Astro Camps

The ASNSW holds monthly Astro Camps, or mini star parties, on the weekends nearest to New Moon, at Wiruna, the ASNSW's premier dark sky observing site, near Ilford, NSW.

Usually, around 30 - 50 members, visitors and locals come along to join us at these informal observing weekends, for relaxing, socialising with one another, and of course, observing!

The property has a resident 17½” ƒ/4.5 Dobsonian and a 25” ƒ/5 Obsession Telescope, both in roll off sheds, as well as several other telescopes, available for use by members. There is some accomodation, hundreds of cleared camp sites, cooking facilities, and full amenities available for use. 240-volt mains power is now available in and adjacent to the Main Meeting Hall and Bunk House.

As always, the observing weekends at both observatories should be regarded as being designed for beginners and novices, as well as for more experienced observers. There are many members willing to take a newcomer under their wing and show them the ropes.

A special note concerning Wiruna: It is a user-pays facility, and fees do apply (see below). Anyone wishing to use the facility at times other than the organised observing weekends should inform the ASNSW Committee before going to Wiruna, to get the keys and code for the locks, and to pay your fees.

If transport is a problem, Email Us and we may be able to organise something for you.

Camping fees for Wiruna

During non star party times, the following fees will apply on a per person, per night basis:

MEMBERS		VISITORS
Camping	$5	Camping	$7
Bunk House	$7	Bunk House	$9
House	$10	House	$12

Scheduled Observing Sessions at Wiruna for 2007

January	19 - 20	February	16 - 17	March	16 - 17
April	13 - 15 (SPSP)	May	18 - 19	June	15 - 16
July	13 - 14	August	10 - 11	September	7 - 8
October	12 - 13	November	9 - 10	December	7 - 8

Facilities at Wiruna include the following:

• A fully-enclosed Storage Shed.
• An abundance of Firewood amongst the forested areas
• A four bedroom dormitory with bedding facilities and 240-volt solar-power. Individual rooms can be booked by members.
• A 9 x 15m meeting hall adjacent to the dormitory with 240-volt solar-power.
• A new amenities block with 2 hot showers and 2 flush toilets adjacent to the Eastern observing field.
• An open-style kitchen and eating area with gas barbecues, wash basin, tables and chairs and an open fireplace.
• A resident 10” ƒ/6 Dobsonian.
• A resident 17½” ƒ/4.5 Dobsonian fitted with Argo Navis and ServoCAT, enclosed in a roll-off shed known as "The Dob Kennel".
• A resident 25” ƒ/5 Obsession Telescope fitted with Sky Commander and a tracking platform, enclosed in a roll-off shed.
• A 2 bedroom house in the Western Field with flush toilet, hot shower, slow combustion fireplace, beds and kitchen facilities, and 12-volt solar-powered lighting.
• Individual bedrooms can be booked by accredited members, and the remainder of the house and its facilities are available for use by accredited members.

For more information regarding AstroCamps at Wiruna, please feel free to Email us anytime.