March Telescope Targets for Beginners

BAS has lots of members taking their first steps in astronomy and telescope mastery. Finding, and observing, the Moon is pretty easy, however just about every other object, other than the brighter planets, can be a challenge to bring into view in a telescope eyepiece. As a result, we have produced a short list of targets appropriate for beginners. The list includes objects visible from within the bubble of city light pollution, plus other objects that require a trip to a rural dark sky. The list also includes maps to help you find the objects and links to sources of additional information.

Click HERE for the PDF document list.

BAS – Zoom Monthly Member’s Meeting

The next BAS Member’s Monthly Meeting, conducted via Zoom, will be held on Monday October 30th, start time is 7:30pm

Join the BAS Zoom Monthly Meeting with this link:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/9544239623?pwd=dTBITFdFaVZTSTdvZ2xiRlgrRSt6QT09

Meeting ID: 954 423 9623
Passcode: pWgkF2

This meeting is open to all BAS Members and the general public. We will review some recent astronomy research news, hear from a special guest speaker on the topic of astrophotography, and then review upcoming astronomy events you might like to attend.

BAS Twitter/X Account

BAS has a Twitter/X account. This might be a useful inter-member communications channel. Members may message each other using some specific BAS #tags. This may make make it easier for members to see if other members also plan to attend specific BAS events.

The name of the BAS account is: @BrisAstronomy

A few hash-tags #tags have been created for the main events BAS conducts:

Mount Coot-tha Public Nights = #BASCootha
Maleny Observatory Nights = #BASMaleny
Calvert Model Aero Nights = #BASCalvert
Cunningham Lookout Nights = #BASCunningham
Warwick Archers Nights = #BASWarwick
School Nights = #BASSchool

By posting on Twitter/X using a tag such as #BASMaleny, and saying you plan on attending a Maleny Observatory evening, other Twitter/X users can search for the #BASMaleny tag and see the messages left by members, and add to the converation. This may make planning attendance at an evening a bit more transparent.

Warwick Archers – Location Directions

Warwick and District Archers are located on Ford Rd, Rosenthal Heights, Warwick QLD 4370. Easiest access is via Glen Road from central Warwick and then turn left onto Ford Road. https://goo.gl/maps/9xTbo9JqVfHEx4qJ7

The Archers have a very large site on the western side of Ford Road. Facilities are good, including, dining pavilion, basic kitchen, tank water, flushing toilets, hot shower, large camping area, plenty of open space and good dark sky. The site is also only 15 minutes drive from Warwick and all its services. The sky is surprisingly dark even this close to Warwick.

However, please be aware there is no 240V power and no true overnight accommodation. Plenty of space for camping and also a swag on the dining pavilion floor is an option.

If BAS members demonstrate sufficient interest in the location we will explore opportunities to create accommodation on-site.

Cunningham Lookout – Location Directions

Cunningham Lookout is a compact telescope setup area about 40km south of Ipswich along the Cunningham Highway and 3.5km west of Warrill View.  Turn right at Warrill View onto the Rosewood-Warrill View Road.  The entrance track to the lookout (on your left) is half-way up the first hill after departing Warrill View.

It is recommended that you bring a camp chair and table, or something similar, as this site offers zero facilities.  A little comfort, and keeping your gear off the dusty ground and damp grass, is a good thing.

Google Map link:  https://goo.gl/maps/eFNSGx3mYd2MY8BU6

What3Word map link:  https://w3w.co/transforming.ready.shirt