First "Skelligs Star Party" August 22nd/23rd 2014

If this does get off the ground for August, and proves to be popular, then there is the possibility of holding a similar event sometime in the winter, early new year perhaps. As John has stated, there are hostels that could be made available, I for one would dearly love to see the winter constellations from a truly dark site and to explore those regions in the winter south that are denied us, such as the southern regions of Puppis, Eridanus and Hydra, along with Fornax and Columba.

Paul

Okay Guy and Gals..

The long weekend is over and it's time
to get back down to business..
I'm still waiting on Julie to get back to me,
but from what I can gather Ballinskelligs is the place
for this.. It has good hostels and camping areas for those
of us willing to hardcore the weekend..

with yer permission I'm gonna do up a few fliers
and send them via email to all IFAS associated
club chairmen and P.R.O's.. So lets voice off on some dates..
I originally had it down for Aug 22- Aug 24th.. Those dates seem
to work for Oct as-well.

Looking forward getting some more feedback on this.

Regards
Roy Stewart #LunarNut
to all the

Hi Roy,

I'd be ambitious and go for both dates.
Kerry at the end of October might be a bit of a shock for those of us unused to camping so the end of August would break us into it.

Michael.

This is a great idea. Hopefully it will get a to a point where there is somewhere to go for a 1-2 nights every new moon weekend for those who want to.
The state aussie clubs have their own dark sky sites which are open once a month for members and visitors.Some are pretty sophisticated but others good enough for camping in the warmer months. All you need is a remote site ($$$), a Barn or metal building to use as a simple kitchen and meeting room, a warm open fire, a loo and plonk a few old caravans for sleeping areas. It may look like a halting site but its quite effective.
Ideally a bit of land with an old cottage or farm house that is going for next to nothing $$wise and in need of maintenance. Great project and somewhere to hang out once a month.
For a national starparty just put up a marque for the presentations, meetings.....Seen it done

Hi Michael..

I think both dates would be out of the question.
Getting people together from all over this fair Island
of ours is for Aug is going to be difficult enough without
adding another weekend..

It is a thought though, Maybe something early Autumn
and Mid-Late Winter would be feasible..

Late Aug 22nd-24th or Sept 26th-28th. For Autumn this year

And for Winter, Sometime in Jan(working around the new Moon).

Hi John...

Good to hear from you again,
I think something like that is easier
to organize in a country like Australia.
Ye get a few more clear nights than we do
as well you know from observing in Ireland.

We can only set dates for these kind of events
and then start crossing fingers-toes-eyes and what
ever else you can cross for the weather to play ball..

I'm still waiting on Julie to get back to me
but as I said earlier Ballinskelligs looks like the place
with the most positive feedback.

Cheers
Roy Stewart #LunarNut

Come on guys... Lets keep this moving.
Get onto yer respective club members, Chairperson/P.R.O
about this event.. Chime back here and I'll get a printable flier
sent to the club.
So far it looks like Aug 22nd-24th or Sept 26th-28th
as these 2 weekend date corresponds with a close to new Moon.

I have a rough draft of the flier done up and I will put it up here so
ye can all have a look.

Regards
Roy Stewart #ClearSkies #LunarNut