Deep Sky nights

"Deep Sky" refers to objects outside our Solar System - Objects in our galaxy, and other galaxies. It is mostly used of "extended" objects - star clusters, nebulae and other galaxies - rather than other stars in our galaxy. Deep sky objects are usually quite faint, so we can't show you many - or any very well - from light polluted skies, such as those that might "do" for lunar and planetary nights. Consequently these nights are typically run at Wirilda, or under other (fairly) dark skies.

• Open, or galactic, star clusters. Usually groups of dozens or hundreds of fairly young stars still in or near their "nursery". Sometimes there is still some gas (nebulosity) left over from their creation
• Globular star clusters. Groups of thousands or millions of stars in a cluster, much older.
• Nebulae. lit. "clouds". Clouds of dust and gas, often with embeded stars. Often the beginnings of open clusters.
• Galaxies. All the above are part of our galaxy. Now we move out to other galaxies, containing stars and all of the above types of objects. Galaxies are difficult to view with amateur instruments due to their immense distances, but we can get a resonable view of some of the bigger and closer ones.

Keeping the observing site dark

Darkness is CRITICAL for deep sky observing, because the objects we are looking at are so dim. Any light other than dim red torches will RUIN other peoples enjoyment of the night. Please follow the rules below strictly:

• If you want to bring a torch, The best is a red LED one, or a small ordinary torch, preferably covered with red cellophane.
  Please don't bring really bright torches or use the LED light on your phone.
• Turn off interior lights in your car
• If possible, avoid triggering car security systems if they flash the lights
• If you can do so safely, use only parking lights in the car park - Avoid shining headlights across the observing field, especially not high beam
• Please, NO FLASH PHOTOGRAPHY (especially not without warning us first!)
• "Flash photography" includes phones that turn on a bright white light! Don't use them either!