Would anyone heading down to the Whirlpool Star Party in Birr today be interested in heading up into the Slieve Bloom's this evening for some good, dark-sky observing? Weather forecast is reasonably favourable for this evening/night (and not so good for Saturday night), but it'll be
cold, so bring warm gear.
A while back, Shane Culleton wrote:
Of course Paul, after letting me look through yours and Albert's 'scopes at Sandymount on May 7th, it's the least I can do!
Usually I go to the Ridge of Capard, which is easist to get to from Portlaoise/Mountmellick direction. From Birr though I figure you'd need to head towards Cadamstown. Never used it myself, but my Uncle is a mad-keen hillwalker and he swears by it. Follow any of the signs for viewing points as these are usually good.
The only things to watch out for are cars with steamy windows (who might assume that you're lugging around EURO 2,000 worth of gear 'cos you're a pervert) or boy racers driving Nissan Micras with spoilers (one of which skidded to a halt within five feet of my LX90 on Mars night.)
I'll check for some good sites between now and Whirlpool. If I don't let you know before then, I'll certainly let you know on the weekend.
Any further ideas, Shane?
  