Mersing Astro Trip: 17-20 August

[ebeyonder]

Great trip! I really enjoyed it!! Thanks for organsing, Remus and I look forward to the next one.

[cataclysm]

Yes couldn't agree more, another great trip!!
This picture shows the mood of the 2nd night, with Pleiades, Haydes, Jupiter & Orion rising from the background at the wee hour.... very cold indeed!

[ebeyonder]

Great shot! Looking forward to more pictures!

[rcj]

no problem, ebeyonder. really glad you've enjoyed the dark skies that this august trip brought!

Summary Report:

Was a rewarding trip, even though the dates were set against the midst of the typhoon and potential haze season. It has also been a long time since we last had a 4D3N expedition in Mersing, somewhat tiring on our (at last mine) aging bodies, but at the same time, a definite fruitful trip for those of us imaging, and a handful observers. It was also the season of Hari Raya, and naturally the jams were quite vexing for most of us used to fast paced lives. However, those in the minibus had a generally smooth trip across the causeway on Friday (bus lane!, but we could notice that cars had snaking queues). Was also the first time that the majority set off in the evening, and managed to reach the site eventually nearing midnight. Nevertheless, according to those who left earlier, it was a hazy start, with muted stars and low contrast in the milky way structures. The skies on the first night eventually cleared early morning (about 430am), and became pristine and contrasty till morn. Second night was even better. It started out well and good, and last generally in that condition for the entire night. We also noticed a lack of low passing cumulus although at times there were still slight haze, but suspected it could be due to low mist/fog. It was also a night we could not forget as the temperature went as low as 21.5 degrees (seen in the previous short post). At least to me, it felt rather strange to be experiencing temperate conditions at sea level in the state of johor! The CCD never felt better absorbing photons with minimal noise (cooling power at 30%), and am sure the DSLR guys would agree too. But the humans were left not expecting this, and most of us clothed up double, held warm cups, and for once, the aircon in the units felt the same as outside! Didn't feel as dewy as it should have been, but the grass felt wet, and moist. Third night started off good as well, but the "usual" low cumulus plagued us throughout the night. Being also the last night, it was also an early night for most of us, packing up at nearing 2AMish. Sky conditions were thereafter intermittently overcasted with cumulus, with pockets of clearing. Of all three nights, we also noticed quite a few meteors, some bright exciting ones, and also some that left distinct long trails. Since it was the Hari Raya season, some of the meals could not be catered by the premises, so particularly for lunch on Sunday, we had self-cooked pasta, complete with wine-based sauce. Weather was also great for exploring, while some even jogged to the island of Pulau Mawar at low-tide. On a personal note, it was also the first time (in almost a decade) that i'd decided to bring my parents along, and they seemed happy and relaxed the whole time.

Imaging wise, it was also quite rewarding. Some of us engaged on the Sagittarius targets, just before it sets for this season, and also went on to Cygnus, Cepheus, and the morning objects. Personally, it was a time to attempt a better Triangulum Galaxy, and some reflective nebulae in Cygnus. Visually, it was also quite a sight to have, seeing Mars, Saturn and Spica in a formation of a right-angled isoceles triangle, together with a very thin moon on the last evening. Of course, never forgetting how amazing the arching of the milky way tapestries was before midnight!

Thanks to everyone who came, had nice company with, and also those that expressed their desire to come, but couldn't make it. And also not to worry, we should have a new season of expeditions installed for next year.

[rcj]

great shot Kelvin! noticing my white tube! lol

[Sam Lee]

Looks like you guys had another great trip. Looking forward to the next trip!

[shirox]

yup the cold weather was night but think due to the wet air my nose is free flow again. lol and now feeling the after effects of mersing... zombinised

[lqx]

(Just in case we needed to fit the jigsaw puzzle again...)

[Airconvent]

Thanks for sharing your trip report, Remus.
Have been ages since I last went to "Coconut Grove" (The veterans will know what I mean!) and intended to drive down on Saturday. It was a pity I was not able to make it at the last minute but in retrospect, I missed the massive Hari Raya jam too. Hope to be able to join in the next trip but in the meantime, do share your photos guys!

[Gary]

Nice photo Kelvin! Thanks for sharing!