ASV Messier Marathon

Hi

I just got back from attending the Astronomical Society of Victoria's annual Messier star party. It is held at their dark sky site, outside of Heathcote, about 2 hours drive north of Melbourne. The last 20 minutes of the drive there was through plagues of locusts. Yes, they have starparties of biblical proportions here

About 200 hundred people attended from all over the state. Many beginners and hard core astrophotographers alike. Some great telescope were present and available to the public including a 25" Obsession and some very expensive refractors.Some very interesting lectures, mainly aimed at beginners were given before it got dark and a sky tour took place after dark. The weather was perfect. Most people camped overnight including myself.
I have posted some photographs taken at the event. Enjoy.

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This is a 10 minute exposure with the shutter left open. It gives an idea of how good the skies are at the site with no obvious light pollution. Redlight district.

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Looks great!

awesome John, how many messiers did you get in ?
nothing better then ploughing throught the local wildlife to get to a clear sky :laugh:

johnomahony wrote: The last 20 minutes of the drive there was through plagues of locusts. Yes, they have starparties of biblical proportions here

I like it!

Looks great John, and thanks to you I am now suffering even more from both observing opportunities and some nice weather! I mean, c'mon... to do the Messier Marathon in a T-shirt!



Sanie.

It was cold enough - still needed a jacket. There are a few disadvantages though.
1. To get to a dark site is at least a 2-3 hour drive so its not a last minute thing
2. The weather can be unprediciable and was very bad this year in general
3. Mosquitos are everywhere so you have to cover up and have regular coatings of insect repellant

Dave_Lillis wrote: awesome John, how many messiers did you get in ?
nothing better then ploughing throught the local wildlife to get to a clear sky :laugh:

Well given the recent floods and now the locusts, the next thing will be the frogs, the river running red, the death of all the first born, the pox and then maybe,.... just maybe.... we will finally get some clear skies.