Is Petersfield, Hants a good place?

[emadmoussa]

There's a possibility we'll be buying a house in the outskirts of Petersfield in Hampshire...just made an offer and we'll see.

I've done my homework and it seems like a nice place to live. However, I'm not sure ''astronomically" speaking how it is. Petersfield is surrounded by country side and I'm assuming the skies won't be that bad if you live slightly towards the town's edge? I'd appreciate any reflections on the subject.

Thanks!

[crashtestdummy]

I'm moving down to Portsmouth area this year and I've been and observed a few times near where you are.butser hill is close by and is rated highly locally but I've not had any good times there but I've been unlucky.It's also popular with local people looking into parked cars if you know what I mean.butser ancient farm is rated highly but you need to join hantsastro as it's a private viewing site.a friend of gf viewed there and says it's good.you should go on the hantsastro forum or website and have a look.let me know if you find any good areas for the future

[emadmoussa]

Mostly I'll be observing from back garden, but I will look into joining Hants Astronomical society and take it from there. Thanks!

[Pig]

I have never been there Imad,  I do live on the outskirts of Northampton town and the LP is not too big an issue

[emadmoussa]

I have never been there Imad,  I do live on the outskirts of Northampton town and the LP is not too big an issue

That's good to know. Have you ever considered building a small obsy?

[hobsey]

If I remember correctly, someone on here was trying to get a dark skies status around the Midhurst/Petworth, South Downs area which is only a 20 minute drive from Petersfield along the A272.

[Pig]

That's good to know. Have you ever considered building a small obsy?

Yes I have Imad, I am thinking of getting an extension done as it happens, I will make sure it has an accessible flat roof so I can put the scope on it.

I would like an observatory but I am a bit conscious of burglars

[emadmoussa]

Yes I have Imad, I am thinking of getting an extension done as it happens, I will make sure it has an accessible flat roof so I can put the scope on it.

I would like an observatory but I am a bit conscious of burglars

An automated machine gun should the job for you. :D

[Pig]

LOL I would have been locked up years ago if I had one

[JamesF]

Someone who has been posting about an observatory/observing platform build recently lives right on the outskirts of Petersfield if I recall correctly and might be good to ask for advice.  I just can't recall who at the moment

James

[JamesF]

Someone who has been posting about an observatory/observing platform build recently lives right on the outskirts of Petersfield if I recall correctly and might be good to ask for advice.  I just can't recall who at the moment

James

Demonperformer, perhaps?

James

[emadmoussa]

Thanks! Is there a link for the thread??

[nightfisher]

I was born in north petersfield, a place called Liss, there is still a lot of woodland area once away from town, but you should find your garden skies fairly good, depending on neighbors security lights 

[hobsey]

http://stargazerslounge.com/topic/200415-hifrom-the-south-downs-national-park/?hl=+south%20+downs

[Wyvern]

Hi, and good luck with the house purchase.

May I suggest a quick gander at this site for an idea of light pollution in your area....... or anywhere in the country for that!!!!

http://www.avex-asso.org/dossiers/pl/uk/index.html

Best wishes,

Les

[Macavity]

Last time I moved, I had a 4hr train journey - made FIVE changes etc.

I got things fairly right "astronomically". Not sure about the place...

But the general advice might be to travel up there for a day or so. 

Suss out what the area is like... by day, night, at weekends. For an

important decision... stay locally... sleep in your car if necessary?

[kor84]

I've enjoyed a few meteor showers from the top of Old Winchester Hill between Clanfield and Warnford. It's only a short drive from Petersfield.

[emadmoussa]

I've checking the light pollution statistics of Petersfield and it doesn't seem that bad considering it's a small town. As long as my back garden is OK, then I'm fine.

Thanks for the heads up

[Macavity]

For a nominal sum, you can get a plan of the property from the Land Registry?

http://www.landregistryservices.com/index.asp

Useful for checking compass directions... Possible observatory locations etc.

[allcart]

Anyone buying a house should obviously view the property first. If your interests are astronomy, then surely you would check the views from the garden as much as you would inspect the house. I would never buy a house with a garden that faced North with obstructed views.

My advice Emad would be to go over on a clear evening and check it out. At the same time, you get an idea of evening activity in the area.