Illawarra Astronomical Society - Observing around Kiama

[ausastronomer (John Bambury)]

Hi all,

I have taken a new job and will soon be moving from the NSW Central Coast to Kiama.

I am keen to join the Illawarra Astronomical Society which I think is based in Wollongong and meet some new observing colleagues. I sent them an email 4 days ago enquiring about joining. I haven't received a reply.

Are there any forum members who are members of the Illawarra Astronomical Society and are they still an active happening thing?

Is there anyone around the Kiama region who is interested in doing some observing with me? I am one of the core volunteers for 3RF Australia and have some high end visual equipment at my disposal. I do a lot of outreach work and I am keen to continue this in my new location.

http://www.3rf.com.au/index.asp

http://www.3rf.com.au/whoswho.asp

Cheers,
John B

[Saturnine (Jeff)]

Hi John

There are two clubs in the Wollongong area , The Illawarra Astronomical Society and the Wollongong Amateur Astronomical Club, of which I'm a member. Dave Wheeler ( Astraltraveler on this forum ) is a member of the I.A.S. so I'll let him speak for them though I'm sure they would be happy to help you. Some members of the I.A.S. visited our semi dark sky site the last new moon Sat. for an observing session, the site is not far from Kiama, on the road to Jamberoo and has some basic facilities such as toilets and picnic tables and a lockable gate to keep out unwanted visitors ( hoons ) the possums and wombats are free to roam.
We, the Waacers, use the site most dark of the moon Saturday nights for our club sessions and you're most welcome to visit and join us for some observing.
PM me or check out our Yahoo Users Group site if you would like more info.

Kind Regards

Jeff

[ausastronomer (John Bambury)]

Hi Jeff,

Thanks for the reply. I will be down there from mid August. I will not be moving the family down there until the October school holidays and likely my scopes will stay on the Central Coast until then also. I have put in a request to join the Yahoo group and will try to get out and observe with you guys ASAP. That may not be until the beginning of October as I am going to Border stargaze for the early sept new moon.

Cheers,
John B

[Saturnine (Jeff)]

No problem John, whenever you're comfortably re-located just let us know and we'll supply full directions to the site, about 10 / 15 mins drive from Kiama.

Jeff