Comets Mersing Expedition this Friday: Participants note

Post by **rcj** » Sun May 16, 2004 1:57 am

Hi SINGASTRO (to CME2004 participants):

The following is a line-up of activities for the Mersing expedition starting this coming Friday (biggest in SINGASTRO history!).
Prior to this, the expedition has been fully booked with three busloads of astronomers ranging from students to working adults,
and comprises of almost twenty plus telescopes and giant binoculars, and all levels from novices to seasoned individuals.
For the participants, this would be a great chance of interaction and learning, and all of us would naturally hope that the
weather would improve soon as the purpose of the expedition is to view and capture the two comets - Comet Linear and Neat,
witnessing the planetary conjunction, seeing through the cresent phase of the moon, and milky way vistas all the way to morn.

Participants, do note that there will be a scheduled list of activites installed for you:

1) Introductory Astronomy Sky Tour (IAST)
2) Comets-Conjunction Rendevous
3) Astrophotography I (Technical Talk)
4) Astrophotography II (Technical Talk)
5) Interactivity Games
6) Island Hike & Exploration
7) Nightly Stargazing

Description:
IAST will enable the novices present to learn and familiarise their way around the night sky, especially paying heed to
constellation recognition, location primary bright stars, etc. The Comets-Conjunction Rendevous highlights an informative
session on comets in general and attention paid to Comet T7 Linear and Q4 Neat. The two astrophotography talks (1hour each)
highlights astrophotography fundamentals, astro-imaging characteristics and techniques (DSLR, CCD, Film, Webcam), and related
imaging issues. Interactivity Games include water games, ice-breakers, etc, meant as a fun-filled social activity for everyone.
The Island Hike & Exploration is a special last-minute insertion to the expedition programme to cater to those who are interested
in immersing themselves into the natural environment of the Mersing beachscape (make sure you have the proper footwear, sunblock, etc)
by crossing to the neighboring islets connected through sandflats. Lastly, not forgetting the primary purpose of the expedition -
up to 4 nights of stargazing and astro-imaging for all participants!

Counting down....

Fingers and toes crossed for clear skies!

Regards,
Remus

IceAngel · Post by **IceAngel** » Sun May 16, 2004 1:31 pm

I am really excited and looking forward to the day!!

5 days more~!!!

Jeremy · Post by **Jeremy** » Sun May 16, 2004 4:18 pm

Good luck to everyone for a successful expedition - hope you find some good skies. Sorry I can't be with you.

I managed my first view of Comet NEAT last night (pity us poor northern observers!). Remarkably bright. Also had a good tour of the spring galaxies in Leo-Virgo-Coma-UMa (including M65, 66, 95, 96, 1-4, 64, 87, 81, 82, 51 and a few I have fogotten). So don't forget to add a target list of galaxies to observe from the dark skies of Mersing.

Go well!
Jeremy

shoelevy · Post by **shoelevy** » Sun May 16, 2004 4:51 pm

hey jeremy...did u manage to catch the tail of NEAT?...cos it'd looked prety faint when i looked at it

Post by **Airconvent** » Sun May 16, 2004 6:54 pm

Jeremy wrote:Good luck to everyone for a successful expedition - hope you find some good skies. Sorry I can't be with you.

I managed my first view of Comet NEAT last night (pity us poor northern observers!). Remarkably bright. Also had a good tour of the spring galaxies in Leo-Virgo-Coma-UMa (including M65, 66, 95, 96, 1-4, 64, 87, 81, 82, 51 and a few I have fogotten). So don't forget to add a target list of galaxies to observe from the dark skies of Mersing.

Go well!
Jeremy

Hi Jeremy,
Glad to hear from you again. Do let us see your pics once you start imaging
again...
Have fun up north!

rich

ykchia · Post by **ykchia** » Mon May 17, 2004 4:16 pm

Hi Remus:

Best wished to you all @ CME2004!!

rgds
ykchia