Observation nights near Melbourne?

[vespine]

So I'm still managing to hold off buying a telescope, but it's just by a thread, I've almost caved several times... People have said and I know it's true, I would really benefit by actually looking through a scope or two.. So I'm reading all about SPSP and all these other meetings on the Gold Coast and stuff, but I can't find anything happening in Melbourne, well, not until later in the year and 4 hours drive away.

Does anyone know anything happening closer and sooner? Something where a newbie stranger could tag along and get a peek in some scopes? Is there some sort of initiation "process" you have to undertake? Isn't it a bit awkward just rocking up to a complete bunch of strangers and saying "can I look through your scope?", is that how it happens?

[Twokids]

Hi Vespine,
where do you live?
I am in Tyabb at the start of the mornington peninsula and any time you want to come over to look through my scope, you are welcome. I have a 10 inch dob with argonavis.
A few of us live in this general area so something might be able to be arranged.
You will find that most are a friendly bunch and are quite happy to share their knowledge (and scopes) with you .
I hadn't met anybody other than Dave47tuc before the last Snake Valley camp and they were all very friendly. I'm a newbie too and they put up with me asking probably stupid questions. They won't bite .

The question is, where are you willing to travel to?. Members are all over the place and many of them would be happy to help you out.

[janoskiss (Steve H)]

The Astronomical Society of Victoria holds regular viewing nights in and around Melbourne. www.asv.org.au

[vespine]

I live in St. Kilda so very close to the city, but I drive so it's not a problem for me to make a trip out somewhere.....

Well, I don't normally make a habit of "meeting people" from the internet but your suggestion sounds, well, pretty irresistable. Is that really something you'd be comfortable with? I have to say I'd be pretty keen to see agro in action too and I'd be happy to leave you a copy of my license and bring a bottle of wine or whatever other beverage you have a prefference for
I'm unfortunately busy next week, with the new moon and all but two weeks time it will be 1st quarter should be still alright yeah?

I've seen the asv site and couldn't quite work out what's going on there, looks like they've cancelled some events due to the games and upcoming SPSP..

[OneOfOne (Trevor)]

I am an ASV member, and yes, we have had a bit of a bad run lately. I volunteered to show of my 8 inch GoTo at Fed Square late last year but it was put off because of cloud.

I am in Bentleigh, pretty close to you. If you are interested in seeing the problems associated with an EQ mount, the advantages and watching a GoTo in action, drop me a line and you can come around one night. Backyard is not very dark though, but you will get the idea. We often have people around for some star gazing...weather permitting (don't you hate having to say that).

[vespine]

Anyone thinking of doing anything within 100km of melb city I could gate crash on the new moon weekend 29th evening maybe?

I've had a look at asv and it does look great but a little more 'formal' for me then what I'm looking for at the moment. It looks great but i'm not quite at the stage where I want to join clubs and pay membership fees, maybe one day but not just yet...