Mweelrea observing challenge

Hi,

I would like to spend night on top of Mweelrea and observe there. Mountains near coastline have usually good seeing conditions. Also altitude 800 meters should eliminate big part of atmosphere.

This would probably have two phases. First will be one night in middle of summer. This would be purely to verify seeing conditions. Night should be short and relatively warm, so not much equipment would be needed. Maksutov 90mm on tripod have about 3 kg.

Second phase would take place in October or April/May (next year) when night is dark enough. This time with light trust tube dobsonian (10inch 10 kg or 16inch 20 kg). I am looking for someone 'crazy enough' to do second phase with me. Elevation difference is about 750 meters and we would need to carry telescopes, tent and supplies (about 20kg per person). So this can be very demanding.

Hi,
Where is Mweelrea ?

It's the highest peak in Mayo, near Killary Harbour.

Seanie.

Janek,
I was up there last year for a wedding and was thinking the EXACT same thing as I was looking across Killary at that mountain.
I spent a week in the area exploring and it. is. DARK!
I mean Burren dark.. (if not better!)
BUT!
it's VERY remote and some of the darkest places are crazy hard to get to.

Now,
having said that...
I'm no stranger to taking off in the Jeep and
doing a bit of off road exploring...

In short to answer your question.
I am crazy enough to join you on this expidetion.
I was actually planning someting similar to do solo
but in and around Kerry...
But i'm game for whichever spot will yeild the best results!

Oh and camping... roughing it etc sounds right up my street!

Frank: Very good. I will PM you my phone number and more details. I think two persons can carry 16" dobsonian, three would be ideal.

It sounds like a serious challange, but then again we have travelled alot further for dark skies so its so mad, definitely worth considering!!