Please note that there will be no October Deep Sky Section meeting due to VicSouth being held at the end of October.
As the director of the Deep Sky Section I invite anyone who is interested in deep sky object observing to join us at the society's LMDSS in Heathcote, with the view of getting a regular group together to meet on a monthly basis. If you have a telescope, bring it with you and if you don't there will be scopes to view through plus the society's 25-inch Obsession will be in operation. If you are interested in being part of the group please let me know by emailing me, Paul Gardiner, at deepsky@asv.org.au or call 0439 374 159, I would also be interested in hearing any suggestions as to what you would like to get out of being a participant in the group. i.e. completing the Messier 100, sketching / recording what I see or how to star hop to a faint fuzzy.
In the Deep Sky section, we are interested in observing objects which can only be seen in all their splendour when the skies are dark, the seeing is stable and transparency is clear. These objects include a multitude of different shapes and sizes of galaxies, open and globular clusters, planetary nebulae, emission nebulae, reflection nebulae and dark nebulae to name a few. There are literally millions of observable objects to be viewed depending on the resolving power and light gathering ability of your telescope and the acuteness of your own vision.
In this section we aim to provide novice deep sky observers with the ability to learn from experienced observers about how to locate and observe these objects, which eyepieces and filters work best and the resources to get the most out of your observing experience. For the seasoned observer the Deep Sky section provides an arena to get together, share information and experiences and imparting knowledge to Astronomers new to the field, but most importantly having a great time doing the thing we love the most, driving our telescopes to their limits.
Next Meeting: 28 / 01 / 2017
Location: LMDSS site, Heathcote
Time: 4.00pm
What to bring: Telescope and equipment (not essential if you don't own one)
Camping chair
Warm clothing
Camping and sleeping gear (if you are staying at the site)
Don't forget to obtain the gate/clubroom codes for access.