Katoomba Golf Course, semi dark site?

[Astrolabe]

Greetings to all members.

I would like to hear from any Katoomba observers about the sky conditions at Katoomba in general and near the golf course in particular. I have been there only one night with quarter moon and clouds and I couldn't assess the skyglow from the town.

Any replies will be greatly appreciated.
Thanks in advance.

George (astrolabe)

[mental4astro (Alexander)]

Greetings to you too Astrolabe,

I don't know about the golf course, but I have been to the Katoomba Airfield several times. There is sky glow from Sydney to the east, but really influencing the low eastern horizon, and some from Katoomba proper again low in the south. Otherwise overhead it can be truely spectacular during the dark of the night.

Linden Observatory doesn't see this sky glow, because of the trees in the way, which the airfield does not have.

I can imagine similar conditions at the golf course, if the neighbours lights are not an issue. No such problem at Linden or the Airfield.

I'll be making inquiries to see if the Airfield would be available to us this coming new Moon, for the 19'th of December, if you'ld like to come.

Live long and prosper,

Mental.

[Wavytone]

I've observed from Cahill's lookout which is west of the golfcourse and also along the Narrowneck Rd (aka Glenrafael drive). The golfcourse has problems with light pollution from streetlights along Cliff Drive and nearby houses; the lookout is darker.

The two sites I would recommend are the Katoomba airstrip (thanks to Mental) and ridge along Kings Tableland, south of Wentworth falls.

[Astrolabe]

Originally Posted by mental4astro

Greetings to you too Astrolabe,

I don't know about the golf course, but I have been to the Katoomba Airfield several times. There is sky glow from Sydney to the east, but really influencing the low eastern horizon, and some from Katoomba proper again low in the south. Otherwise overhead it can be truely spectacular during the dark of the night.

Linden Observatory doesn't see this sky glow, because of the trees in the way, which the airfield does not have.

I can imagine similar conditions at the golf course, if the neighbours lights are not an issue. No such problem at Linden or the Airfield.

I'll be making inquiries to see if the Airfield would be available to us this coming new Moon, for the 19'th of December, if you'ld like to come.

Live long and prosper,

Mental.

Thank you for the reply Mental, and thanks for the invitation. Unfortunately I will be out of Sydney on the 19th. We will catch up some time later.

Clear skies

Astrolabe

[Astrolabe]

Originally Posted by Wavytone

I've observed from Cahill's lookout which is west of the golfcourse and also along the Narrowneck Rd (aka Glenrafael drive). The golfcourse has problems with light pollution from streetlights along Cliff Drive and nearby houses; the lookout is darker.

The two sites I would recommend are the Katoomba airstrip (thanks to Mental) and ridge along Kings Tableland, south of Wentworth falls.

Thank you for the information and advice Wavytone.

Clear skies

Astrolabe