Using eight hand-held GPS (Global Positioning System) units and averaging the readings, they determined that, on New Moon weekends at Wiruna, the eastern, or lower observing field actually becomes higher than the western observing field. On the one hand, this could be the result of statistical error, particularly as civilian GPS units have their altitude sensitivity restricted by a form of encryption known as Selective Availability, making the units notoriously unreliable on altitude readings, due to security measures taken by the US Military, operators of the GPS satellite system.
Readings taken using a single GPS unit a week prior to the SPSP showed that Wiruna had an altitude of 80 metres below sea level, whilst barometric altimeter readings taken on two successive New Moon weekends showed that the western, or upper observing field was actually between 5 – 10 metres higher than the alleged highest spot on the eastern or lower observing field.
Dr Clawless-Emu had theorised that at New Moon, the combined gravitational effects of the Sun and Moon pulling in tandem may have affected the flexible eastern (lower) observing field more strongly than the not so flexible western (upper) observing field, so that it expanded upwards to a greater extent than the rocky hillside of the western (upper) observing field.
To put the matter at rest, and as he wishes to observe as close to the stars as possible, Dr Clawless-Emu is constructing a 5.2 metre earth and stone mound on which to mount his telescope, at a suitable spot on the eastern, or lower observing field – subject to committee approval of course.
Observing in a tree, he established, was prone to too much vibration from the wind and the indistinguishable deep primal growls which often emanate from the carport on New Moon weekends.