THE RASNZAPS ASTROPHOTOGRAPHY CAMP - 2006
URGENT: DUE TO TERRIBLE WEATHER CONDITIONS IN GISBORNE THE CAMP HAS BEEN POSTPONED UNTIL NEXT WEEKEND (FRI 31 - SUN 2 APRIL 2006). OUR SINCERE APOLOGIES FOR ANY INCONVENIENCE!!!
A gathering of astrophotographers at a dark site near Gisborne, New Zealand
Possum Observatory - John Drummond
Hi there! Welcome to the 2nd RASNZAPS astrophotography camp (the first being in 2005). This gathering of astronomers from around NZ (and overseas) will occur from Friday 24th - Monday 27th March 2006. It is to be held on a small farm 11kms to the west of Gisborne near the little township of Patutahi. The site offers a dark site (apart from the slight glow of 30,000 population Gisborne 11km to the east). The weather in Gisborne is often fine and so we're hoping for a clear weekend. The weekend costs $15 per person per night to (to cover BBQ dinners, power and water). Accomodation is either tents, caravans (bring your own), or sleeping communally in a 8 x 6m shed (space is also available in John's house).
If you're keen on coming (and for more info) please go to the official camp webpage here
CLICK HERE FOR MAPS-DIRECTIONS
For some images and comments about last year's astrophotography camp click here
Please note that the dates for this weekend
were chosen to 'marry up' with the 14th Annual South Pacific Star Party being
held in Australia so that any international visitors (say from the US) could
stop off at our NZ event and then continue on to the Oz event the following
weekend (Fri 31 March - Sun 2 April, 2006). Click here
for more.
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The farm at full moon - the 'hall', house, and accomodation
paddock is visible
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The 'hall' - an 8 x 6m shed (which will be cleaner!)
- badly stitched image sorry
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The Milky Way imaged from the farm (Carina to Aquila)
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Another view of the farm and paddocks - hopefully
the trees will be gone...
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Possum Observatory - houses a modified 16"
Meade Starfinder
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The 16" (41cm) and 8" (20cm) guidescope
- under a dark sky...
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