It would be a rare amateur astronomer who did not initially indulge exclusively in visual observation. Usually such observations are conducted in a fairly haphazard manner - maybe using the lists in Norton's Star Atlas or other published guides for inspiration.

The AAQ Visual Observing Programme has been designed to provide a list of bright southern objects and directions for recording observations in order to develop members' observing skills. Objects listed in Messier's catalogue have been omitted although some 46% of them are southern sky objects and most of the remainder are visible from Brisbane at some time of the year. The Messier catalogue could therefore be a separate programme which members could pursue if they so desire.

The observing programme contains 50 deep sky objects divided into two lists of 25 objects each. The first list (Level 1) contains the brightest objects - open and globular clusters - which should be visible from suburban Brisbane using a small (150mm or 200mm) telescope. The second list (Level 2) contains fainter globular clusters, bright galaxies and planetary nebula, and a couple of emission nebula. Some are readily visible from Brisbane whilst others will need a dark sky site to be seen. Of course, all objects in either list will look more impressive from a dark sky site.

The aim of the observing programme is the following:

• to encourage familiarity with the use of a telescope;
• to learn to find objects using a star atlas and the star-hopping technique or using manual setting circles;
• to provide a challenge commensurate with experience.

The use of computerised Go To telescopes or digital setting circles is contrary to the spirit and intent of the programme and is therefore not allowed.

Participants are encouraged to record their observations. The records should include:

• location;
• date;
• time;
• telescope diameter and focal ratio;
• eyepiece(s) used;
• seeing conditions (1 is for perfect seeing and 5 is very bad);
• object name (catalogue number and common name if relevant);
• description of the object; and
• sketch or image of the object (optional).

An observing form incorporating the above is available for members' use.

Notes:

• Object Type Codes: OC = Open Cluster, GC = Globular Cluster, GX = Galaxy, PN = Planetary Nebula, EM = Emission (Diffuse) Nebula.
• Vmag. is the visual magnitude.
• Object Size is given in arc minutes.
• Object Distance is given in light years.

After spending a nervous Saturday morning gazing up at overcast skies I was relieved to meet 11 AAQ members and guests arrive at the Woolshed Saturday afternoon in time for our guided tour of the historic property. Our tour guide Jerry provided an interesting and informative commentary about life in the wool industry when Australia really did "ride on the sheep's back". As a retired shearer he gave an expert demonstration on the art of removing a sheep's fleece, and judging by the number of camera flashes occuring, was greatly appreciated by our group!

Just before sunset, and under breaking cloud cover, we had a short time to setup our equipment before the dinner bell summoned us to a delicious country cooked evening meal. With a collective sigh of relief we emerged from the dining room to see the cloud retreating to reveal clear dark skies, and relatively mild temperatures. By 9.30 pm the sky was almost totally clear, and Roy Axelsen's Obsession telescope was giving spectacular views of the Virgo galaxies, with the structure of some of these clearly visible. Cheryl and Gina Capra were impressed with the clarity and number of deep sky objects they had previously been unable to see with Cheryl's Meade SCT from their home in Brisbane. Around 12.30 am the last hardy souls called it a night and retreated to the Shearer's Quarters accomodation.

Sunday morning 8.00 am. found us back at the dining room enjoying a hearty breakfast, at which time casual mention was made of a nearby chocolate factory. Despite some initial reluctance from Graham Crossley (Ha! Ha!), a change to the Sunday itinerary was quickly organised. It was a great pleasure to see a group of such restrained and disciplined people sampling the delights of White Mischief Boutique Confectionery!!

By now, running late for dinner at Rimfire Winery, we back-tracked via the Woolshed, and then on to Rimfire Winery to enjoy a generous Winemaker's Barbeque and sampling of their local wines. Prior to making our separate ways home, we agreed that the weekend had been both a great social and astronomical success, with a unanimous call to make it a regular event.

A selection of photographs taken during the excursion are available here.