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Subject Topic: Astronomy and camping, anyone do it? Post Reply Post New Topic
21/5/2007 at 12:44pm
 Location: Brighton
 Outfit: VW Campervan
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I intend to take my telescope with me this year camping, most sites have no lights at night and are out in the sticks so should be excellent veiwing.

Anyone here take theirs with them? Do you use a windbreak or something like that to stand behind or do you have a purpose built tent just for this..?

Any tips etc?

I was thinking of buying a cheap tent and cutting the roof off it and using that as a portable observatory, anyone done this or similar?

Ta.

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If in doubt, do it anyway!!!!!!


21/5/2007 at 2:35pm
 Location: North Hykeham
 Outfit: Lunar Newstar Motorh
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When I was a kid I often used to set up a tent in my backyard and just lay there and watch the stars....

Does this make me sad???



21/5/2007 at 2:39pm
 Location: None Entered
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There's a similar thread somewhere on the campsite board, there's a site in Devon (I think) with a massive telescope and they have an astronomer come along and give talks


21/5/2007 at 3:44pm
 Location: North Wales
 Outfit: Vango Salina 600
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We are going to Brittany for a long camp this year I have perusaded my Missus that I just have to take my Meade ETX125 to take advantage of the dark nights etc. She hasn't yet mentioned that we live in a very dark area so why the advantage in Brittany? Also means I'll have to buy one of the hard cases for it - haven't mentioned that one yet....



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Hotels Suck. Villas are great but I can't take my Cadac on the plane....


21/5/2007 at 3:53pm
 Location: Newport Saffron walden
 Outfit: vango aspen 700 freelander rootrailer
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http://www.ukcampsite.co.uk/chatter/display_topic_threads.asp?ForumID=4&TopicID=106130&PagePosition=1&get=last

 

I'd like to take mine but can't fit it in

 

(mines a bit rubbish though anyway)

5" reflector



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22/5/2007 at 12:11am
 Location: Brighton
 Outfit: VW Campervan
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Thank you for the links, looking at Court Farm late August.

I have a 6" Reflector. That shouldn't be a problem in the car, it is the tripod that is a bit bulky that I am worried about.



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If in doubt, do it anyway!!!!!!


22/5/2007 at 9:36am
 Location: North Wales
 Outfit: Vango Salina 600
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Have a look at this map..

http://www.spacegazer.com/light-pollution-g.asp



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Hotels Suck. Villas are great but I can't take my Cadac on the plane....


23/5/2007 at 12:53am
 Location: manchester
 Outfit: outwell montana 6 and proaction 2man
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We stayed at kelling heath campsite in norfolk last year and they have special

weekends for astronomy clubs. extremely low light polution there as well.

just google the name to find their website with further details.

regards simon 



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loitering within tent


23/5/2007 at 4:32am
 Location: Shropshire
 Outfit: Pennine Pathfinder
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I have no telescope but I found that spacegazer website interesting and I'd love to go to one of those sites that offer astronomy facilities.  Thanks for the info.

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Ailish


23/5/2007 at 6:59pm
 Location:  Anglesey - Wales
 Outfit: FoST
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My dad takes his telescopes with him when he goes camping and he can be up all night viewing and sleeping most of the day getting ready for another nights viewing - why not take your scope with you if it is easily transportable - If I saw someone using their scope whilst I was camping I would be cheeky and ask to have a look as I never take mine - its tripod weighs a ton LOLand knowing my luck I would end up with cloud filled skies every night.

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Degsy Rowlands is my love, my life and a lunatic!!!!!!!! Louise x


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23/5/2007 at 7:21pm
 Location: Brighton
 Outfit: VW Campervan
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I will take mine, the tripod is a bit big but you can simply take the legs off and redo them on arrival.

I would let anyone look through mine, I love it, showing people Saturn for the first time is a real buzz too.

I am going to buy a windbreak thing and set that up around the scope so there will be some protection from the wind. I can't wait!!!

If anyone is at Court Farm, St Austell at the end of August feel free to come and have a look. (I will be going to oher sites in between but havn't booked anywhere yet so if you are in the south and see a bloke with a scope in a windbreak come and say hi!!!)



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If in doubt, do it anyway!!!!!!


23/5/2007 at 7:41pm
 Location: North Wales
 Outfit: Vango Salina 600
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I think I'll cut a bloody big hole in the top of my vango and use it as a dome. Do you think the family will notice?

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Hotels Suck. Villas are great but I can't take my Cadac on the plane....


26/5/2007 at 9:56pm
 Location:  Anglesey - Wales
 Outfit: FoST
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Quote: Originally posted by ahhh..fresh..air! on 23/5/2007
I think I'll cut a bloody big hole in the top of my vango and use it as a dome. Do you think the family will notice?

Observatory and tent - your family should be pleased you are multi tasking on that one lol

Just put a bin small tarp over the top lol



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Degsy Rowlands is my love, my life and a lunatic!!!!!!!! Louise x


26/5/2007 at 10:11pm
 Location: WHITCHURCH
 Outfit: Swift Fairway 586 & Mazda CX5
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I remember - when we were a bit flush (before the 4 year old addition to the family and house move to new home - AKA the money pit) going to the maldives and doing a robinson crusoe thing on an uninhabited island.

Spent much of the night lay on my back in the tent with my head sticking out gazing up watching all the shooting stars until.......

Thump - a coconut fell from a tree about 2 feet away from my head - major re-think required as to the pitch location followed. But hey not a problem for me when i go camping here i guess ...........................



26/5/2007 at 11:09pm
 Location: manchester
 Outfit: outwell montana 6 and proaction 2man
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Yeah Know that feeling, used to go night fishing on llandudno pier (they stopped it a few years back due to "health and safety") and spent most of the night lay on the pier looking at the stars and meteors, so relaxing realising this planet is just a tiny speck amongst it all (never clocked saturn though!)

Is it true if it does'nt twinkle its a planet? or is the bloke at jodrell bank full of stardust?



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loitering within tent


26/5/2007 at 11:21pm
 Location: Essex and Norfolk
 Outfit: Khyam Ridgidome XL & canvas bell tent
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    When we're in Norfolk camping during the summer, I often lay on my back in the grass looking up at the night sky... My girlfriend thinks I'm mad, or should leave the marijuana alone (an occasional treat, you understand!) but I do find it fascinating. It's something I've always meant to learn about, but have never got round to it. I bought a 'Planisphere' years ago, I must remember to take it with me next time as the skies in Norfolk are beautiful on a clear night...

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"Essex Kingfisher"



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