NSW Central Coast Casual Observing - Page 7

Shano592 (Shane) · #**121** 26-07-2016, 02:39 PM

I hope you are right in that.

Last time the clouds did dissipate early. This time, however, the forecast shows the high cloud getting thicker as the night wears on.

That is the current model, so I will watch it over the coming days to see where it goes.

sharptrack2 (Kevin) · #**122** 26-07-2016, 02:55 PM

Its strictly a "cash only" day, so no new boats, no new astro-gear (for the moment). That should keep the clouds at bay and gives us a good couple of hours of clear skies.

nobby2 (Neil) · #**123** 26-07-2016, 03:31 PM

Keen to test out my new Delos 14mm and Telrad some time, so will be looking at the weather. Always more difficult setting up in the dark and of course braving the cold. That's winter observing.

ChrisV (Chris) · #**124** 26-07-2016, 05:26 PM

Kevin

Let me know if you are going on Friday, be good to meet up. I might try and get up there - if traffic not too bad and people don't mind a sydney interloper viewing on a computer (I will put it on a box).

Chris

sharptrack2 (Kevin) · #**125** 26-07-2016, 09:08 PM

I'm sure no one will object, anyone is welcome to come up. There's an acre of open space at least, strategically parked vehicles and a short distance should provide plenty of isolation for laptop glow.

I'll know by 2:30-3:00 if I'll be able to make it in time.

Looking forward to meeting you Chris if the weather cooperates.

Shano592 (Shane) · #**126** 27-07-2016, 10:23 AM

Today's forecast puts the possibility of the Pony Club now at 85.08%.

CFN shows high cloud peaking at 13%, later in the evening, with no low cloud at all. Hmm, the longer forecast shows Friday as having up 45% cloud, around the 7pm mark.

Starting to get interesting! This will also be a good chance to test the amber LED headlamp in the field.

@ChrisV, of course you're welcome. Whenever I have brought the laptop up, it just sits in a box, as you have said. I don't think I have ever inconvenienced anyone, as I put a filter on the screen, and drop the box flap when I walk off, or have subs running.

In further good news, my wife has discovered an incredible peanut butter cookie recipe, using 3 ingredients. I'll get a batch baked for the night. They will complement Kevin's tea perfectly!

@Allan_L, how are you healing up? Will we see the big van this week?

sharptrack2 (Kevin) · #**127** 27-07-2016, 01:26 PM

GTB_an_Owl (Geoff) · #**128** 27-07-2016, 02:28 PM

7Timer saying dewy after midnite and friday better than saturday

geoff

Shano592 (Shane) · #**129** 28-07-2016, 09:35 AM

Yes, true.

Cloud is still showing between 4pm and about 8pm. Maxing out at around 30%, on this morning's CFN readout.

Pony Club now at 91.6%.

Time to charge the battery.

Mr Owl, will we be seeing you there?

RB (Andrew) · #**130** 28-07-2016, 10:00 AM

Can't make it this time due to work.
If things change then maybe....

Have a good one guys.

RB

Shano592 (Shane) · #**131** 28-07-2016, 10:23 AM

That's a pity Andrew.

You normally light the place up, with your presence ...

RB (Andrew) · #**132** 28-07-2016, 10:38 AM

GTB_an_Owl (Geoff) · #**133** 28-07-2016, 12:31 PM

probably not Shane

head still full of this cold i'm afraid
best to stay indoors till i get rid of it

geoff

Shano592 (Shane) · #**134** 28-07-2016, 02:03 PM

Fair call. You don't want to exacerbate it. Nowadays they seem to be getting harder and harder to shake.

Also, for those coming along... 3 degrees is the forecast minimum. Pack your thermals and freezer suits. It probably won't be so cold by the time the gate is shut for the night, but single digits does wear on you (on me anyway).

sharptrack2 (Kevin) · #**135** 29-07-2016, 12:10 AM

Have re-considered and decided to go into the city on Saturday. It's a bit of a tradition, over the last 3-4 years, of spending the morning looking at boats, and spending the afternoon at Hard Rock Cafe

. So compromise was the word of the day, I now don't have to rush around and get home in time to go observing, but instead will have to put up with the crowds on Saturday.

So count me in!!

Not sure how I will deal with the cold yet

, but I will have the makings for tea and hot chocolate, and the stove can serve as a hand warmer to!

glend (Glen) · #**136** 29-07-2016, 01:47 AM

Kevin there are plenty of places that sell those chemical hand warmer packs. I have seen them in several chemist shops, Anaconda, Ray's Outdoors, etc. I have used them at Bretti in the past, they last a couple of hours.
Good luck battling the crowds at Darling Harbour

Shano592 (Shane) · #**137** 29-07-2016, 08:32 AM

Oh, good point, Glen. I'll have to try to remember to pack a few in. I even have a big one for my lower back, with it's own wrap!

Kevin, I'll bring another heavy quilted jacket along, and you're welcome to add that to your ensemble, if you like.

Glen, will we see you this evening? The offer is open to all comers! I know there is a fair bit of Gosford and Sydney glow, but it is less than an hour from home...

EDIT: For the record, 100% chance of the Pony Club happening tonight! The CFN weather forecast is looking beeyoodeeful!

glend (Glen) · #**138** 29-07-2016, 09:37 AM

Thanks for the invite Shane but my setup these days for imaging from my observatory does not lend itself to portability. Enjoy the night, hope the glorious clear nights hold up for you.

thegableguy (Chris) · #**139** 29-07-2016, 10:46 AM

Hi folks,

I'd love to pop by tonight, however I'd just be dropping by to say hi, ask everyone annoying beginner questions and maybe look through others' vastly superior rigs as I won't have mine with me (I don't have a grab & go). Is that an acceptable type of visitor?

Also need to make sure my car headlights won't ruin things by arriving around 10-1030pm...? I'm working in Erina tonight, can be on my way around 10pm. Where's the Pony Club exactly?

sharptrack2 (Kevin) · #**140** 29-07-2016, 10:56 AM

@Glend, I'm bringing my other two smaller scopes with me for comparison with the video camera, you can always use one of those, not quite up to your RC views though...

I'm hoping to stay busy enough to keep everything warm, have snow gloves, decent jacket, working on the boots and pants. Was thinking of bringing along an extra tarp and poles and setup a shelter off the side of the car to hole up under if it gets too much to bear. I even have a small propane camp heater, but I don't want to make it too comfortable, might not want to go out and actually look through the scope.

Battery is charged, have my new headlamp, new 50 and 85mm, f1.8 lenses, new protractor level (wow... what a difference it made in alignment), scope and mount packed, only one thing left....

What time can I show up?!