Leader: Joby Mitchell
Photo from Observatory Website with approval
Members and visitors took a trip to the Mudgee Observatory. (yes it was past our bed time)!!
But so worth staying up late.
The Mudgee Observatory’s owner/proprietor is John Vetter with over 40years experience in this field and wife Patricia. The observatory is an approx. 20 km out of Mudgee on the old Grattai Road.
Maps were provided to members but they followed the stars instead!
The observatory is well away from city lights and pollution. This is important when wanting to view the stars, so you can appreciate the beauty and experience the night sky at is best.
Before the stars shone brightly we were all rewarded with some light refreshments that John’s wife Patricia had left for us and very much appreciated by all.
After relaxing back in some comfy chairs we were given a short visual overview on the big screen, with John refreshing members in the planets and solar system. Members were able to view the moon and even some distant forming stars, in detail, in our galaxy and beyond, as the southern hemisphere provides more entertainment and good viewing pleasure on a moonless night. The pleasure was ours as we viewed the Milky Way and in such detail; we are sure to look up more often and appreciate our trip to the Observatory.
The observatory is armed with some serious telescopes and dome structures. How many members can fit into a dome structure? If they don’t fit just slide the roof over and you all can see the stars! Very impressive.
The wildlife did prove a challenge when heading home.
We all hope to return soon perhaps the next full moon.
Map Ref: 149 deg 29 min E, 32deg 38 min S
Ref: Mudgee Observatory: www.mudgeeobservatory.com.au
