March 12-20, 2010: Another Deep South Star Party in Coonabarabran, Australia

Al Smith

I've very much enjoyed reading Mark's extensive observations from Arkaroola Observatory. My girlfriend, Annie, and I just returned from "The Deepest South Texas Star Safari" outside of Coonabarabran, NSW, Australia, adjacent to Siding Springs Observatory. I had noticed a discussion of this star party in TAC last summer and eventually followed links to www.ozsky.org. I can't recommend it enough; it was an observer's dream with approximately ten scopes available to about 20 of us, along with the vast resources and knowledge of our Australian hosts. These varied from 25x150 binoculars mounted on a joystick controlled chair, to a three or so 18" Obsessions, two 25" Obsessions, and a 30" Dob from Peter Read. These largest are part of an Australian outreach program spun off from Three Rivers Foundation of Texas. We are able to pick one and operate it for the night.

The weather was great during our visit from March 12 to 20, with skies varying from 21.5 to 21.7, and generally good transparency and seeing conditions. Temperatures were from 60 to mid 50s at night, but dew was definitely heavier than what we find around here.

I suggest following the web link above and also read the article in Amateur Astronomy Magazine from Winter 2009, Issue 64. It will give you a taste of the excitement and offerings. There is a great supplementary travel dialogue at its web site: http://www.amateurastronomy.com/AustraliaGallery.html All the people were great, and it was a relax gathering with BBQ's, side trips around both Sydney and Coonabarabran. It appeals to both the experienced and intermediate observers.

I had an observing list of 150 splendors and another 350 objects, but only got through a small proportion of them. One unexpectedly stood out was M83, an incredible display when overhead through the larger scopes. And the barred structure of the LMC and evidence of its arms with the large binoculars was an added treat.

Al Smith and Annie Asche