Observing at dark sky site

Hi

I managed to drive out to the Astronomical society of new south wales club site at Wiruna yesterday. Its a three and a bit hour drive but it is worth it. I decided to camp the night although there are a limited number of bunks available. The site has a kitchen and meeting hall, toilets and showers and is in the middle of some pristine bushland. The site is open every month at new moon weekend and is also used for the South Pacific Star Party.


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I came prepared Aussie style of course. Note the following:

All wheel drive SUV to get to the site which is off the beaten path
Tent with sun shade
Dob (12") to occupy time while imaging
Observing table, containing mozzie repellent (essential) and bottle of wine (popular local custom while observing here) along with eyepieces and camera lenses.
Polarie sky tracker with polar scope
Assorted observing chairs and drinking chairs (overnight stay essential)
Clear skies !!

This is the first time I managed to get my polar scope to work. Sigma Octantis is a bug*er to find. Give me polaris anyday.

Here are a few sample shots (rough cuts) from last night

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Crux. Canon 7D and 24-105L lens at 105mm. 3 mnute exposure

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Wide field of magellenic clouds and eta carina region. Lots of green skyglow present. Tokina 11-16mm at ISO 800

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Eta Carina. 3 minute exposure 24-105L lens

Wow! That's impressive.!
3.5hrs from where? Perth? Is that where you are living now?

michaeloconnell wrote: Wow! That's impressive.!
3.5hrs from where? Perth? Is that where you are living now?

Thanks Michael

Still in Sydney. The site is north west from the city on the other side of the Blue Mountains near Ilford (NSW)

millions and millions of stars, those images are amazing !!!
bottle of wine,when in the session would you open that ?
sure beats 2 hour old tea for staying warm..

Dave_Lillis wrote: millions and millions of stars, those images are amazing !!!
bottle of wine,when in the session would you open that ?
sure beats 2 hour old tea for staying warm..

Thanks Dave
Bottle of wine is optional. Open it anytime you like provided you are staying the night (camping) and not driving early in the morning of course.

A simple site with a few basic amenities makes observing so much more pleasant. An acre or two of open land, a metal shed for cooking and staying warm, some toilet facilities, water tank and portable power supply is all you need for a few days observing / camping or holding an annual starparty (optional marquee).

At the Wiruna site they have a log fire in the kitchen area-perfect for warming up during a long observing session and enjoying that glass of wine with some good company. Most people stay for 2-3 days. Some big scopes there-I saw two 25" dobs along with a few 18" and plenty of 16 inchers.

johnomahony wrote: Wow! That's impressive.!
3.5hrs from where? Perth? Is that where you are living now?

Thanks Michael

Still in Sydney. The site is north west from the city on the other side of the Blue Mountains near Ilford (NSW)

Ah, was wondering.
Google earth threw me to WA!

Is there any sort of local shop for basic supplies?

Must go there next time I'm down that way.

As for Sigma Octantis, I noticed that alight. Polar alignment isn't too easy!