Mersing Xpedition in May (18-20, 21) [FULL]

[river]

to me, a chance to observe under dark sky and reach out to public is both important for astro community.

On one end, some observer want better condition for observation and imaging. On the other end, some public member are looking for first time starty night experience on a camping trip. Applying common practices on those star party on such camping trip is not easy and both camp can't really enjoy what they wanted to do.

Why not camp at Telok Sari resort compound then take a short trip to the open field?? While the new comer are there, we can intereact with each other, use the green laser to show them the sky etc. When they return to camp for other activity, those common practices can apply.

Side note on camping at the open field:
1) watch out of those buffalo.

2) When it rain (which is common), it is not so fun to stay in the tent and still get wet.

3) try not to set up fire, make too much noise or shine light all around as this is Malay Kampong area. I am sure at least one nearby house will call the police if it get too noisy.

4) The Telok Sari chalet is much safer, can BBQ, have toilet, water and the sky is relatively dark too.

[rcj]

well said, starfinder and river.

I will change the term to "GuideLines"...."Policy" might give a wrong albeit "harsher" idea.

River, not joining us this time?

[weixing]

Hi,

3) try not to set up fire, make too much noise or shine light all around as this is Malay Kampong area. I am sure at least one nearby house will call the police if it get too noisy.

Yap... don't want one van of police to join us with full headlights on like the last time... ha ha ha

Also, may be those doing imaging can inform the rest on the "target", so that others will know where is the "no laser" zone...

Anyway, for those who going to be there for the first time, don't worry about can't see a thing in the dark without light... It's actually quite bright when the sky is clear and after you get dark adapted... the stars will show you the way...

By the way, hope that near by house don't on their security light... the light was on till midnight on one occasion... quite irritating...

Have a nice day.

[Airconvent]

Hi Guys..I'm lost here. Are we still talking about THE Mersing site with a few coconut trees or some new location? All this talk about hotels and resorts and all .... :roll:

[starfinder]

Hi Guys..I'm lost here. Are we still talking about THE Mersing site with a few coconut trees or some new location? All this talk about hotels and resorts and all .... :roll:

Yes, I think we are. It is about "THE" beloved site, the one with the few tall coconut trees at Telok Sari. I sometimes like to call it "Padang Bintang" which means "Field of Stars" or "Star Field" in Malay.

The reference to the resort is to the Malay-run Sari Mawar chalet/resort about 1-2km north of the field across the river bridge.

[river]

Remus: I wish to be there too but I might have duty on that weekend.

hope to see you on Retreat later!

[Lee]

OK, thanks for all the inputs.
Probably take a recce trip down to Mersing next 1 or 2 weeks for some other sites or visit to nearby resorts.

[rcj]

Latest Update: The MESP crew is definitely a GREEN LIGHT GO for this expedition. We have filled the quota for the travelling bus. Accomodation places is rather tight. We have actually booked the entire chalet resort for this event. Thanks to all who are coming, and certainly looking forward to everyone heading there, whether on the bus, or car, or foot (lol)!
Heard that the entire astronomy group is gonna be big, TASOS will be there as well, and many others.

Let's all have starry fun together!

[river]

whether on the bus, or car, or foot (lol)!

it's time to ask macik to convert the hall to double deck barrack liao haha... enjor your trip and the Nasi Lemak and the teh tarik and ....

[rcj]

hi river,

on foot...yeah!

nope, we are occupying most of the private rooms.