Mersing Astro Expedition (28-31 July 2011)

Post by **rcj** » Wed Jul 13, 2011 5:08 am

H!

Some of us have decided to have a go with the weather again, and try for a drive up to Mersing this end July. This time, we are trying to go for a 4D3N duration from 28th July to 31st July (Thursday to Sunday), and ditch our work (not advising you too, but....) commitments for astronomy!

If you are keen to join us (self-drive), do let us know. You don't have to join us for the entire 4D3N, if one or two nights there is fine, as long as you know how to come over (can give directions in email, or check wiki).

Email: remuscj at yahoo dot com

Related Mersing threads:

http://www.singastro.org/viewtopic.php?t=9762

http://www.singastro.org/viewtopic.php?t=9657

http://www.singastro.org/viewtopic.php?t=9653

shirox · Post by **shirox** » Mon Jul 18, 2011 2:35 pm

woo woo 10 more days!

starfinder · Post by **starfinder** » Mon Jul 18, 2011 2:48 pm

For everyone's info, that weekend would coincide with the peak of the minor meteor shower, the Southern Delta Aquariids.

Apparently, it has a broad peak period centering on 29/30 July of about 15-20 meteors per hour (ZHR). However, these meteors would be slightly fainter than average (around mag 3).

Radiant is in Aquarius, not far from the bright first magnitude star Fomalhaut (alpha Piscis Austrinis).

Those in the tropical latitudes (i.e. incl. Johor and Singapore) and mid-southern latitudes are best placed to view this shower.

Best time is near 3am, local time. Edit: Face *eastwards* and look up (not southwards).

More info here:
http://www.amsmeteors.org/2011/07/obser ... r-in-2011/

http://www.earthsky.org/astronomy-essen ... ower-guide

http://www.meteorshowersonline.com/show ... arids.html

http://www.imo.net/calendar/2011#sda

BTW, when is the next bright comet coming?? A bit overdue already!

shirox · Post by **shirox** » Thu Jul 21, 2011 6:36 pm

next week going you know? whahahahaha

Post by **rcj** » Thu Jul 21, 2011 9:03 pm

keeping fingers crossed for the weather! hopefully no haze!

yleeyufang · Post by **yleeyufang** » Thu Jul 21, 2011 10:54 pm

hahaha... took leave for the trip liao!!!
weather still looks promising for now.

MikeMathews

shirox · Post by **shirox** » Thu Jul 21, 2011 10:56 pm

I will Blow the clouds away... keep blowing lol

Post by **rcj** » Thu Jul 21, 2011 11:30 pm

guys! uploaded more past mersing expedition photos here: Mersing Photos

dating back till 2003!

shirox · Post by **shirox** » Sat Jul 23, 2011 6:36 pm

I'm sure you are aware of this already lol. But bring along enough heat packs lol. Very wet!

starfinder · Post by **starfinder** » Sat Jul 23, 2011 6:55 pm

shirox wrote:I'm sure you are aware of this already lol. But bring along enough heat packs lol. Very wet!

Ok, thanks for the reminder!

Actually, Kahang is not always heavy with dew or fog. I have been there 4 times already. At least half of the time it was ok. There can be dew at Mersing/Telok Sari too (I have been there about 20 times over 10 years), it varies from one time to another, but is less than at Kahang. I think a bigger factor is cloud cover.

What I hope to see is the very pristine (dark and crystal clear) skies you can sometimes get at Kahang overhead, esp after midnight till 6am. Can take one's breath away.