observing night

[maksutover]

Hello to everyone

Let me just start by saying what a great little community this is. Ive been very interested in astronomy since i was a kid and mind you, im still a kid considering my age in comparison to most of you guys . Anyway i live pritty much in the eastern subs of sydney (rocksdale) and as you can tell, getting good skies and "things" to look at are very hard. Thats why im quite eager to come along on one of these dark sky gatherings you guys have so i can get to you know and learn alot about real stargazing too, remember kids like me are not as patient as you guys so please tolerate me . Any action near the wollongong area will be great since i know that area pritty good.

Thanks guys, im really enjoying this forum.

[iceman (Mike)]

Hi maksutover.

The WSAAG have viewing nights in Wollongong, Laurie (RAJAH235) is active in that group, and I believe Rob ("rob") is also a member.

If you're keen on coming north, we have a viewing night at Kulnura (1hr north of sydney) on the 16th December. It's not *really* dark, but it's pretty good for only 1 hr north of sydney. And the company is first class

Attending viewing nights is definitely one of the most "fun" aspects of this hobby.. being able to share and enjoy with others who are obsessed as you, makes it all worth while. The opportunity to look through other telescopes and eyepieces, learn from others and share your experiences too..

I'd also recommend coming to IISAC2007 in January, up at Lostock. It's not a short drive for you, but it will be well worth it for the dark skies, the great company, and the chance to win some fantastic prizes! Hope to see you there.

[sejanus (Gavin)]

mak i live in helensburgh and sometimes drag my scope up to the local sports oval where you get near 360 degree views and it's pretty darn dark after midnight. if you ever wanted to join me you are welcome

I sometimes head up to macquarie pass at robertson as well which is the ultimate but thats a bit rarer as it's quite a trip

[Muddy Diver]

sej and Mak

I am in Menai and am looking for a good spot to observe on Sunday morning when Mars, jup and Mercury are within close proximity of each other. I need lowest eastern views at dawn though. Any suggestions? I am thinkg about the Otford lookout just inside the Royal National Park as I think I can pull right up to that in the car. The planets will be appearing at around 05.00 dpending upon elevation and there will be a 40 minute spot before the sun ruins the rest of the day! If you know a better spot we could meet up!

[sejanus (Gavin)]

hey

I'm not familiar with the lookout you are referring to but am happy to try!

[Muddy Diver]

Not been there myself but have, since posting last, been informed it might not be a desireable place to be at night!!! Have been advised to turn toward stanwell park and find a spot there. What do you think?

[sejanus (Gavin)]

stanwell tops would be ok except for the mega light pollution coming from the gong.

i might go for a little drive tomorrow and see

[Muddy Diver]

doing the same thing myself today. If you find antwhere better let me know

[Muddy Diver]

Recce done.

The best place I found is further south. I believe it might be called Coal Cliff surf Life saving club. Its on Beach Road. The access road takes you down below and away from the main road (so no annoying headlights). You reach it travelling south on Lawrence Hargrave Drive, by taking the left turn signposted for the new Sea cliffe bridge. The turn off is well signposted 400m from the turn. The turn is quite sharp so careful. It takes you off the main road before the new bridge. (I believe this is for pedestrians).Just travel to the end as afr as you can go. There is one streetlight but absolutley no line of sight towards any direct town lights. Think it might be OK and will park at the far end of the SLSC to shield from it. Weather permitting I am aiming to be there a bit earlier to nab Saturn prior to the main event so approx 3.30 - 04.00 Will be Driving a black Holden Adventra. Hopefully see you there.

[Muddy Diver]

weather not as expected. Hope it will improve before the scheduled change late tomorrow

[sejanus (Gavin)]

yeah i went to bed at midnight and clouds were still heavy

[Muddy Diver]

Sej

17.00 and looking good. I'm planning to be there so hope to see you.

[sejanus (Gavin)]

hmm doing it on a sun night before work on a monday might be a bit too hardcore for me i will see later tonight though. if it was a fri/sat night i'd likely be ok