Leon Mow Dark Sky Site

Thanks to a generous donation from one of its most long standing and respected members, Astronomical Society of Victoria members can enjoy the use a 'dark sky site' for astronomical observing about 1.5 hours north of Melbourne near the central Victorian town of Heathcote.

The 'Leon Mow Dark Sky Site' is available for use by members at any time, and is host to popular annual events that are open to the public, notably the Messier Star party in March, the Galactic Centre Star Party around September and the Christmas Star-B-Q at the end of the year.

Generally, members bring their own telescopes and binoculars, share the view through other members' viewing equipment, or just appreciate the Southern sky with the naked eye.

Amenities on the site include club rooms with stove, hot and cold running water, toilets and showers.

There are two observing fields; general viewing field and a photographic field. Both have plenty of room to setup your scope and a reliable 240V power supply installed. Members can also camp overnight on-site in designated areas.

Information for Members

Further detailed information is available for members only:

• LMDSS Rules
• LMDSS Location and Information
• LMDSS Management Plan

A map and directions to the site can be found in the ASV Members Guide.

LMDSS coordinator

The LMDSS coordinator and management committee maintain and develop the ASV's Leon Mow Dark Sky Site under the direction of the ASV council. The committee is also involved in planning and financial matters related to the upkeep and development of the site. The committee's main role is to make the site as useful to ASV members as possible, by fostering its primary purpose as an astronomical observing site. The committee liaises with other ASV sections (eg: meteor section) regarding the use of the site, and reports regularly to the ASV council on matters such as recent developments, usage of the site and financial matters.

The current management committee members are:

• Graeme Bannister (coordinator),
• Barry Cleland,
• Anne & Glenn Williams.

The management committee is always looking for people who are willing to help out with short and long term projects to maintain and develop the LMDSS for the benefit of ASV members.

Leon Mow Biography

Leon joined the Astronomical Society of Victoria in 1981 and was an enthusiastic member of the Astrophotographic Section, partaking in numerous field trips to Heathcote, Deniliquin and overseas to Solar Eclipses. In recent years, Leon made the tentative move from film to CCD and could often be found pottering around in his roof-top observatory either imaging or looking through an eyepiece at the night sky. Astronomy for Leon was a passion and he loved to help others to develop their skills and show interested people and groups the night sky. You could often find Leon plying his trade at Astronomy for the People nights or simply relaxing in the friendly atmosphere of our Dark-Sky site which is named after him.

Over the years, Leon was a great financial supporter of the ASV, providing funding for our Dark-Sky site, equipment, guest speakers and other necessities that the ASV has required from time to time. Recently Leon donated both his instruments and CCD equipment to the Society so that members could continue to benefit from his passion of the night sky.

Leon will be sorely missed by all who knew him.