South Pacific Star Party 2009 (22 - 24 May)

Paul Hatchman · #1 07-04-2009, 07:20 PM

I'm pleased to announce that registrations are open for this year's South Pacific Star Party.

The South Pacific Star Party is the highlight event of the Astronomical Society of NSW and a great opportunity to relax in the company of other amateurs from around Australia and overseas and to observe the multitude of great objects the winter night sky has to offer.

This year we have two renowned guest speakers, Dr Charlie Lineweaver and Prof. Fred Watson.

Other events include the annual Telescope Makers Competition and the Astrophotography Competition. Astronomy Workshops for "Juniors" (Scale Model of the Solar System) and for "Seniors" (Stellar Evolution) will also be held over the weekend as will the popular nightly sky tours.

Please visit http://asnsw.com/spsp/invitation.asp for further information.

I hope to see you there.

Regards,

Paul Hatchman
Vice President ASNSW.

Rodstar (Rod) · #2 07-04-2009, 07:51 PM

I can't wait to hear Fred Watson. He should be fantastic.

Inmykombi (Geoff) · #3 07-04-2009, 09:51 PM

Same here Rod, It will be a real treat to hear Fred Watson Speak.

I am all registered to go as well.

Geoffro.

h0ughy (David) · #4 09-04-2009, 12:25 AM

yep paid and getting the gear ready

shahgazer (Shah) · #5 14-04-2009, 12:22 PM

Booked my flight ticket already! Yes, finally I will get the taste of real star party. Will be looking forward to see you guys there!

Paul, I was about to register the event online, but the online registration form is still offline. As I am way of here in Kuala Lumpur, I felt safer to register online rather than posting my cheque. Will be be available in time?

Regards
-Shah-
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Paul Hatchman · #6 14-04-2009, 04:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shahgazer

Paul, I was about to register the event online, but the online registration form is still offline. As I am way of here in Kuala Lumpur, I felt safer to register online rather than posting my cheque. Will be be available in time?

Hi Sash,

Glad you can make it!

The online registration should be working OK. If you are still having issues with it could you email webmaster@asnsw.com. Lachlan should be able to sort you out straight away.

Cheers,

Paul.

shahgazer (Shah) · #7 20-04-2009, 12:22 PM

What time usually is the talk from the guest speakers? And is there any detail itenary (e.g what time for which event ) for the workshops and daytime activities during from Friday to Sunday? I need some idea to work out with my tight schedule in Australia.

Thanks for the help.

Best regards

Paul Hatchman · #8 20-04-2009, 07:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shahgazer

What time usually is the talk from the guest speakers?

Hi Shah,

I hope you managed to get your registration through sucessfully. Let me know if you are still having difficulties. A registration kit should be going out to everyone soon, including the full itinery.

Just so you are aware, Wiruna is about 3 hours drive from Sydney and at least a 1 car journey to the nearest populaton centres. I'm not sure what else you are planning to do during those 3 days, but most people spend the entire weekend on site and leave on the Sunday morning.

I can tell you that Fred Watson will be speaking on Friday and Charlie Lineweaver on Saturday. But please keep an eye on your email and the registration kit will be with you as soon.

Cheers,

Paul.

Paul Hatchman · #9 22-04-2009, 07:05 PM

Please note that to be eligible for the discounted early registration fee, your registrations must be received before the 2nd of May.

The $10 discount applies to both ASNSW members and non-members.

Quit dragging your feet. Save yourself some cash and register today.

Regards,

Paul Hatchman
Vice President
ASNSW.

shahgazer (Shah) · #10 22-04-2009, 07:09 PM

Hi Paul,

I've registered this afternoon, and hope it gets through! I've emailed to Lachlan about it as well.

Regards
-Shah-

Omaroo (Chris Malikoff) · #11 22-04-2009, 07:29 PM

Yep - I'm registered and paid-up. Can't wait! See you blokes there on the Friday!

norm · #12 28-04-2009, 09:29 PM

Booked up and counting down the days!

Man, its gonna be cold

!

White Rabbit · #13 29-04-2009, 06:07 PM

Hi Guys.

I'm in, I'll start compiling the list of questions I have now heh!!

It will be good to put some names to the faces.

Can anyone tell me if there is a train station near by. I'll be coming up on the friday afternoon but my girlfriend cant join me until saturday and rather than drive two cars she could get the train up and I'll can pick her up at the station.

thanks
Sandy

Paul Hatchman · #14 29-04-2009, 06:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by White Rabbit

Can anyone tell me if there is a train station near by. thanks
Sandy

Hey Sandy,
The nearest station will be at Lithgow, which is about a 1 hour drive. But there is also a bus service to Ilford, which is only 10-15 minutes drive from Wiruna.

Take a look at the countrylink site http://www.countrylink.info/. There is a train from central at 7:10 am, which connects to a coach arriving in Ilford at 11:03 am.

Cheers.

Paul Hatchman · #15 30-04-2009, 10:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by norm

Booked up and counting down the days!

Man, its gonna be cold

!

Yes, it was chilly even last weekend. Many of us go to Wiruna all year round and the cold is easy to deal with if you take a few precautions.

Obviously bring gloves and beanie.

Rubber soled boots, or if you must wear sneakers then allow for 3 layers of thick, wool socks. Cold feet are a leading cause of an early night.

Dress in layers. Thermals and then 4-5 layers of clothes. This way you can dress for the correct temperature

Bring a wind-proof jacket and pants. It's often not the temperature, but the wind chill that gets you.

Lastly, your sleeping gear. Ideally bring a sleeping bag that can do -5. If it is colder that that you can make up for it by wearing more clothes. If you've only got a light sleeping bag, bring 2 and use one as a blanket, or bring a thick blanket to use on top of your bag. Or preferably do both, just in case.

Always, always, always bring a sleeping mat, preferrably foam. Air matresses transfer the cold from the ground to you very quickly. A foam mat will make a big difference.

A few of us have gone to freezer suits and they do work quite well to protect from both the cold and the wind. And there is always the kitchen and hall, with wood fires and 24hr tea & coffee.

Cheers,

Paul.

sheeny (Al) · #16 04-05-2009, 09:44 PM

Oh well... looks like I'll miss SPSP again this year.

I've been holding off deciding until my call roster for work came out, which I now have, and... you guessed it... I'm on call for the week around SPSP. I was considering coming up to camp and socialise and look at other people's scopes but now it looks like that'll have to wait.

Have a great weekend anyway guys!

(I know you will!

)

Al.

CoolhandJo (Paul) · #17 05-05-2009, 12:27 PM

This will be my second Star Party ever! Really looking forward to it, but.....What is the long range weather forecast? Would be a real shame if it rained/cloudy etc..

Omaroo (Chris Malikoff) · #18 05-05-2009, 05:01 PM

This one suggests it may be OK Paul:

http://weather.farmonline.com.au/lon...ral-tablelands

Here's hoping...

Big Dave (Dave) · #19 06-05-2009, 07:19 PM

I'm in

Inmykombi (Geoff) · #20 06-05-2009, 10:26 PM

My registration pack just arrived.

Only a cuppla weeks to go.

Sounds like we better pack the "woolies " too.

See you all there.