Observing session down under

[John O'Mahony]

Hi Folks

I finally managed to get out to an observing session. The weather in Brisbane has been awful since I got here. We went out to the Southern Astronomical Societies dark sky site at Leyburn, about 3 hours drive south west from Brisbane. I only had my trusty 15 x 70s but I did bring my 450D and took a few snaps.

There is about eight permanent observatories on the site owned by club members

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The site has its own accomodation with a full kitchen and toilet/ shower. Yes, there are astronomers living there and no, they will not be "moved on"

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Here is a shot of the Magellanic clouds region taken with a 45 second exposure from the site. The clouds look like actual "clouds" in the night sky.

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This is a similar shot of the southern cross and the coal sack area. The coal sack visually is really black.

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The skies are simply awesome to behold. The area around the milky way simply glows with stars. M42 through the binos looks like a photograph there is so much detail. Its hard to describe - it has to be seen.
I'll be back in Limerick next week for a few weeks.

[Dave Lillis]

wow, sounds and looks great John, you are well set up there for sure.
Those guys living on site, are they basically squatting there or are they club members or what ??

[John O'Mahony]

wow, sounds and looks great John, you are well set up there for sure.
Those guys living on site, are they basically squatting there or are they club members or what ??

Nah, the trailers are permanently mounted and owned by club members. They are only used during observing sessions for sleeping and cooking. They all have day jobs