|
Post by stevie on May 27, 2014 13:28:30 GMT
Just as an early heads-up.
There is a thread running on the IFAS website at the moment discussing the possibility of organising an observing weekend/star party at the new dark sky site in County Kerry.
The dates being discussed at the moment are the weekends of 22-24 August and 19-21 September. These are both the weekend before new Moon, and the Moon will not be rising until near dawn on each weekend.
I am arguing in favour of August as Sagittarius and Scorpio will be in the sky for longer after sunset. Judging from Stellarium, it should be possible to see the three Messier globular clusters at the base of the Teapot asterism (M's 54,69,70) as well as M6 and M7, which are almost impossible to see from up here.
I also pointed out that there would be no point in going unless it was nailed-on clear skies.
One of the guys on IFAS has volunteered to find out about possible sites for camping.
It could turn out to be a great weekend.
I'll keep this thread updated as things develop.
|
|
|
Post by Simon on May 27, 2014 14:15:50 GMT
You've caught my interest. I'll look out for updates and if the summer weather looks good then I'll more than likely go.
|
|
|
Post by stevie on Jun 30, 2014 18:23:54 GMT
IFAS are now going ahead with this, and are looking for an estimate of numbers likely to attend The proposed date is the weekend of August 22nd - 24th. Monday 25th is a Bank holiday here, so an extra day to recover. The September date has been scrapped because of the Burren star party. The weekend will, of course, be weather-dependent. Please let me know asap if you would like to attend so that I can give IFAS a rough number. A new reply has been posted on the IFAS Message Subject : Observing Weekend Category : Announcements, Events & Clubs News Posted by : Roy Stewart URL : www.irishastronomy.org/index.php/kunena?view=topic&catid=11&id=100012&mesid=101090Message : ----- Hey Guys.. Here's a link to Skelligs Lodge so you can have a look for youselves. www.skelliglodge.com/rates/When I get some number of people attending I will get back to them for a group discount. Cheers Roy #ClearSkies #LunarNut -----
|
|
|
Post by NeilP on Jul 1, 2014 21:16:34 GMT
Hi Stevie
I would be up for this as well
Cheers Neil
|
|
|
Post by stevie on Jul 1, 2014 23:20:25 GMT
Good on you Neil.
|
|
|
Post by jasonf1 on Jul 2, 2014 20:04:36 GMT
Hi Stevie
I'd be interested in going too, but I didn't realise Kerry was so far south!! Still it would be worth it to see sagittarius.
|
|
|
Post by stevie on Jul 2, 2014 23:57:00 GMT
It's a six hour drive from Belfast Jason, so around another 45 minutes for someone from up your way.
Not you personally of course, you should be able to get down there in about four hours.
That includes a stop for lunch :-)
|
|
|
Post by jasonf1 on Jul 3, 2014 9:57:04 GMT
Where's this reputation for speeding come from? Just because my car was able to go above 50mph down to Newgrange
|
|
|
Post by royzskies on Jul 3, 2014 11:54:32 GMT
Hi Stevie..
Am I to take from the last post that Jason will make it 8 from the NIAAS attending? John Flannery(IAA)and a few from the Cork astronomy club might also be tagging along. So the numbers just keep growing.
I will wait til midweek(next week)to get back the the Skellig Lodge with numbers, but so far we could be looking at about 10 double rooms.. Not bad numbers for this kind of thing with more to come on board(Hopefully)
Cheers Roy
#ClearSkies #LunarNut
|
|
|
Post by stevie on Jul 3, 2014 17:09:48 GMT
Hi Roy, and welcome to the forum
Yes, at the moment we have 7 definitely interested and one hopeful.
Not sure if we will rope in any more, there's a couple of people I thought might be interested who haven't said anything yet.
The more the merrier as far as I'm concerned, if we want to turn this into a serious annual event, then we may as well start with a bang. We don't all have to stay in the hostel, I'm sure there will be other places nearby.
Just one other thing, have we identified an actual site for the event? The grounds of the hostel look pretty big on that photo, but I don't think the owner would like us trampling all over his grass.
I'll give you a rough final total in the middle of next week.
|
|
|
Post by royzskies on Jul 3, 2014 19:51:42 GMT
Hi Stevie..
I've just contacted Frida from Skellig lodge about using their ground for observing. I'm waiting for her to get back to me ,I will keep you posted.. Also on the accommodation in Skellig Lodge the more that stay there the better the discount for a group..
Cheers Roy
|
|
|
Post by j1mmy on Jul 3, 2014 20:43:23 GMT
Stevie put me down as a maybe?When do you need to know for sure?
|
|
|
Post by royzskies on Jul 3, 2014 21:09:33 GMT
Hi Jimmy... There is no rush. the only reason I need names is so I can get back to the owner of Skellig Lodge with the number of people who are attending so she can give me the best possible group price.. It would be great if you could attend cause as Stevie said "the more the merrier".
I would also like to commend you guys in the NIAAS for your enthusiasm to this event, considering the distance you guys gotta travel.. ye are certainly putting the guys down South to shame(Fair play to ye).
Cheers Roy
#ClearSkies #LunarNut
|
|
|
Post by royzskies on Jul 4, 2014 9:27:12 GMT
Hi Stevie..
Here's the response from Skellig Lodge.
Hello Roy
I can do the twin rooms for E36 ( E18 pp) per night. I have none left after that but I have 3 single room at E 22 per person per night, 3 double room ensuite at E 45 per room per room and 4 X 3 beds dorm at E 14 pp per night
Please let me know if that is suitable. I have already made a provisional booking for you
You can of course set up anywhere you want in the hostel. We already welcome The Cork Astronomy group each November
You do know that our kitchen facility is very good for group cooking and I am sure your group will feel very comfortable here
All the best
Frida
The Skellig Lodge Ballinskelligs, Ring of Kerry Co. Kerry, Ireland.
Tel: +353 (0) 66 947 9942 Fax: +353 (0) 66 947 9947
Cheers Roy
#ClearSkies #LunarNut
|
|
|
Post by stevie on Jul 4, 2014 17:32:56 GMT
Good for you Jimmy.
That's great Roy. The hostel certainly seems very comfortable, the prices are excellent, and, if we do observe there, we won't even have to get out of our pyjamas.
|
|