Just received an email from Jackie, the field is waterlogged and inaccessible at the moment.
I know it's early days, but we may have to consider an alternative such as Blacklands.
Having said that, it's unlikely I'll be going due to the ongoing packing saga :-?
Quote from: mickw
Just received an email from Jackie, the field is waterlogged and inaccessible at the moment.
It doesn't surprise me. During yesterday's downpour, here also at High Halden, I had huge puddles and flowing water. The ground is very soft.
Mark
I wonder what it's like in Romney :o
Perhaps I should get a boat :brolly:
Hi,
Do you want me to checkout Blacklands.
Chris
Not a bad idea Chris, a bit nearer the date though
Cheers
Mick
Is DSC open to all members or only those with proven observing or astrophotography skills? As our rather ancient camping kit is not up to winter use, is it possible just to visit for an evening?
Vera
Hi Vera,
These events are open to all Vera, and we also have a few day visitors as well.
Do come in the summer with tent though we have a lot of fun and also get some astronomy done if the clouds clear.
Carole
What's the status report on Blacklands?
(http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WgITKqaY5O8/Tai5dWIiwgI/AAAAAAAAAfM/uqSHXLyPb64/s1600/frazer.jpg)
Hi Vera.
Rose and I go down to the DSC`s winter-time just for a day visit; it`s all very hospitable and good fun during the day time and then if you wish you can unpack the `scope and peer through the clouds at whatever you like, then pack it all away when it rains and have a drink or two, or whatever you wish to do.
But do have a go at a day visit, it is well worth it and people will give you a lot of help if you wish to find out about imaging, etc. Or peering up at the sky ......... :o
Doug.
P.S. Love your post, Mac... you must show me or tell me how you DO that!
We'll try our best to come for a day visit January as we're not around for either Feb or March weekends. Something was said about enjoying some sunny weather somewhere or other....... :P
Vera
Is anyone going to DSC next weekend? If so when & what time will anyone arrive. Is it still at Blacklands?
Fay
Hi,
I'll check Blacklands on Thursday, but I can tell you now the fields are all ok at the moment, not too much mud, and anyway we have 4x4's.
The westher forecast is interesting a cold front on Thursday and Friday into the weekend, so its going to be cold, it was -4 here two nights ago last ngith it was cloudy?
Chris
The ground around here has become a lot firmer now - you might even find that Rother Valley has become viable again. But I'm happy to go to either Rother or Blacklands. I plan to arrive around Friday lunchtime.
Quote from: Rocket Pooch
and anyway we have 4x4's.
I might be glad of it if the BMW gets stuck!
Mark
Like Mark I am happy to go to either.
On thing about Rother Valley though is the surface becomes slippery even if the ground is only damp. I nearly got stuck last time on the slightest of inclines by my tent.
Ok, shall we say Blacklands and I'll get down there on Thursday and get some photo's up, I can get R to reserv a few slots. Plus is close enough to our place for us to cook a currey and run it over Saturday night? Just a though.
Chris
Are you talking about Blackland Farm at East Grinstead?
Vera
Quote from: Vera
Are you talking about Blackland Farm at East Grinstead?
No. This one:
http://www.blacklandsfarm.co.uk/
Thanks Mark
Quote from: Rocket Pooch on Jan 15, 2012, 17:31:00
Plus is close enough to our place for us to cook a currey and run it over Saturday night?
Sounds like a most excellent idea. Ye olde englishe currey.
I agree, Blacklands would be the better bet and the weather is looking promising (and cold)
If there is any frost on the ground at Rother, it would just start to thaw as we arrive and make a nice slippery surface :(
However, I will not be going as I am still too busy :-?
Quote from: mickw
However, I will not be going as I am still too busy :-?
Mick - we'll miss you!
Do you have a moving date yet, or do you have a date you're working towards?
QuoteMick - we'll miss you!
Do you have a moving date yet, or do you have a date you're working towards?
:cry:
The end of the chain (there's only 3 of us) would like to exchange around 24th Feb with completion soon after.
That suits me cos I get another 6 weeks to sort my crap out.
Unfortunately I started packing the easy stuff first which puts those boxes at the bottom of the pile which is a bit of a bugger when I still need something :!
Ok Blacklands it is, we will be there Friday and Saturday night, if its super clear we might do Sunday!
Frodo will be there, god help us.
Also, anyone fancy a minipin 18 pints, from the Darkstar brewery, its only 10 minutes from the campsite.
http://darkstarbrewing.co.uk/beer/
I'm planning to come as well. What's the procedure these days, do I book a place myself or do we do a group booking?
We put an offer in the 1st week of December and the completion date is set for the 9th Feb, we have already exchanged. Just as well I have nothing to move!
I just called the nice man there. He said if we booked in online he will reserve an area for us.
I beleive its Mark, Julian, Mike, Fay? (no warming hut), Jim (needs a heated blanket), Me anyone else.
I'm probable for Friday night if it's clear.
I'll be there from Friday through to Sunday.
I'm there for Friday and Saturday night. I plan to put the tent near the hookups (I'm getting soft) and the scope way down the field away from the loo lights.
Has anyone contacted the site to see if all will be ok for us?
Quote from: Fay
Has anyone contacted the site to see if all will be ok for us?
Fay, see earlier in this thread, from Chris:
Quote from: Rocket Pooch
I just called the nice man there. He said if we booked in online he will reserve an area for us.
I beleive its Mark, Julian, Mike, Fay? (no warming hut), Jim (needs a heated blanket), Me anyone else.
Mark
thanks Mark
Just been there the fields are all ok.
Chris,
Do we each need to book online seperately or do you intend to book us in as a group?
Mark
I've just booked online for myself
I'm now booked online as well.
Quote from: MarkS on Jan 16, 2012, 13:30:08
Chris,
Do we each need to book online seperately or do you intend to book us in as a group?
Mark
Hi,
If you book and put in the comments your part of OAS I'll get down there and tell them we all want to be TOGETHER.
I've now booked online
Booked.
Wont know till the day but they've been ok with that so far.
Booked
looks like weather on the turn by the weekend
Just Booked :cheesy: :cheesy:
Quote from: RobertM on Jan 16, 2012, 20:21:17
Wont know till the day but they've been ok with that so far.
Don't be such a wuss! Commit! We've all been committed...
Quote from: The Thing on Jan 16, 2012, 21:59:51
Quote from: RobertM on Jan 16, 2012, 20:21:17
Wont know till the day but they've been ok with that so far.
Don't be such a wuss! Commit! We've all been committed...
That's what worries me :o
Not having been before can anyone advise what is needed for the power hookup? Presume an extension lead. Will it take a domestic plug or do you need a caravan type plug? Also presume there is enough power to run a small heater?
Caravan type plug Jim.
A small heater ? You've got soft :roll:
Better not plug it in when Fay has her tumble dryer, fan heater and electric blanket turned on though ;)
I generally rely on Mick having a spare 13A socket (which Fay doesn't use)...
You need a caravan type plug Jim. If you take a long normal extension lead you are welcome to plug it into my sockets.
Thanks Mike
Quote from: Jim on Jan 17, 2012, 11:49:42
Not having been before
Quote from: Mike on Jan 17, 2012, 13:39:17
you are welcome to plug it into my sockets.
:o :o :o :o
You may not be going again in a hurry. :lol:
Tony G
:lol: :lol: :lol:
I would have liked to have joined you but I've been sent away on business for a couple of week so I've had to make alternative arrangements. A little research on my part and I've discovered Pune University has a massive Astronomy divison and every Friday they get a few 8 and 14 inch telescopes out to let the public get a taster so I'm going along. I'll likely to have to come out again later this year so I hoping to sweet talk them into
letting me go here http://www.iucaa.ernet.in/~itp/ (http://www.iucaa.ernet.in/~itp/) :D
Change in plan - I won't be arriving until after dark on Friday - I have an interview tomorrow.
Mark
Good luck Mark.
Yes good luck Mark, brings the Mesu one step closer ;)
Yes good luck Mark
Hope everybody enjoys themselves.
So far, the weather man says -
Couple of showers friday and saturday daytime with some clouds friday night
Accuweather reckon on a "starlit sky" on saturday
yr.no reckon saturday night will be clear from midnight
Meteoblue is doom and gloom with clouds switching from high to mid to low levels
Metcheck as usual is broken.
Still early days though
Good luck Mark.
Carole
Good luck Mark!
I will join you setting up in the dark as I have an appointment late afternoon that I have tried to shift unsuccessfully (*not* an interview).
Fay has arrived - says the gate code is .... [Removed].
Also, you cannot take cars onto the grass.
Thanks Mark.
Well last night wasn't great for astronomy. It was total cloud cover so we did a trip to the fish and chip shop and sat around eating that whilst drinking wine, beer and cider. Wasn't cold though. Temperature even around midnight was about 9ยบ which is pretty mild for this time of year. Here is a view of 'the village'. We have the entire campsite to ourselves. There are no other tents at all. Nine of us camped out last night and we are expecting to see Doug, Rose and Mac sometime today.
(http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7028/6735223911_e2609f575b_z.jpg)
This morning we've all got up, showered, had breakfasts, etc. and are waiting for the clouds to clear. The sun keeps poking its head through gaps in the couds so hopefully it will start to slowly clear throughout the day. The forecast says it will start to clear at around 10pm tonight and we will then have it clear for the rest of the night. Fingers crossed!
Weather's looking promising for tonight - except Meteoblue (high cloud)
Hope it clears up for you
Wind forecast is not looking good for imaging :-(
This is our current sky.
(http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7150/6735922741_c37e9b5c0c_z.jpg)
It is starting to clear and brighten up. But, as Mark says, the wind is picking up and it looks like it will be a windy night. Should be OK for wide field imaging though.
(http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7007/6735921537_50efe0bf21_z.jpg)
(http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7032/6735924095_4c6ff46590_z.jpg)
(http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7170/6735924867_6f2842e097.jpg)
(http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7153/6735926281_9c186eb8fe_z.jpg)
If you are the only ones there, have you been able to get them to turn the lights off?
Carole
I put some tape over the PIR sensors. That stopped them coming on.
QuoteI put some tape over the PIR sensors. That stopped them coming on.
Good thinking.
Carole
Well, for those of us that were patient enough to wait, we were rewarded with a clear sky last night right through to 2am when we packed up and went to bed.
(http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7008/6741211717_de2b704249_b.jpg)
This morning it is cloud/sunny. Everyone is packing up quickly as they fear it might rain. I don't think it will myself.
(http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7035/6741209171_4c86b1c7d5_z.jpg)
Overall it was a good weekend.
Glad it all turned out OK, sorry I missed it :-?
Lovely weekend my first since April 2011 I think!
I'm now at home making my way through the remainder of the beer :)
Will not be at the Feb DSC but March is a definate.
Mike what was the exposure, it was a murky night for here but I wondered how dark it is?
good - glad there were some clear skies... Loving the fisheye lens Mike - the shot taken last night is really good. John
What a great weekend, my first for a few years. A BIG THANKYOU to Rachael & Chris for the food and beer saturday night and to Duncan for the Disaronno!!
Thank you for the hospitality yesterday, the meal was excellent, and the afters better.
Have missed attending the DSC's for the passed year, for one reason or another, but hope to be returning soon now that I'm settled.
Once again Thanks. ;)
Flis and Tony
Quote from: Rocket Pooch on Jan 22, 2012, 13:15:07
Mike what was the exposure, it was a murky night for here but I wondered how dark it is?
It was 15 seconds at ISO800. It was a bit murky but got better in the early hours in the morning. The light pollution on that image was nowhere near as bad as it was earlier in the night.
Currently compiling a time-lapse movie from all the shots I took.
I took an SQM-L reading at around midnight before I went to bed - it registered 20.35 which translates into a naked eye limiting magnitude of around 5.7 Stars of mag 5.5 were certainly visible and the Milky Way was faint but discernable. However, we have certainly had better skies there in the past.
Mike - I love that fish-eye shot of the stars!
A thoroughly enjoyable weekend. Spent a couple of hours last night with Julian, Mike and Jim just looking at objects through binoculars. Great. Mikes fisheye shots of the village captures it nicely. Notice who's causing the most local light pollution!
I would to thank Flis and Tony for the Krispy Kremes and Rachel and Chris for the great chilli and apple crumble (separate dishes!). Yum Yum.
Gutted I didn't make it :cry:
Quote from: mickw on Jan 23, 2012, 09:56:52
Gutted I didn't make it :cry:
Same here, it sounded like a really great DSC.
Did anyone get any imaging done ?
Jim (bad guiding though), Mike and Julian all were able to image once the sacrificial astronomers (Mark, Duncan and of course, Fay) had packed up their scopes. Guaranteed to have clear dark skies after that level of offering to the great sky gods!
Anybody get any input for the 2012 star count? (See this topic (http://forum.orpington-astronomy.org.uk/index.php?topic=8131.0))
Quote from: Rick
Anybody get any input for the 2012 star count? (See this topic (http://forum.orpington-astronomy.org.uk/index.php?topic=8131.0))
I don't think so. Wish we'd known about it before we went.
I hope to do a star count and SQM reading tonight if it clears.
Mark
Just finishing off the rendering on my timelapse video. Will have it uploaded soon.