Orpington Astronomical Society

Society => Announcements, Meetings, Events => Topic started by: Rocket Pooch on Mar 09, 2012, 11:22:55

Title: March DSC
Post by: Rocket Pooch on Mar 09, 2012, 11:22:55
Hi,

Is this the 23rd to the 26th?

Chris
Title: Re: March DSC
Post by: Rick on Mar 09, 2012, 12:42:32
That's what it says there... (http://forum.orpington-astronomy.org.uk/index.php?topic=7954.0)
Title: Re: March DSC
Post by: Rocket Pooch on Mar 09, 2012, 12:51:06
Ah ha!
Title: Re: March DSC
Post by: Rocket Pooch on Mar 13, 2012, 19:32:51
Anyone going then?  Mick have gone local, I have, Mark has, Fay is probably lost somwhere, too cold for Robert, Jim will be admiring his mount at home :-) , anyone going?
Title: Re: March DSC
Post by: Mike on Mar 13, 2012, 19:44:44
I'm going.
Title: Re: March DSC
Post by: The Thing on Mar 13, 2012, 20:15:43
I have a dinner party to go to on the Saturday night which is a tad inconvenient.
Title: Re: March DSC
Post by: MarkS on Mar 13, 2012, 20:27:47

Yep - I'll definitely be there. 
The last one was a real hoot!
Title: Re: March DSC
Post by: julian on Mar 13, 2012, 22:37:23
I have already packed the Amaretto in the car  :lol:   :lol:

Julian
Title: Re: March DSC
Post by: Fay on Mar 14, 2012, 12:55:26
sorry, wont be coming to this one, and next month is Kelling, so will attend again in May
Title: Re: March DSC
Post by: Carole on Mar 14, 2012, 17:00:03
I am going to the SGL7 star party this month and Kelling in April, so ditto.

Carole
Title: Re: March DSC
Post by: Rocket Pooch on Mar 14, 2012, 17:03:36
That's ok Carole and Fay we can talk about you then without you knowing :-)
Title: Re: March DSC
Post by: Tony G on Mar 14, 2012, 17:48:37
Seems we were just mere stepping stones to better things.............But they say 'the grass is not always greener'  ;)

Tony G

Title: Re: March DSC
Post by: Carole on Mar 14, 2012, 18:52:38
 :lol: :lol:
Just like trying different places out.  Also quite nice to meet up with people I chat to on the other forums etc.

Carole
Title: Re: March DSC
Post by: MarkS on Mar 14, 2012, 20:52:07
Quote from: Carole
Just like trying different places out. 

And testing the waterproofing of your tent  :cheesy:

Fay does the same thing.

If we can persuade you both to go to the Bewl Water Star Party then it'll solve the water shortage down here in Kent   :twisted:
Title: Re: March DSC
Post by: RobertM on Mar 14, 2012, 20:53:29
QuoteJust like trying different places out.  Also quite nice to meet up with people I chat to on the other forums etc.

Would you really want to meet the people behind some of those astro forum mug shots on in the dark in the middle of a field miles from anywhere.  Some of them are quite intimidating !

Mind you, you probably wouldn't recognize them anyway... just as well !!!
:lol: :lol: :lol:
Title: Re: March DSC
Post by: Mike on Mar 19, 2012, 11:11:22
I've confirmed us with Jackie at Rother Valley. She has informed me that she is going to try and get the angle of the light on the restaurant adjusted before we come down so it doesn't shine across the field.

Title: Re: March DSC
Post by: Rocket Pooch on Mar 19, 2012, 11:24:40
I'm taking some visual kit!
Title: Re: March DSC
Post by: MarkS on Mar 19, 2012, 11:44:23

I'll be there - coming down Friday night.
Title: Re: March DSC
Post by: julian on Mar 19, 2012, 19:24:21
I'll be there about 8:32 Friday night.  :beer:
Title: Re: March DSC
Post by: Fay on Mar 19, 2012, 22:16:29
you all have a good time, could be a nice weekend, weather wise
Title: Re: March DSC
Post by: Mac on Mar 20, 2012, 14:27:43
Im working again :!
Mac.
Title: Re: March DSC
Post by: Rocket Pooch on Mar 20, 2012, 17:26:34
Oh no! Well I have the week off.
Title: Re: March DSC
Post by: MarkS on Mar 20, 2012, 23:06:31

So it's just Mike, Chris, Julian and me?

Mick - are you coming.  Have you discovered the whereabouts of the boxes containing your imaging stuff?

Mark
Title: Re: March DSC
Post by: mickw on Mar 21, 2012, 00:22:17
A bulk of my stuff is in the back of the van behind other boxes of stuff - got no room to move in the van until I empty it which means clearing a space indoors and/or the garage :(

I have too much crap  :-?
Title: Re: March DSC
Post by: MarkS on Mar 21, 2012, 06:47:55
Well, you have a couple of days to clear out the van and get on down to DSC!

If you're worried about space, dump it all back in the van on your return!
Title: Re: March DSC
Post by: Jim on Mar 21, 2012, 07:43:00
Have a good time all, I've torn a muscle in my back so out of action.
Title: Re: March DSC
Post by: MarkS on Mar 21, 2012, 12:46:14
Sorry to hear that Jim.

Sounds nasty - how long does recovery take for something like that?
Title: Re: March DSC
Post by: Jim on Mar 21, 2012, 13:40:00
Usually a couple of weeks. Important thing is to keep as mobile as possible so I'm dosed up and hobbling! Not up to camping unfortunately. I was antifouling the boat which involves crouching underneath with a roller, not the best position; I think I'll pay for someone else to do it next year!
Title: Re: March DSC
Post by: Mike on Mar 22, 2012, 11:52:17
Get well soon Jim.

Well, the forecast for both Friday and Saturday nights is looking promising so far.
Title: Re: March DSC
Post by: Rocket Pooch on Mar 22, 2012, 12:04:33
Doh!
Title: Re: March DSC
Post by: Rocket Pooch on Mar 23, 2012, 07:32:54
I might bring the meade tonight now the weather looks ok, ish.
Title: Re: March DSC
Post by: Carole on Mar 23, 2012, 09:55:13
MORNING CAMPERS!!!!!

Greetings from Lucksall SGL7 near Hereford.
Very nice camp, luxurious toilets and showers, but big disadvantage is if you want to camp for more than 4 days you have to move your tent - yeah right!!!!  (They don't want the grass ruined).  Luckily i am not ina tent on this occasion, I'm sharing a caravan.

Skies are quite dark but some LP from Hereford.  Can't see the Milky Way but it's a darn sight better than Bromley.
I did M51 (3 hours) and Sombrero galaxy (only 35 mins due to it being behind a hill, caravan, tree) and then is started to mist up, both done with the DSLR.  Hope to try to get some more another night, but tonight if it's clear going to try for first light with my Atik.

Lots of things happening on Saturday:
Various talks,
Bring and buy sale,
Hog roast

Internet WIFI provided but it's a bit patchy as to when and where it works.

Hope you're all having a good time at Rother Valley.

Carole
Title: Re: March DSC
Post by: MarkS on Mar 23, 2012, 12:15:26
I hope to arrive around 8pm.

See you there!
Title: Re: March DSC
Post by: Jim on Mar 23, 2012, 16:06:27
Gutted I'm missing this. Will be with you in spirit (40%!!). For a laugh this was one of our nutritionally balanced imagers meals at Ollies!

(http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7085/6862586872_05498c8f1a_s.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/21876521@N03/6862586872/)
whiskey galore (1 of 1) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/21876521@N03/6862586872/) by jim_mehta (http://www.flickr.com/people/21876521@N03/), on Flickr

Title: Re: March DSC
Post by: JohnP on Mar 23, 2012, 16:22:14
QuoteFor a laugh this was one of our nutritionally balanced imagers meals at Ollies!

So was that meal before or after you played with Ollies Lunt.... ;-)
Title: Re: March DSC
Post by: mickw on Mar 23, 2012, 16:50:07
Jim, you've been told many, many times STOP SCRAPING OTHER PEOPLES FOUL BOTTOMS
Title: Re: March DSC
Post by: mickw on Mar 23, 2012, 16:53:11
Shields up ........................
Lot of mist coming up from the South which will probably follow the Rother  :(

On the positive side, a great night for "laser art"
Title: Re: March DSC
Post by: The Thing on Mar 23, 2012, 17:36:04
I'm here (as it were). Ground is better than last time. Meteoblue says it will be clear. Sat 24 is looking good. The Rother is the joker in the pack when it comes to mist though :)

A lad is camped at the end in the trees so I haven't started laying out the national grid extension to the clearing in the woods as discussed last time as it would be a bit unfair on him, he has work at Great Dixter at 9:15 tomorrow.  I've set up in the middle of the field. Seemingly the bright light has been re-pointed down and away as much as possible. Proof is in the pudding...
Title: Re: March DSC
Post by: Mike on Mar 23, 2012, 17:51:18
Well my plans to get down to the field by about 5pm have been well and truly skuppered by work. I reckon I won't be there now till about 9pm. I hate setting up kit in the dark.

Title: Re: March DSC
Post by: mickw on Mar 23, 2012, 18:09:32
Great Dixter bloke won't be late for work if he's woken up at 3am  :lol:
Title: Re: March DSC
Post by: MarkS on Mar 23, 2012, 22:48:45
Dark sky directly above with SQM 20.9 but misty towards horizon.  The weird French stuff has gone cloudy so I guess its pretty cold.   Solid sunshine forecast for tomorrow!
Title: Re: March DSC
Post by: Carole on Mar 24, 2012, 06:26:07
We got back from buying some fish and chips last night only to find a gigantic camper van parked in the next hard standing right next to where I had set up and it was obscuring half the sky!!!  Luckily the bloke who I am sharing with went and asked them to move it to the other side of the pitch just in time before they set up their awning!!!!!!!!
(They were newbies and didn't realise about Astro etiquette).

Although it was clear at Lucksall last night it was very hazy, you couldn't even make out Orion properly, guiding went crazy because of it, so gave up.  Shame really as it was clear all night other than the haze.
Now it is daylight I can see what the problem was -  it's actually foggy.

We're right next to the River Wye, but the haze was not coming from the river, it was all over.  

Carole
Title: Re: March DSC
Post by: Rocket Pooch on Mar 24, 2012, 08:45:36
Didn't get back from work till after 7pm so were on our way today.
Title: Re: March DSC
Post by: MarkS on Mar 24, 2012, 10:35:22
Mist came across at 3am which terminated a great nights imaging.  We also imaged "Return of The Thing"
Title: Re: March DSC
Post by: Mike on Mar 24, 2012, 11:31:02
Quote from: Rocket Pooch on Mar 24, 2012, 08:45:36
Didn't get back from work till after 7pm so were on our way today.

No excuse. I didn't get home till just before 7pm but i'm here.  ;)

Pretty good night last night. A bit misty but we were all imaging. I got a shot if the Supernova in M95 and we found the comet in a pair of binoculars.

Nice sunny day now and the sound of sausages sizzling is drifting across the campsite.
Title: Re: March DSC
Post by: Kenny on Mar 24, 2012, 14:49:55
I'm popping down shortly with my two boys.
Title: Re: March DSC
Post by: MarkS on Mar 25, 2012, 00:54:04
Stunning sky at 1am.  SQM 21.2 which is the highest I've recorded so far.
Title: Re: March DSC
Post by: MarkS on Mar 25, 2012, 13:06:20
Quote from: MarkS
Stunning sky at 1am.  SQM 21.2 which is the highest I've recorded so far.

And it just kept getting better and better - SQM 21.31 at 3am with the Milky Way visible from Cassiopeia through Cygnus and down towards Scorpio.  Subjectively it felt very similar to the skies I've experienced at Kelling Heath.
Title: Re: March DSC
Post by: Rocket Pooch on Mar 25, 2012, 14:13:40
Well we didn't see any clear skies, due to the fact I was pooped and was asleep by 8am, good to be camping though :-)

I'm setting up now for the week at home, probably should not do that with the chance of rain and everything.
Title: Re: March DSC
Post by: MarkS on Mar 25, 2012, 19:00:53
Quote from: Rocket Pooch
I'm setting up now for the week at home, probably should not do that with the chance of rain and everything.

I've set up as well.  Maybe get a 3rd solid night in a row for Markarian's Chain.
It's ideally placed for setting up an imaging session, going to bed, then clearing up in the morning before going to work.

I doubt if I'll get a repeat of last night's stunning sky though ...

Mark
Title: Re: March DSC
Post by: JohnP on Mar 26, 2012, 07:28:17
Quoteasleep by 8am

Blimey that was early....  :lol:
Title: Re: March DSC
Post by: Rocket Pooch on Mar 26, 2012, 07:38:49
I was tired and R was ill as well so early to bed.
Title: Re: March DSC
Post by: doug on Mar 26, 2012, 09:46:23
     Oh happy band of campers.... and it was a lovely day.

(http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7076/7016982657_78f62c7128_z.jpg)

(http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7128/7016981271_a68b2b6018_z.jpg) 

We thought that the chap in the yellow t-shirt might have been a ghost .........

Doug.  :)
Title: Re: March DSC
Post by: Mike on Mar 26, 2012, 10:42:36
Is Mick standing like that to show off his fine pair of Man Boobs ?  :lol:
Title: Re: March DSC
Post by: JohnP on Mar 26, 2012, 11:47:39
Blimey Mick there is some women who would be proud of them.....!
Title: Re: March DSC
Post by: mickw on Mar 26, 2012, 12:17:25
I'll have to find a woman to put them on then  ;)
Title: Re: March DSC
Post by: JohnP on Mar 26, 2012, 12:19:52
Sounds like a good idea to me....  :lol:
Title: Re: March DSC
Post by: Mac on Mar 26, 2012, 17:18:16
 :cheesy:
Title: Re: March DSC
Post by: Kylee on Mar 26, 2012, 19:53:36
Ah...sorry I missed it. Sounds like you had a fab time  :D
Title: Re: March DSC
Post by: Fay on Mar 27, 2012, 16:17:19
very funny about Micks man boobs!!!!!!!!!

A brief report on Kielder.

So hot & sunny it has not been known in 10 years of the star party! Could actually park cars on the grass! Unfortunately i only took cold weather gear so was roasting all the time!!  resorted to wearing sleeping attire legwise as it was the coolest thing i had!!!!!!!!  

Cold nights, a couple of cloudy nights but the last two were amazing, some people have stayed on another 4 days as it is so good!!!

lots of people there, but some missing because of SGL party.

No contact as there was no signal!
Title: Re: March DSC
Post by: The Thing on Mar 27, 2012, 16:20:08
Sounds like it was really worth the journey this time. Hope you got some good imaging done, we did  even though we missed you packing up early on Saturday night :)
Title: Re: March DSC
Post by: Fay on Mar 28, 2012, 13:55:41
A funny thing at the camp.
A couple went off to get married but got back in time for an evenings imaging!!! someone saw the bride & thought that people really seemed to be well dressed at the camp site!!!
Title: Re: March DSC
Post by: Ian on Mar 28, 2012, 21:14:46
Married at an Astro meet? That makes spending on a Tak look positively miserly.