LEONIDS 2001 - MEELINE STATION
November 16th-19th and surrounding dates
The Place
Meeline Station is a large sheep station in the Murchison Region. It lies approximately 100 km to the SE of the town of Mount Magnet. This about 600km by road from Perth or 8 hours drive. It is run by Adrian and Karen Morrisey. Meeline has hosted camps for amateur astronomers beginning in 1986 for Halley's comet and they welcome us warmly to visit them once again (Thanks guys!)
The nearest station is Iona Station, 50 km to the north. This means no light pollution! Please remember you will be a long way from "civilisation". Any medical emergencies will mean either a long trip by road or and expensive call to the Flying Doctor.
The land is mostly flat, with some small hills scattered around. Sparse scrub up to 2m high may be found. There are some small salt lakes near the homestead. The amount of wildlife you will see will depend on how recently it has rained. Currently (winter) it has been dry up there for some time. Be alert for kangaroos, emus, wild goats and wedge-tailed eagles as you drive in.
The weather and climate
The following may sound severe but it is to enable you to be prepared for any eventuality.
Being on the edge of the desert it naturally going to be a bit hot. Daytime temperatures can be expected to be around 30-35 C with a possiblity of it reaching 40 C Night time will be cooler, around 10-15 C . The humidity will be fairly dry but dew may be expected on a calm night. The region can experience strong easterly winds at times, although Karen says most of the strong winds should be gone by the time of the Leonids. However there is the chance they may occur during your time there. There is also a risk of heat-formed thunderstorms at time of year as well, but these usually form further to the west. In short, be prepared for anything!!!
For those unfamiliar with the Australian outback please bring plenty of strong sun-block, a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses to cut the daytime glare for tired eyes, insect repellent and maybe a fly net to hang from the hat. They will make things a little more comfortable.
The Facilities
The Morrisey's have been working towards updating the accomodation at Meeline in recent years to provide for small groups. They have also hosted other visiting amateur astronomers from all over the world. There are several options available.
The Cottage:
The cottage has been recently renovated and is self-contained to sleep 6 people. Has gas/wood cooking facilities and the nicest bathroom (Karen suggests we keep the bathroom available for any women attending) There is a shaded lawn and patio and large BBQ area out the back.
There is a possibility that a small pool will be available to cool off in during the afternoon... maybe.
The Shearer's Quarters:
The quarters are basically tin sheds. There are 5 rooms with two beds in each available here. There are mattresses on the beds. Attached to the sleeping quarters are two toilets and an old open concrete shower room. There is a kitchen and eating area with wood/gas stove and tables and benches.
If you want to pitch a tent or bring a campervan etc you are most welcome too, there is plenty of room to spread out. Please let us know about it though, for planning purposes.
What to Bring
You will have to bring all your own food. There are some fridges available however I would not rely on a lot of fridge space (we are checking this but it may be best to plan on not having any fridge at all ie only bring non-perishable food). If we attract large numbers we can arrange for a portable cool room to be on site. Remember it will likely be hot up there. There should be drinking water available but you may like to bring your own as well.
For those taking a bed you will need to bring your own sheets and pillows etc. A folding chair if you dont want to stand all the time. And all your regular observing gear.
Power is likely to be limited, especially at night. (In the past the homestead was run off a diesel generator that is turned off mid evening) Bring lots of batteries with you if you have equipment running off power.
Cost:
Cottage:
$Aus60 per night shared between 6 people
(One US $ is equal to $2 Aus)
Non-cottage attendees:
$Aus10 per night.
(This makes it $Aus10 a night for everyone, regardless of where you are sleeping)
RSVP
Please register you Expression of Interest by October 15th
It would appreciated if definite attendance is confirmed by October 31st
Let us know how many people, whether you want a bed or are going to pitch a tent etc and how long you would like to stay. At this point the weeks either side of the main event has been reserved for the trip.
Contact either:
Jacquie Milner: [email protected]
Wk: (61) 8 9386 4473 (at the shop)
Clive Milne: (no relation to Jacquie) [email protected]
All photographs are courtesy of James Athanasou.
Looking North towards the Shearers kitchens. The shearing shed is just showing above the bushes on the extreme right. Behind the kitchen and not clear in this photo are the sleeping quarters. They are basically tin sheds - no luxury here!
Looking West. John and James are using the old wire beds from the shearers quarters for meteor observing
Star trails to the south
The historic homestead.
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