Orpington Astronomical Society

Society => Announcements, Meetings, Events => Topic started by: Mike on Jun 01, 2013, 11:53:05

Poll
Question: Which camp site do you prefer?
Option 1: Rother Valley votes: 8
Option 2: Blacklands votes: 3
Title: DSC - 7th to 9th June
Post by: Mike on Jun 01, 2013, 11:53:05
We have a Deep Sky Camp coming up from the 7th to 9th June. Who is going and do you prefer Rother Valley or Blacklands?
Title: Re: DSC - 7th to 9th June
Post by: Carole on Jun 01, 2013, 14:36:50
I'd like to go if the weather is OK. 

Carole
Title: Re: DSC - 7th to 9th June
Post by: The Thing on Jun 01, 2013, 16:34:08
I'll be going unless the heavens decide otherwise.
Title: Re: DSC - 7th to 9th June
Post by: julian on Jun 01, 2013, 18:45:33
I'll be going if the weather is ok
Title: Re: DSC - 7th to 9th June
Post by: Mac on Jun 01, 2013, 18:54:46
Nope, Im off to cornwall. :!

So its going to be clear and sunny all weekend.
and rain in cornwall.

Mac.
Title: Re: DSC - 7th to 9th June
Post by: Fay on Jun 01, 2013, 19:06:39
I will go if weather ok. I prefer Rother. too many public with lights at Blacklands
Title: Re: DSC - 7th to 9th June
Post by: MarkS on Jun 01, 2013, 23:25:30
I plan to come along.  Definitely Rother.  Though I might disappear during Saturday to continue my obsy build.

I've also mentioned it to the folks at Ashford Astronomical Society, though no takers so far.

Mark
Title: Re: DSC - 7th to 9th June
Post by: Delphine on Jun 02, 2013, 06:27:36
I am keen to come along.

Delphine
Title: Re: DSC - 7th to 9th June
Post by: doug on Jun 02, 2013, 08:02:42
Rose and I could pop down if the weather is good.. :D  ....  and if we know which site you all are going to !!
Title: Re: DSC - 7th to 9th June
Post by: Carole on Jun 02, 2013, 08:43:17
Quotetoo many public with lights at Blacklands
True, but I don't like the fact that the southern sky is obstructed by trees at Rother. 

Carole
Title: Re: DSC - 7th to 9th June
Post by: Rocket Pooch on Jun 02, 2013, 09:00:25
Blacklands is really busy at the moment, went there yesterday to get some chicken food and I would not go there for astronomy.
Title: Re: DSC - 7th to 9th June
Post by: Mike on Jun 02, 2013, 12:23:41
OK so Rother it is then. I've emailed Jackie and she has given us our usual corner with pitches 12-15a and 5 EHU's.

See you there.

Mike

Title: Re: DSC - 7th to 9th June
Post by: MarkS on Jun 02, 2013, 14:12:12
Quote from: Rocket Pooch
Blacklands is really busy at the moment, went there yesterday to get some chicken food

Wow! Didn't realise chickens ate campers.  I'll keep a watchful eye out for those dangerous creatures next time ...
Title: Re: DSC - 7th to 9th June
Post by: Rocket Pooch on Jun 03, 2013, 07:26:03
Only small ones....

BTW I don't think I'll be going, however, I might get down on Saturday for 1 night.
Title: Re: DSC - 7th to 9th June
Post by: Mike on Jun 03, 2013, 10:22:28
I'm curious who the 3 anonymous people are who voted but who didn't say they are coming (I only count 8) ?
Title: Re: DSC - 7th to 9th June
Post by: Fay on Jun 03, 2013, 10:28:40
I may go down on the thursday
Title: Re: DSC - 7th to 9th June
Post by: Delphine on Jun 03, 2013, 10:34:23
I am one of the people who voted for Rother.   Do I need to book?

Delphine
Title: Re: DSC - 7th to 9th June
Post by: Sue on Jun 03, 2013, 10:37:09
We are coming, do we need to ring Jackie asap to book a pitch?
Sue and Roy.
Title: Re: DSC - 7th to 9th June
Post by: Mike on Jun 03, 2013, 10:41:53
No need to book. We already have pitches 12 to 15a booked with 5 EHU's. Please bring extension cables as we will definitely need to share the EHU's. If anyone has a splitter for the power cables then better still.

As we have more tents than pitches please make sure you pitch your tent as close to the next one as possible so we can all fit in.

Should I bring the communal tent?

Mike



Title: Re: DSC - 7th to 9th June
Post by: MarkS on Jun 03, 2013, 10:47:34

What's an EHU?  I guess it means a power hookup but what does the acronym mean?

Mark
Title: Re: DSC - 7th to 9th June
Post by: Mike on Jun 03, 2013, 10:48:10
Mark: EHU = Electric Hook Up.

Quote from: Carole on Jun 02, 2013, 08:43:17
True, but I don't like the fact that the southern sky is obstructed by trees at Rother. 
Carole

Carole, if you do what Mark does and pitch your tent as far over to the corner of the square plot we use then you get a decent view of the South. Alternatively you could book one of the pitches along the side and run a long extension cable over there.

Title: Re: DSC - 7th to 9th June
Post by: JohnP on Jun 04, 2013, 08:14:14
QuoteWhat's an EHU?  I guess it means a power hookup but what does the acronym mean?

Blimey Mark even I figured out that one......    :roll:

Hope to pop down for social on Sat night for a few hours - John
Title: Re: DSC - 7th to 9th June
Post by: Mike on Jun 04, 2013, 12:23:49
It would be good to see you at DSC John. It's been a very long time.
Title: Re: DSC - 7th to 9th June
Post by: Tony G on Jun 04, 2013, 13:00:29
What's DSC and who's John?????

Tony G
Title: Re: DSC - 7th to 9th June
Post by: Carole on Jun 04, 2013, 15:57:37
QuoteI'm curious who the 3 anonymous people are who voted but who didn't say they are coming (I only count  ?
I was one who voted for Blacklands, but if the decision is Rother I hope to be coming there - family problems permitting.

Carole
Title: Re: DSC - 7th to 9th June
Post by: Rocket Pooch on Jun 04, 2013, 19:30:17
Nooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo
Title: Re: DSC - 7th to 9th June
Post by: Tony G on Jun 04, 2013, 19:41:00
Nooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo what Chris?????????

Tony G
Title: Re: DSC - 7th to 9th June
Post by: Rocket Pooch on Jun 04, 2013, 19:51:28
The next person who puts

Ooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooh!

Is obviously really weird...

Quote from: Tony G on Jun 04, 2013, 20:01:01
Ooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooh!

Tony G

Chris whilst we are on, do you know any psychic people?

I know psychic people....
Title: Re: DSC - 7th to 9th June
Post by: Tony G on Jun 04, 2013, 20:01:01
Ooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooh!

Tony G

Chris whilst we are on, do you know any psychic people?
Title: Re: DSC - 7th to 9th June
Post by: Rocket Pooch on Jun 04, 2013, 20:05:09
Ah ha Tony, I knew it would be you...
Title: Re: DSC - 7th to 9th June
Post by: mickw on Jun 06, 2013, 08:32:59
The Red Arrows will be doing a display at Folkestone on Saturday.
Obviously you ain't gonna see it from Rother but you might be on the flight path to or from.
They are scheduled to appear at 2:30, so if you're interested be prepared probably between 2:00 and 3:30
Title: Re: DSC - 7th to 9th June
Post by: Fay on Jun 06, 2013, 08:41:00
Shame you wont be there Mick, you could have been on lookout duty
Title: Re: DSC - 7th to 9th June
Post by: mickw on Jun 06, 2013, 09:15:10
I think I'll be on "up a ladder duty"  :(
Title: Re: DSC - 7th to 9th June
Post by: Tony G on Jun 06, 2013, 11:11:01
Quote from: Rocket Pooch on Jun 03, 2013, 07:26:03
BTW I don't think I'll be going, however, I might get down on Saturday for 1 night.

Make up your mind, your going, or your not!  :roll:

If you were a real psychic you would know whether you would be there or not.

FAKE!

Tony G
Title: Re: DSC - 7th to 9th June
Post by: Darian on Jun 06, 2013, 14:48:11
Hi,

Are there any more spaces available for Friday and Saturday night?   Would love to come along.

One follow up question, assume no one minds if my daughter comes along.   She will be in bed for the observing and playing with the other kids in the day.

Darian
Title: Re: DSC - 7th to 9th June
Post by: Mike on Jun 06, 2013, 16:09:25
Darian,

Your daughter is welcome. Just remember that there will be a lot of expensive kit set up so as long as she knows not to touch there won't be any issues.

Yes we should have enough space. Presuming your tent is a small to medium sized. We have quite a lot of people coming down this weekend so space is at a premium. Tents need to be as far back as possible and as close to the other tents as possible so we can all fit in so remember that when pitching. A space in the middle needs to be left clear for the telescopes.

Alternatively if you have a long extension lead (presuming you need power?) you could pitch up on another pitch nearby, such as the ones along the west side and run the extension across to the main area.

Regards,

Mike
Title: Re: DSC - 7th to 9th June
Post by: MarkS on Jun 06, 2013, 16:24:20

But check first at reception if you pitch elsewhere - just to make sure it isn't a reserved pitch.
Title: Re: DSC - 7th to 9th June
Post by: Sue on Jun 06, 2013, 17:54:29
Bit concerned as our tent is quite large, think I may ring Jackie and book pitch 11 if no one beaten me too it - would extend our overall space a bit too I think. Not been down since Oct 11 cannot remember quite how the space looks.
Title: Re: DSC - 7th to 9th June
Post by: Darian on Jun 06, 2013, 18:35:06
Hi Mike,

My daughter is well trained and knows not to touch a thing without permission on pain of death. 

My tent is a 4m bell tent to give an idea of the size, but I will pack an extension chord just to make sure.

Darian
Title: Re: DSC - 7th to 9th June
Post by: Mike on Jun 06, 2013, 20:53:00
Sue if you can get the next pitch along then all the better but I would hazard a guess it's booked by now. If not, we simply need to squeeze all the tents next to each other and maybe put the cars all in a line somewhere else.

Title: Re: DSC - 7th to 9th June
Post by: Sue on Jun 06, 2013, 21:13:43
OK Mike. left a message but not heard back. Sure we will all fit in : )
Title: Re: DSC - 7th to 9th June
Post by: MarkS on Jun 06, 2013, 21:19:15
Quote from: Fay
I may go down on the thursday

I can't see you ...
Title: Re: DSC - 7th to 9th June
Post by: Fay on Jun 06, 2013, 21:20:45
you there then? if you had told me i would have gone
Title: Re: DSC - 7th to 9th June
Post by: MarkS on Jun 07, 2013, 07:36:55
Quote from: mickw
I think I'll be on "up a ladder duty"  :(

Good luck to you - in these winds ...
Title: Re: DSC - 7th to 9th June
Post by: mickw on Jun 07, 2013, 08:10:06
Quote from: MarkS on Jun 07, 2013, 07:36:55
Quote from: mickw
I think I'll be on "up a ladder duty"  :(

Good luck to you - in these winds ...

How did you know I have terrible wind  :o
Title: Re: DSC - 7th to 9th June
Post by: Rocket Pooch on Jun 07, 2013, 08:24:37
see you Saturday some time
Title: Re: DSC - 7th to 9th June
Post by: MarkS on Jun 07, 2013, 08:42:19
Quote from: mickw
How did you know I have terrible wind  :o

Because it affected High Halden also! And it is forecast to hit DSC most of the weekend.
Title: Re: DSC - 7th to 9th June
Post by: Mike on Jun 07, 2013, 08:56:41
I must remember to bring the kite then :)
Title: Re: DSC - 7th to 9th June
Post by: The Thing on Jun 07, 2013, 10:03:00
 :boom:
Quote from: MarkS on Jun 07, 2013, 08:42:19
Quote from: mickw
How did you know I have terrible wind  :o

Because it affected High Halden also! And it is forecast to hit DSC most of the weekend.

I'd better take the beans out of the box right now... :boom:
Title: Re: DSC - 7th to 9th June
Post by: mickw on Jun 07, 2013, 11:23:46
QuoteI'd better take the beans out of the box right now...

Don't be too hasty, you might need to equalise the wind pressure inside/outside the tent  ;)
Title: Re: DSC - 7th to 9th June
Post by: MarkS on Jun 07, 2013, 11:33:29
I hope to arrive around 7:30pm

See you there!
Title: Re: DSC - 7th to 9th June
Post by: The Thing on Jun 07, 2013, 12:41:44
Fay and I are here. The huge camper bus is in the adjacent pitch. It's a little breezy but very pleasant. See you all later.
Title: Re: DSC - 7th to 9th June
Post by: MarkS on Jun 07, 2013, 13:00:31
Which way does the camper bus outside door face?  Last year he had some very bright external lights on it.
Title: Re: DSC - 7th to 9th June
Post by: The Thing on Jun 07, 2013, 14:48:19
It's been empty for a year. Fay reckons there's bodies.
Title: Re: DSC - 7th to 9th June
Post by: MarkS on Jun 07, 2013, 14:53:22

Probably killed by their own bright lighting.
Title: Re: DSC - 7th to 9th June
Post by: mickw on Jun 07, 2013, 16:29:38
Probably got stuck in the mud and couldn't get to the shops........................

It's a terrible thing to be without beer  :cry:
Title: Re: DSC - 7th to 9th June
Post by: The Thing on Jun 07, 2013, 18:34:28
So far we have (in order of arrival) Fay, Duncan, Sue & Roy, Delphine & hubby, Paul(!), Darian and daughter and Mike & Petra. It's filling up.
Title: Re: DSC - 7th to 9th June
Post by: mickw on Jun 07, 2013, 19:17:03
Excellent turn out, I hope it all works out well.

Sky looking clear but humidity rising so full throttle on the dew heaters I reckon.

Paul as in Whitters ?

Must pay a visit tomorrow
Title: Re: DSC - 7th to 9th June
Post by: The Thing on Jun 07, 2013, 20:28:11
Yes, Whitters! Get yourself over here :beer:
Title: Re: DSC - 7th to 9th June
Post by: Mike on Jun 07, 2013, 20:53:33
Marks here now. As usual cooking a dinner big enough for a family to eat.

Its bloody cold!!
Title: Re: DSC - 7th to 9th June
Post by: MarkS on Jun 07, 2013, 21:26:42
I'll disappear during the day tomorrow to do some work on the observatory.  Anyone is welcome to pop in and have a nose.  Just walk round into the garden - that's where I'll be.
Title: Re: DSC - 7th to 9th June
Post by: Ivor on Jun 07, 2013, 23:33:49
Looks a great clear night so happy imaging, I have a 13 yr old birthday party this weekend so I'm stuck at home.  :(
Title: Re: DSC - 7th to 9th June
Post by: JonH on Jun 08, 2013, 02:07:03
Would have been nice to make this weekend but got too many other things to do and already had plans for Sunday.
Hope everyone has a good weekend imaging  :beer:
Title: Re: DSC - 7th to 9th June
Post by: Tony G on Jun 08, 2013, 07:27:11
Was the first night clear?
It was for a while here in Snodland but clouded over later about 12.00am  :-?
And was there any imaging or observing done?

Tony G
Title: Re: DSC - 7th to 9th June
Post by: The Thing on Jun 08, 2013, 16:33:21
It was clear but gusty. Fay did some widefield with an iOptron tracker, Canon and 50mm lens, I gave up due to the wind, murk and bad seeing, Dorian gave us a look through his 11" Celestron which was great, Sue had her Tak out and Delphine was having a go with her Nexstar.

More wind tonight to its :beer: and birthday celebrations.

The field is full and there were lots of fire pits and barbecues, but they burnt out before it got dark.
Title: Re: DSC - 7th to 9th June
Post by: Tony G on Jun 08, 2013, 18:27:10
Quote from: The Thing on Jun 08, 2013, 16:33:21
The field is full and there were lots of fire pits and barbecues, but they burnt out before it got dark.

Does it get dark Duncan?
And Happy Birthday to whoever.............Is it Delphine's 21st. ;)

Tony G
Title: Re: DSC - 7th to 9th June
Post by: The Thing on Jun 08, 2013, 18:29:42
Whoever is busy getting merry! Delphine is always 21. And it doesn't get dark enough. BTW Mick visited and John P is here now with is daughter. A busy weekend. Shame about the wind.
Title: Re: DSC - 7th to 9th June
Post by: MarkS on Jun 09, 2013, 10:16:53
It's good to see that a foot rest has been installed at the Rother Valley Camping site:

(http://www.markshelley.co.uk/webdisk/rotherfootrest.jpg)
Title: Re: DSC - 7th to 9th June
Post by: Tony G on Jun 09, 2013, 11:13:17
We could turn this into a OAS competition.
'Guess Who's Feet'

I must stress that the owners cannot enter!

Well here goes..............

1. The Thing
2. Fay (I'd recognize those furry boots anywhere)
3. Mark
4. Someone lazy that they don't do laces.  :lol:
5. Someone like me that needs to lose a bit of weight, as they don't fit on the chair. ;)
6.Jackie 'The Owner' coming up behind you with a big stick telling you to get your bloody feet off the chair and asking do you do that at home? :!

Still I maybe wrong and this could just be an obscure photo from the tinternet.

Tony G 
Title: Re: DSC - 7th to 9th June
Post by: MarkS on Jun 09, 2013, 12:53:24
Quote from: Tony G
I must stress that the owners cannot enter!

I've never really thought of myself as a feet owner before!
Title: Re: DSC - 7th to 9th June
Post by: Mike on Jun 09, 2013, 13:49:34
Great picture Mark. Well it was a great DSC despite the crappy weather. We still had fun.

Here's a few snaps Petra and I took: PICCIES (https://plus.google.com/photos/111736160953904129429/albums/5887462673931102449)
Title: Re: DSC - 7th to 9th June
Post by: Fay on Jun 09, 2013, 14:47:58
Tony WRONG on a couple of guesses!
Title: Re: DSC - 7th to 9th June
Post by: Tony G on Jun 09, 2013, 16:25:18
Fay,

Which one's, 4 & 5.  ;)

Tony G
Title: Re: DSC - 7th to 9th June
Post by: mickw on Jun 09, 2013, 16:39:28
Quote from: Tony G on Jun 09, 2013, 16:25:18
Fay,

Which one's, 4 & 5.  ;)

Tony G

I would say Yes  ;)

6/10   Must try harder  :P
Title: Re: DSC - 7th to 9th June
Post by: Fay on Jun 09, 2013, 17:25:13
Julian & Duncan
Title: Re: DSC - 7th to 9th June
Post by: JohnP on Jun 09, 2013, 19:52:36
Shame Orla & I missed the kite - she would have loved to see it.... Good seeing everyone again - shame about skies,  John
Title: Re: DSC - 7th to 9th June
Post by: JonH on Jun 09, 2013, 21:35:22
DAMN! Where did you get that kite? I need one of those!!!!!
Title: Re: DSC - 7th to 9th June
Post by: Darian on Jun 11, 2013, 12:06:30
Hi Everyone,

It was good to meet you all and we both had a great time.   

Hopefully will see you at the next one.

Darian and Miranda
Title: Re: DSC - 7th to 9th June
Post by: Mike on Jun 11, 2013, 12:42:34
Nice to meet you too Darian.

See you at the next one.

Mike & Petra.