We tried out Howson Oval for the first time on a cold and windy night, so it was probably the worst weather we would experience there, as it is exposed. Unfortunately, it was only me and Jenny, a visitor joining NSAS, so we persevered for several hours and gave up at 8 PM, when it was clear everyone else stuck their heads out their doors and decided to stay in front of the fire.
Howson Oval is a great observing site, far superior to NTGC, once we do a deal with the Council about access to the security lights on the dressing shed. There are no streetlights visible, and the only lights on the horizon are The San to the north, but even that is hidden. We could see near the horizon for 360 degrees from the middle of the oval, and while not as good to the north as Golden Julilee, it’s not bad. Even better, the toilets were unlocked! (probably Council security forgot them). We’ll give Howson a go again on a better night.
Thanks for braving the elements Bob! (And Jenny).
Is there and all weather cricket pitch in the middle of the oval? More stable than grass.
Hope to join you there for next month’s viewing nights.
3 observing sessions in one month – excellent! Thanks for the report on Howson Oval and for giving it a go particulary as it was such a rough night, it sounds like a very promising observing site.
Actually, it’s a soccer field, so it’s grass all the way, so not so great after rain.
Interesting about the grass. From nearmap.com aerial view timeline at 17th Sept 2011, there is a cricket match going on!, but yes, winter is Soccer matches. They must turf over the all-weather cricket strip for the winter soccer.