing that I am missing great event

. Good job always Petra, David and all the crew best of luck for next year. 2010 I am going to plan my holiday to conenside with the next BSG and bring the family.

Anthony