Orpington Astronomical Society

Society => Announcements, Meetings, Events => Topic started by: Rocket Pooch on Jun 17, 2011, 08:37:30

Title: July DSC
Post by: Rocket Pooch on Jun 17, 2011, 08:37:30
Where is it?
Title: Re: July DSC
Post by: mickw on Jun 17, 2011, 09:25:26
If the rains ease off, it will probably be Rother Valley
Title: Re: July DSC
Post by: Fay on Jun 17, 2011, 10:01:29
I regret that I will  not be able to make this DSC, don't have too good a time!!!!!
Title: Re: July DSC
Post by: RobertM on Jun 17, 2011, 13:00:15
Got a pass for that weekend so I'll be there.

Shame you can't make it Fay, you're one of the regulars.
Title: Re: July DSC
Post by: The Thing on Jun 17, 2011, 15:56:55
I'll be there. Wherever it ends up being. Depending on the weather. Which you can't depend on for five minutes just now. I believe we are talking 1,2,3 July?
Title: Re: July DSC
Post by: mickw on Jun 17, 2011, 16:50:00
QuoteI believe we are talking 1,2,3 July

Yep
Title: Re: July DSC
Post by: MarkS on Jun 17, 2011, 22:13:16

I'm intending to come - are we early enough to book our usual corner pitches?  You know - the area that completely obscures the Southern horizon  :cheesy:
Title: Re: July DSC
Post by: mickw on Jun 17, 2011, 22:50:41
Rother Valley already have our dates, booking helps ensure that we get sufficient pitches should a load of us attend.

Quotethe area that completely obscures the Southern horizon
Glad you appreciate the opportunity to do some "North"  ;)
Title: Re: July DSC
Post by: Fay on Jun 18, 2011, 09:32:22
 :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:
Title: Re: July DSC
Post by: Carole on Jun 18, 2011, 11:36:43
I'm planning to come.

Carole
Title: Re: July DSC
Post by: Rocket Pooch on Jun 20, 2011, 07:24:11
Hi,

We will be there as well.

Title: Re: July DSC
Post by: MarkS on Jun 20, 2011, 08:18:21

I'll be there.
Title: Re: July DSC
Post by: Carole on Jun 20, 2011, 09:09:49
Quotethe area that completely obscures the Southern horizon 

I have to say I am of the same opinion with rother Valley,  it would be nice to occasionally go somewhere where the Southern horizon is not obscured.  I thought Blacklands was ideal for that, however I do see the advantages and disadvantages of both.

Carole
Title: Re: July DSC
Post by: Fay on Jun 20, 2011, 09:17:48
You could always pitch the tent on the right or left as you go into the field or on the rail side, there is a much better view for south there
Title: Re: July DSC
Post by: RobertM on Jun 20, 2011, 09:30:48
Are there hookups on that side ?
Title: Re: July DSC
Post by: Fay on Jun 20, 2011, 09:36:25
not sure, could be worth taking a battery in case
Title: Re: July DSC
Post by: MarkS on Jun 20, 2011, 09:55:17
Quote from: Carole
  it would be nice to occasionally go somewhere where the Southern horizon is not obscured. 

Tuesnoad!!
Title: Re: July DSC
Post by: Fay on Jun 20, 2011, 09:57:11
Mark, you are ok for south, I am thinking, in your garden!
Title: Re: July DSC
Post by: mickw on Jun 20, 2011, 10:00:49
There are a couple of hookups either side of the entrance to the field.
These would be near the static vans, the entrance (obviously) and the cottage with the floodlight.

Fay, behave  ;)
Title: Re: July DSC
Post by: Rocket Pooch on Jun 20, 2011, 10:01:16
Sorry I have another scope or two to bring along!
Title: Re: July DSC
Post by: RobertM on Jun 20, 2011, 10:18:56
But not the Meade ... did you say two scopes ?
Title: Re: July DSC
Post by: Mike on Jun 20, 2011, 10:40:47
Quote from: MarkS on Jun 20, 2011, 09:55:17
Quote from: Carole
  it would be nice to occasionally go somewhere where the Southern horizon is not obscured. 

Tuesnoad!!

I'd happily go back to Tuesnoad as long as the ground was dry. Someone would need to contact the owner though to make sure the field is free that weekend.
Title: Re: July DSC
Post by: mickw on Jun 20, 2011, 11:02:27
Unfortunately many of us have been spoilt by having access to a hookup, decent toilets, showers, not having access to sheep shit, not having to maintain the entrance to the field.

We have discussed Blacklands vs. Rother previously.
It is unlikely that Rother will be used every DSC due to the ground conditions when wet.
It is likely that Blacklands will be used when Rother is unsuitable.
So, there will be opportunities for North and South with hookups and no sheep and no DIY road repairs.
Title: Re: July DSC
Post by: Rocket Pooch on Jun 20, 2011, 11:06:38
Hi,

If there's sheep in the field I'll be staying at home...

Chris
Title: Re: July DSC
Post by: Fay on Jun 20, 2011, 11:18:47
Do you know that we are Glampers, now. that do glamping= glamourous camping      
Title: Re: July DSC
Post by: Carole on Jun 20, 2011, 11:38:38
Quotenot sure, could be worth taking a battery in case
I no longer have a working leisure battery and much prefer the hook up situation so I can run a camping cooler so my food doesn't go off. 

It's OK, so long as we occasionally go to a place with a southern horizon, I don't want to be located away from the gang every time  :cheesy:

Carole
Title: Re: July DSC
Post by: mickw on Jun 20, 2011, 12:21:05
Quoteso I can run a camping cooler so my food doesn't go off.

Expecting warm weather are we ? (https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-8absaWlb0M4/TWzyNQVtfXI/AAAAAAAABQE/oSybXH54skw/ROFL2.gif)
Title: Re: July DSC
Post by: Mike on Jun 23, 2011, 12:14:33
Am I right in saying there will now be two DSCs in July?
Title: Re: July DSC
Post by: mickw on Jun 23, 2011, 12:20:30
Yes, the August DSC starts on Friday 29th July
Title: Re: July DSC
Post by: mickw on Jun 25, 2011, 13:13:28
I have booked,  If you are going I suggest you book also - That way they can arrange sufficient lifeboats  ;)
Title: Re: July DSC
Post by: Mike on Jun 25, 2011, 15:58:55
Which campsite?
Title: Re: July DSC
Post by: MarkS on Jun 25, 2011, 16:13:28

It's at Rother Valley.
Title: Re: July DSC
Post by: Mac on Jun 25, 2011, 17:23:33
At some point this year i might actually have some spare weekends,
At the moment the end of July is looking good for me.

I need to try out my new cooking stuff and campbed

Mac.
Title: Re: July DSC
Post by: Rocket Pooch on Jun 26, 2011, 13:44:53
Looking at the long range lottery forecase, I'll be there from Thursday midday till Monday.

Chris
Title: Re: July DSC
Post by: Mike on Jun 27, 2011, 12:54:56
Booked.
Title: Re: July DSC
Post by: Les on Jun 27, 2011, 16:50:05
Would like to go. Is it possible to book online, or is there a number to ring? I also require a ride there and back.
Title: Re: July DSC
Post by: Carole on Jun 27, 2011, 17:10:07
I think you need to ring.
http://www.rother-valley.com/
01797 253997

I'd happily give you a lift but my car is packed out with camping and astro kit, not sure if any-one else might have a bit of space. 

Carole
Title: Re: July DSC
Post by: Fay on Jun 27, 2011, 17:29:04
If someone takes you, Les, you will have to wait 3 days to get back home
Title: Re: July DSC
Post by: Les on Jun 27, 2011, 17:33:25
I use London buses. Enough said  :cheesy:
Title: Re: July DSC
Post by: MarkS on Jun 28, 2011, 10:41:15

I'm booked.
Title: Re: July DSC
Post by: Carole on Jun 28, 2011, 10:46:28
Les, I am assuming you just want to come down for the one evening, am I right?

We sometimes get members who only want to come for the evening and then go home again, but it's not always easy to predict who is doing this as they don't need to book. 

Carole

Title: Re: July DSC
Post by: mickw on Jun 28, 2011, 14:01:48
Having space for a dobsonian is a big enough problem without camping equipment  :-?
Title: Re: July DSC
Post by: Les on Jun 28, 2011, 14:24:30
Quote from: Carole on Jun 28, 2011, 10:46:28
Les, I am assuming you just want to come down for the one evening, am I right?

We sometimes get members who only want to come for the evening and then go home again, but it's not always easy to predict who is doing this as they don't need to book. 

Carole



I'm willing to come for the whole weekend but if whoever I get a ride from is only there for one day then that's ok. Would rather know what's happening first before I book though. Anyone with space is welcome to PM me.
Title: Re: July DSC
Post by: julian on Jun 28, 2011, 16:39:29
Just booked for saturday night  :cheesy: :cheesy: :cheesy: :cheesy: :cheesy: :cheesy: :cheesy:

julian
Title: Re: July DSC
Post by: RobertM on Jun 28, 2011, 17:31:20
I'm in for Sat night also  :) :) :)
Title: Re: July DSC
Post by: Rocket Pooch on Jun 28, 2011, 18:42:41
Wow, thats like lots, shame Fay can't make it she will miss my new 20" telescope and mount :-)

Chris
Title: Re: July DSC
Post by: Fay on Jun 28, 2011, 19:33:24
Hoping you go to the next one Chris..................
Title: Re: July DSC
Post by: Rocket Pooch on Jun 28, 2011, 20:01:48
There is no way I'm dragging that lot out twice.
Title: Re: July DSC
Post by: Fay on Jun 29, 2011, 07:52:17
Just realised you said 20"!!!!!!!!!!
Title: Re: July DSC
Post by: Mike on Jun 29, 2011, 07:55:09
Is there a photo of this beast anywhere?
Title: Re: July DSC
Post by: Rocket Pooch on Jun 29, 2011, 13:22:57
Quote from: Fay on Jun 29, 2011, 07:52:17
Just realised you said 20"!!!!!!!!!!

Gotcha!  Was only joking, but I really can't make my mind up if I take the ED80, 8" F4 or the meade yet, and I'm only taking one scope.  I guess because of the last of dark the 8" F4 with HA is the way to go for this weekend.

Chris
Title: Re: July DSC
Post by: Fay on Jun 29, 2011, 13:25:56
you little monkey. I was dozing off & suddenly thought, I didn't know Chris had a 20"!
Title: Re: July DSC
Post by: Mac on Jun 29, 2011, 14:39:33
too easy.  :cheesy:
Title: Re: July DSC
Post by: RobertM on Jun 29, 2011, 15:47:01
Quote from: Fay on Jun 29, 2011, 13:25:56
you little monkey. I was dozing off & suddenly thought, I didn't know Chris had a 20"!

No comment  :roll:
Title: Re: July DSC
Post by: Rocket Pooch on Jun 29, 2011, 17:16:09
That was the diameter as well.....
Title: Re: July DSC
Post by: Tony G on Jun 29, 2011, 20:50:34
 :o :o ;)
Title: Re: July DSC
Post by: Carole on Jun 30, 2011, 21:38:12
This is Rother Valley calling Home - Mick Chris and myself are here.  All set up, just waiting for darkness and the clouds to clear  ;)

See the rest of you tomorrow.  I took Chris' advice and got myself a 3 dongle and hey presto it works.

Carole
Title: Re: July DSC
Post by: MarkS on Jun 30, 2011, 22:43:33

High Halden calling Rother Valley - it's cloudy here as well.  But a mild night and the glow worms are out in large numbers again.

No sign of Chinooks.

Hope to see you tomorrow night.

Mark
Title: Re: July DSC
Post by: mickw on Jul 01, 2011, 00:06:10
RV calling HH
Clouds finally clearing although still patchy and air damp.
Gear put away now and surprise, surprise - loads of stars  :!

No Chinooks and no glow worms, had some rain though  :(

Night night
Title: Re: July DSC
Post by: Mac on Jul 01, 2011, 07:02:16
Broad sword calling Danny Boy. Over.
Come in Danny Boy.
Title: Re: July DSC
Post by: MarkS on Jul 01, 2011, 08:48:01

I hope to arrive tonight 7:30-8:00pm
Title: Re: July DSC
Post by: mickw on Jul 01, 2011, 13:25:37
Rodger Dodger HH, will leave candle in the window

BS send more beer, we won't survive another night without reinforcements
Title: Re: July DSC
Post by: Les on Jul 01, 2011, 13:33:32
Going for camping gear in a bit....still yet to hear from someone who can spare a seat
Title: Re: July DSC
Post by: Carole on Jul 01, 2011, 13:50:03
Les, I don't think any-one has any spare space as camping gear and Astro gear for one person fills up a car.  I think you'll have to find a friend with a car who will come with you who doesn't have Astro kit to bring, even then it could be a squeeze.

Carole
Title: Re: July DSC
Post by: Rose on Jul 02, 2011, 11:18:17
Cornwall calling Rother Valley..... come in.  Very hot andf sunny here but no sunspots on the sun.... well, two small ones.
Title: Re: July DSC
Post by: Carole on Jul 02, 2011, 11:32:24
QuoteCornwall calling Rother Valley..... come in. 

Brilliant, Cornwall, High Halden, Rother Valley and Orpington all connecting.

Still no decent sky again last night, very disappointing.  All the weather forecasts wrong again.

Carole   
Title: Re: July DSC
Post by: RobertM on Jul 02, 2011, 15:35:19
Orpington here, shall I'll bring some clear skies with me ?
Title: Re: July DSC
Post by: MarkS on Jul 02, 2011, 16:02:39
Yes please - bring some clear skies ...
Title: Re: July DSC
Post by: Mike on Jul 02, 2011, 21:08:20
Right now, we have lovely clear skies and the most amount of scopes in the field we've seen for quite some time:-

(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5156/5894471117_199a780ff2.jpg)

Fingers crossed it's still clear once it gets dark.
Title: Re: July DSC
Post by: JohnP on Jul 02, 2011, 21:42:25
Wow that is a lot - Sat24 map looking promising so fingers crossed for you all tonight... John
Title: Re: July DSC
Post by: Carole on Jul 03, 2011, 11:09:04
Wow, we had a completely clear night and every-one was up until about 3 - 3.30 some even later 3.45 and 4am

Lots of imaging done.  

In attendance:
Mike and Cris
Myself
Mark
Robert
Duncan
Mick
Chris and Rachel
Julian and his son Ben
Plus Wayne and partner who live near the change of horses and I think has been to one meeting.

Got a bit cold for summer around 8 down to 6 degrees while we were imaging.

Carole
Title: Re: July DSC
Post by: Mike on Jul 03, 2011, 11:22:03
Great night. A bit dewy and misty at times but clear all night. I think everyone managed to get some images. Expect lots to be posted over the next week.
Title: Re: July DSC
Post by: Rocket Pooch on Jul 03, 2011, 14:33:35
Thanks Robert for bringing the clear skies last night, was all good fun and some actual imaging, yipeeeeee.

Chris
Title: Re: July DSC
Post by: mickw on Jul 03, 2011, 16:20:51
QuoteThanks Robert for bringing the clear skies last night, was all good fun and some actual imaging, yipeeeeee

Next time can someone remember to pack the unbroken software, hardware etc   :(

Reinstalled everything now and it looks like it works.
Just got to hook it all up and test it tonight.