Orpington Astronomical Society

Society => Announcements, Meetings, Events => Topic started by: Mike on Jan 23, 2013, 11:22:00

Title: Deep Sky Camp - 8th to 10th Feb
Post by: Mike on Jan 23, 2013, 11:22:00
So who's planning on going?
Title: Re: Deep Sky Camp - 8th to 10th Feb
Post by: Ivor on Jan 23, 2013, 12:45:00
Sorry I can't I'm away on Business.

Hopefully in March if I can get to the diary first.
Title: Re: Deep Sky Camp - 8th to 10th Feb
Post by: Carole on Jan 23, 2013, 13:12:35
Unfortunately this clashes with Astrofest and I need to go on the Saturday.

Carole
Title: Re: Deep Sky Camp - 8th to 10th Feb
Post by: JonH on Jan 23, 2013, 14:05:54
Unfortunatly I also won't be able to make this one  :(
Title: Re: Deep Sky Camp - 8th to 10th Feb
Post by: Fay on Jan 23, 2013, 14:17:33
i think it will be difficult to get a decision, from anyone at the moment Mike, no one can envisage decent conditions!
Title: Re: Deep Sky Camp - 8th to 10th Feb
Post by: Tony G on Jan 23, 2013, 16:43:36
Quote from: Fay on Jan 23, 2013, 14:17:33
i think it will be difficult to get a decision, from anyone at the moment Mike, no one can envisage decent conditions!

It won't be difficult for me to make one Fay.............I'm in Egypt, and they say the condition are not too bad either.  ;)

Tony G
Title: Re: Deep Sky Camp - 8th to 10th Feb
Post by: RobertM on Jan 23, 2013, 18:43:10
Quote from: Carole on Jan 23, 2013, 13:12:35
Unfortunately this clashes with Astrofest and I need to go on the Saturday.

Carole

Ditto though from the sound of it, your needs are greater than mine.  Could even be an Astrofest where I leave the credit card behind for once :)
Title: Re: Deep Sky Camp - 8th to 10th Feb
Post by: The Thing on Jan 23, 2013, 19:30:33
Wooded. Wooses! [blooming phone smellpecker again] I'm planning on going. I'm getting withdrawal symptoms and the tent needs airing.
Title: Re: Deep Sky Camp - 8th to 10th Feb
Post by: Mac on Jan 23, 2013, 22:47:07
QuoteI'm getting withdrawal symptoms and the tent needs airing.

I need to find mine!
It was last seen somewhere in the garage.

I know where all my camping stove ect is,
its in the back of the smart, just in case i get stuck.  :cheesy:

Mac.
Title: Re: Deep Sky Camp - 8th to 10th Feb
Post by: Fay on Jan 24, 2013, 10:43:31
Good time to go Tony, did you go there last year?
Title: Re: Deep Sky Camp - 8th to 10th Feb
Post by: MarkS on Jan 24, 2013, 13:11:11

I'm in same boat - would like to go (if there's any chance of clear sky)but also would like to go to Astrofest.

It's been ages since the last one - I'm getting DSC withdrawal symptoms :-(
Title: Re: Deep Sky Camp - 8th to 10th Feb
Post by: Mike on Jan 24, 2013, 13:21:03
I'm purposely not going to Astrofest as I know I'd end up buying something. Too many shiny toys.
Title: Re: Deep Sky Camp - 8th to 10th Feb
Post by: Rocket Pooch on Jan 31, 2013, 10:01:41
I have booked the Friday and Monday off as well as the same dates the following month which should match the next DSC.  Needed to use my holiday up!

However, for the 2nd date we need to go somewhere so we can see the comet.

Title: Re: Deep Sky Camp - 8th to 10th Feb
Post by: RobertM on Jan 31, 2013, 10:56:32
Quote from: Rocket Pooch on Jan 31, 2013, 10:01:41
However, for the 2nd date we need to go somewhere so we can see the comet.



Such as La Palma or that astro holiday place in the Moroccan Sahara ?
Title: Re: Deep Sky Camp - 8th to 10th Feb
Post by: Mike on Jan 31, 2013, 11:16:22
Quote from: Rocket Pooch on Jan 31, 2013, 10:01:41
I have booked the Friday and Monday off as well as the same dates the following month which should match the next DSC

There is no DSC in March so you would need to organise a uDSC.
Title: Re: Deep Sky Camp - 8th to 10th Feb
Post by: Rocket Pooch on Jan 31, 2013, 11:45:09
I'll get a uDSC done :-)
Title: Re: Deep Sky Camp - 8th to 10th Feb
Post by: Mike on Jan 31, 2013, 12:42:32
Cool.
Title: Re: Deep Sky Camp - 8th to 10th Feb
Post by: MarkS on Feb 01, 2013, 06:07:30

This shows where to look for the comet on various days:
http://waitingforison.wordpress.com/comet-panstarrs/ (http://waitingforison.wordpress.com/comet-panstarrs/)

But already the news is that's it's much dimmer than hoped.  May not even reach naked eye brightness :-(
Title: Re: Deep Sky Camp - 8th to 10th Feb
Post by: Rocket Pooch on Feb 01, 2013, 08:53:06
Well I'll still organise a DSC, been looking at Sailsbury Plain.
Title: Re: Deep Sky Camp - 8th to 10th Feb
Post by: JonH on Feb 01, 2013, 10:10:13
What weekend you thinking? I'd love to come but need to make sure I'm not busy...
Title: Re: Deep Sky Camp - 8th to 10th Feb
Post by: The Thing on Feb 01, 2013, 14:09:57
Quote from: Rocket Pooch on Feb 01, 2013, 08:53:06
Well I'll still organise a DSC, been looking at Sailsbury Plain.
I'd be interested in that. I used to have a client on the MoD base near Brades Acre Campsite/Tilshead. Not much around there except 'beware of the tank' signs. Shells going off nearby (sounded like it) made for interesting meetings!
Title: Re: Deep Sky Camp - 8th to 10th Feb
Post by: Mike on Feb 01, 2013, 16:50:11
If we all chip in we might be able to afford this place for DSC...

LINK (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Former-airbase-RAF-Neatishead-25-5-acres-site-Freehold-/300853940364?clk_rvr_id=446572498097&afsrc=1)
Title: Re: Deep Sky Camp - 8th to 10th Feb
Post by: Mike on Feb 04, 2013, 12:27:29
It's still early days, but the forecast for Saturday is looking promising.
Title: Re: Deep Sky Camp - 8th to 10th Feb
Post by: MarkS on Feb 04, 2013, 13:07:58
Where will it be?

Rother Valley will be sodden without doubt - similar conditions to my own garden which is very soft at the moment, with some squelchy bits.

Trouble is, I really want to go to Astrofest this year, cos I'm at the stage of seriously planning my observatory.

If you wanted to, you could descend on my place on Saturday and stay overnight.  Dee will be away so there would be no Chilli but there is an excellent fish & chip shop 3 miles further down the A28.

Mark
Title: Re: Deep Sky Camp - 8th to 10th Feb
Post by: Mike on Feb 04, 2013, 13:25:25
That's a nice idea Mark.
Title: Re: Deep Sky Camp - 8th to 10th Feb
Post by: Fay on Feb 04, 2013, 15:09:23
Yes, a nice offer. i would have to come back from Astrofest earlier,  to get my strength back!
Title: Re: Deep Sky Camp - 8th to 10th Feb
Post by: mickw on Feb 04, 2013, 16:18:39
Quoteto get my strength back

Your purse will be a lot lighter  :lol:
Title: Re: Deep Sky Camp - 8th to 10th Feb
Post by: MarkS on Feb 05, 2013, 00:13:29

The only stipulation is that you bring your own sleeping bags, even if you end up sleeping on a bed upstairs.  It's so Dee doesn't have to wash the sheets when she gets back!

Mark
Title: Re: Deep Sky Camp - 8th to 10th Feb
Post by: Fay on Feb 05, 2013, 08:52:32
I am thinking that I will be too tired after going up to Astrofest Mark & may have to give it a miss. bit sad
Title: Re: Deep Sky Camp - 8th to 10th Feb
Post by: MarkS on Feb 05, 2013, 09:00:56
Quote from: Fay
I am thinking that I will be too tired after going up to Astrofest Mark & may have to give it a miss. bit sad

You don't have a full-time job - why not do Astrofest on Friday?  Astrofest should be less busy and the added bonus is that there are no engineering closures on the tube network on Fridays.
Title: Re: Deep Sky Camp - 8th to 10th Feb
Post by: Fay on Feb 05, 2013, 09:02:52
well I am going with Robert and he will be at work
Title: Re: Deep Sky Camp - 8th to 10th Feb
Post by: Mike on Feb 05, 2013, 09:18:55
Thanks Mark. Petra and I would like to take you up on that offer.
Title: Re: Deep Sky Camp - 8th to 10th Feb
Post by: MarkS on Feb 05, 2013, 09:22:54
Quote from: Fay
well I am going with Robert and he will be at work

I'm likely to go up to Astrofest on Friday.
Title: Re: Deep Sky Camp - 8th to 10th Feb
Post by: The Thing on Feb 05, 2013, 10:12:18
I would like to take you up on your offer Mark as well. See you (and the rest of the motley crew!) on Saturday.

P.S. Don't anyone buy anything at Astrofest (:evil:) or there will be no chance of a gap in the clouds :D
Title: Re: Deep Sky Camp - 8th to 10th Feb
Post by: Fay on Feb 05, 2013, 10:57:40
Mark you got me thinking & I feel a bit bad. In future when i take advantage of yours & Dee's  hospitality, i will bring a sleeping bag anyway. it never occurred to me       :oops:
Title: Re: Deep Sky Camp - 8th to 10th Feb
Post by: Carole on Feb 05, 2013, 11:51:44
QuoteIn future when i take advantage of yours & Dee's  hospitality, i will bring a sleeping bag anyway. it never occurred to me 
ditto and a pillowcase when I do come.

Unfortunately much as I would have loved to have come Mark I have already arranged to meet up with a crowd from Astronomy Shed who are coming on the Saturday.  I'm going on Friday too to meet up with another bunch of people and with what time I have left between the two days of socialising will do some browsing. 

Carole
Title: Re: Deep Sky Camp - 8th to 10th Feb
Post by: MarkS on Feb 05, 2013, 12:17:18
Quote from: Fay
Mark you got me thinking & I feel a bit bad. In future when i take advantage of yours & Dee's  hospitality, i will bring a sleeping bag anyway. it never occurred to me       :oops:

Don't worry - it's never been a problem - we're used to having friends stay over.  It's just that this time round, it'll make it a bit easier for us.
Title: Re: Deep Sky Camp - 8th to 10th Feb
Post by: Mike on Feb 05, 2013, 17:57:38
Make's sense. A bit silly to have to wash all those bedclothes just for people staying one night. We'll bring a large blanket to cover the bed and two sleeping bags.
Title: Re: Deep Sky Camp - 8th to 10th Feb
Post by: RobertM on Feb 05, 2013, 18:07:08
Quote from: Fay on Feb 05, 2013, 09:02:52
well I am going with Robert and he will be at work

Huh !

We're going Saturday and I won't be at work 8)
Title: Re: Deep Sky Camp - 8th to 10th Feb
Post by: Fay on Feb 05, 2013, 18:48:23
i meant you will be at work friday :lol:
Title: Re: Deep Sky Camp - 8th to 10th Feb
Post by: julian on Feb 05, 2013, 19:43:10

I would like to take you up on your offer Mark as well please.

cheers
Julian
Title: Re: Deep Sky Camp - 8th to 10th Feb
Post by: MarkS on Feb 05, 2013, 23:27:44

So that's Julian, Duncan, Mike and Petra so far ...

Turn up any time between 4pm and midnight on Saturday.  Sunset is at 5pm.  We'll send an emissary down to the chippie when we get hungry.  I'll get some sausages and bacon in, for breakfast sarnies.

I'll give you a sneak preview of my observatory plans!

I won't be offended if the weather's bad and you decide not to come.

Mark
Title: Re: Deep Sky Camp - 8th to 10th Feb
Post by: MarkS on Feb 07, 2013, 08:05:29
Quote from: The Thing
P.S. Don't anyone buy anything at Astrofest (:evil:) or there will be no chance of a gap in the clouds :D

Too late :-(
Looks like Saturday's weather has already sussed that we'll be buying stuff.  I'm hoping to be at Astrofest on Friday - see you there.

Title: Re: Deep Sky Camp - 8th to 10th Feb
Post by: doug on Feb 07, 2013, 09:14:37
Rose and I would like to come down, if that`s okay, Mark.  We won`t stay over though. Anybody know what the weather forecast is ....... for Saturday??

Doug.
Title: Re: Deep Sky Camp - 8th to 10th Feb
Post by: MarkS on Feb 07, 2013, 09:21:48
Quote from: doug
Anybody know what the weather forecast is ....... for Saturday??

Cloudy, cold and dry during the day then turning rainy overnight.

See you Saturday ...
Title: Re: Deep Sky Camp - 8th to 10th Feb
Post by: doug on Feb 07, 2013, 09:25:29
Thanks, Mark.  Looking forward to the evening.

Rug and Doze.
Title: Re: Deep Sky Camp - 8th to 10th Feb
Post by: julian on Feb 09, 2013, 13:17:21
Hi Mark

Is it still on for tonight.

Julian
Title: Re: Deep Sky Camp - 8th to 10th Feb
Post by: MarkS on Feb 09, 2013, 13:50:12

It will be cloudy but you're all welcome to come along anyway.

Mark
Title: Re: Deep Sky Camp - 8th to 10th Feb
Post by: julian on Feb 09, 2013, 14:33:33
Hi Mark

Thanks for the offer of still coming over - I think I'll give it a miss this time though much to my son's delight as his "new" car has some work needing doing to it so will give me time to get that done before he goes to work on Monday!!!!  :(

Cheers.

Julian
Title: Re: Deep Sky Camp - 8th to 10th Feb
Post by: Mike on Feb 10, 2013, 23:59:32
Thanks to Mark for hosting the fish n chips and alcohol camp this weekend. It was very enjoyable.
Title: Re: Deep Sky Camp - 8th to 10th Feb
Post by: doug on Feb 11, 2013, 09:08:16
Thanks, Mark, very muchly for your hospitality. Rose and I thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. Good fish and chips. a nice drink and very good company.

Doug.
Title: Re: Deep Sky Camp - 8th to 10th Feb
Post by: MarkS on Feb 11, 2013, 09:27:22
We had a good time - thanks for coming along.  I certainly enjoyed Mike's Kraken Rum.  Thanks Mike!

We did do something vaguely astronomical - took some test shots to calibrate Mike's Nikon D7000 and compare noise levels with the Canons.  Unfortunately we found out too late that we had been shooting JPGs instead of RAWs so the data could not be used  :-(