BASADMIN

Astronomy Hacks

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Author: Robert and Barbara Thompson

Why use the traditional approach to study the stars when you can turn computers, handheld devices, and telescopes into out-of-this-world stargazing tools? Whether you’re a first timer or an advanced hobbyist, you’ll find Astronomy Hacks both useful and fun. From upgrading your optical finder to photographing stars, this book is the perfect cosmic companion. This handy field guide covers the basics of observing, and what you need to know about tweaking, tuning, adjusting, and tricking out a ‘scope. Expect priceless tips and tools for using a Dobsonian Telescope, the large-aperture telescope you can inexpensively build in your garage. Get advice on protocols involved with using electronics including in dark places without ruining the party.                                                                                            “Astronomy Hacks” begins the space exploration by getting you set up with the right equipment for observing and admiring the stars in an urban setting. Along for the trip are first rate tips for making most of observations. The hacks show you how to: Dark-Adapt Your Notebook Computer Choose the Best Binocular Clean Your Eyepieces and Lenses Safely Upgrade Your Optical Finder Photograph the Stars with Basic Equipment The O’Reilly Hacks series has reclaimed the term “hacking” to mean innovating, unearthing, and creating shortcuts, gizmos, and gears. With these hacks, you don’t dream it-you do it–and “Astronomy Hacks” brings space dreams to life. The book is essential for anyone who wants to get the most out of an evening under the stars and have memorable celestial adventures.

Astrophysics for People in a Hurry

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Author: Neil de Grasse Tyson

The title of astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson’s book is certainly accurate. He begins with a plunge into the universe prior to the big bang and immediately explodes outward into explanations of a changing cosmos. Tyson explains with passionate enthusiasm where elements come from, why stars and planets are round, why galaxies take the shape of tortillas and much more. His renown and respect in his field generates an almost instant reader trust. Tyson’s writing is lively and approachable; he deals with every topic with humor and good will. You may feel as if a knowledgeable friend is explaining the universe to you – one worthy analogy or pop culture reference at a time.

However, Tyson’s strengths can at times turn into his weaknesses: He moves so fast through scientific principles and topics that he may well lose those readers who might appreciate more detail and context. Perhaps he recognises that most people don’t want to understand the scientific principles; they just like hearing him explain the universe’s function. Tyson provides a compelling read for anyone interested in science, the nature of the universe and clear explanations of complex phenomena.

Astro-Box Southern hemisphere

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Author: Philips

Description:4 items in portfolio : color illustrations, maps ; 30 x 33 cm

Contents:Philip’s stargazing with a telescope / Robin Scagell —
Philip’s southern starfinder / John Woodruff —
Philip’s star chart —
Philip’s planisphere.

Australian Astronomer John Tebbut

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Author: Ragbir Bhathal

The life and world of the Man on the $100 note. A house hold name in nineteenth-century Australia, today commemorated on the $100 note and has a crater named after him on the moon. This short account of the life and world of Australia’s premier nineteenth-century astronomer tells a fascinating story of a man who began his professional career with rudimentary scientific instruments and ended up by running a ‘one-man Greenwich Observatory of the Southern Hemisphere’.

Calvert – Location & Facilities

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Calvert Dark-Sky Telescope Site – Bourkes Road West, Calvert

BAS has been very kindly invited to utilize the privately owned facilities of the Calvert Radio Aeromodelling Field, also known as Gratton Field, located on Bourkes Road, West, just south of the hamlet of Calvert.  The site is about a 1 hour, 70km, drive from the Brisbane CBD via Walloon and Rosewood.

The location is recognised by two names searchable within Google Maps:

  • Calvert Aero Modelling Society
  • Gratton Field

If driving from Brisbane, head for Rosewood. Then take the Rosewood Laidley Rd west for 7.6km. Just after the first right-hand curve in the road look for two small bus stop shelters. Immediately after turn left into Calvert Station Road, cross the rail line and creek and immediately turn left into Bourke Rd, West. Proceed 260m to a gate entrance on the right with two white flag poles. Drive down the lane at no more than 30kph and you have arrived.  And, don’t forget to bring your $10 to compensate the facilities owner.  This will be collected by one of the attendees and left in the clubhouse for the site owner.  This helps offset the costs for site mowing, maintenance, facilities, and power etc.

Google Maps link to Calvert location: HERE  Search Google maps with either of these terms: “Calvert Aero Modelling Society” or “Gratton Field”

What3Words link to Calvert location: HERE or here: https://w3w.co/logos.recycle.helpful

Calvert entrance gate with two white flag poles.

The gate at the far end of the entrance lane, opening into the car parking area, is usually shut to keep cows out.  Please leave the gate as you found it- usually shut.

Please do not drive vehicles beyond the car parking area and into the model aircraft flight area (where the windmill is).  Tyre ruts can damage delicate landing gear and expensive aircarft.

The facilities comprise plenty of grassed open space.  Telescopes may be set up on the grassed carpark or on the flying field.  No vehicles to be driven onto the flying field.  The sunshade structures have 240V power outlets, available to BAS astronomers. 

The main clubhouse building has a kitchen, microwave oven, and refrigerators we may use.  Nearby is a toilet block.

Camping is permitted.  Either camp or park your vehicle in the main car parking area, or you can take your sleeping bag (and a camp bed/stretcher would be a good idea) into the main dining room area. Please leave the site as clean and tidy as you found it, or better.

BAS has New Moon weekend dates booked for the Calvert site and listed on our website calendar:  https://bas.asn.au/calendars/bas-members-event-calendar/

BAS members may utilize the site 365 days provided the owner is alerted prior to visiting.  Contact the BAS President to arrange permission to visit.  A $10 fee is payable per visitor.

The Calvert site has excellent facilities:

  • Kitchen with microwave ovens, BBQ facilities, refrigerators.
  • 240v power and running water
  • Dining hall with tables and chairs
  • Toilets and shower facilities
  • 240v power is also available along the flying field awnings
  • Extensive flat mown grassed areas.
  • Plenty of room for camping.
Some of the main facilities at the Calvert Aeromodelling Field.
Kitchen and dining hall area.

AstroAtlas

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Author: Herald & Bobroff

(This large format book is rare, fragile and not available for loan and field use.)

214 Star Charts for Equinox J2000, covering the whole sky at different scales. Provides detailed information on all objects plotted.  The book provides – six series of charts, drawn at different scales. Three series of charts each cover the whole sky (at different scales). A further three series provide detailed charts of selected regions of the sky; and symbols which conveniently encode considerable information about each object plotted – eliminating the need to access catalogues to ascertain the principal characteristics of objects. (255 pages A3, Published 1994)