Observing session down under
Posted: Sun Mar 14, 2010 7:02 am
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
farm5.static.flickr.com/4069/4431182454_7b587e6e1e_b.jpg
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"
farm3.static.flickr.com/2520/4431196630_0d234e2b02_b.jpg
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.
farm3.static.flickr.com/2704/4431190964_6c9e8317fe_b.jpg
This is a similar shot of the southern cross and the coal sack area. The coal sack visually is really black.
farm5.static.flickr.com/4068/4430417845_88aaf66ff1_b.jpg
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.
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
farm5.static.flickr.com/4069/4431182454_7b587e6e1e_b.jpg
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"
farm3.static.flickr.com/2520/4431196630_0d234e2b02_b.jpg
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.
farm3.static.flickr.com/2704/4431190964_6c9e8317fe_b.jpg
This is a similar shot of the southern cross and the coal sack area. The coal sack visually is really black.
farm5.static.flickr.com/4068/4430417845_88aaf66ff1_b.jpg
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.