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Public star parties are held so that we can
share our telescopes with anyone who happens along. We try to eliminate
the presence
of even small amounts of white light. Maintaining dark adapted night
vision is essential for visual observing and thus minimizing ambient light
is an important aspect of maximizing observing potential.
Bring warm clothing, it does get cold late at
night even in the middle of summer
In addition, other common courtesies and
precautions will enhance the experience for all.
You are asked to practice the following Star Party Etiquette at
Public star
parties, and confer with the Event Coordinator if you have any
questions, or related issue or problem arises,
Arrival and Departure - please drive very slowly and carefully after
dark in the parking area.
| 1 |
If arriving after dark, make sure to turn off
your headlights and use only parking lights in the parking lot and mask all other lights that can’t
be turned off like dome lights, etc .prior to driving into the parking area. |
| 2 |
If you do bring a
telescope and set it up, be sure to put it a couple of yards away from
your closest neighbor. Many people need room for star chart tables,
chairs, power supplies, and cables. |
| 3 |
If
you will be leaving before the event is over,
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a |
Park with your vehicle’s headlights
pointing away from the observing field and use only parking lights
until you are out of the parking area, and cover all vehicle lighting
that can’t be turned off. |
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b |
Drive away with headlights off and parking
lights only. Only turn on your lights after leaving the observing area. |
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c |
If you feel it is too dark to safely
drive yourself out of the observing field, ask someone to guide you. |
Lights
| 4 |
After dark all vehicle lights
that can be turned off (headlights,
parking lights, tail lights, brake lights, interior dome lights, etc.)
should remain off or be taped to reduce/eliminate their light. |
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NOTE: |
On the newer cars it may be possible
to turn off the "always-on" headlights by clicking on the parking
brake ONE click. This is often enough to turn off the headlights, but
not enough to actually engage the parking brake. Don't forget to
release the parking brake when leaving. |
| 5 |
Avoid locking your car if locking/unlocking
causes your lights to flash or horn to honk and put your keys someplace where you won’t
inadvertently active the locks or set off your car alarm. |
| 6 |
You may use red
flashlights dimmed as much as possible while still being able to see.
Even red light can be objectionable if too bright.
It is easy to modify a regular flashlight by covering the lens with a
red filter. Red construction paper, red fabric, red cellophane (thick
layers), or red tail-light repair tape works great to make red
filters. |
| 7 |
Computer screens, cell phones and any other
light-emitting device should be dimmed, masked and shielded to block
obtrusive light (low brightness, night mode and red plastic work best
but even red light can be objectionable if too bright). If you wish to
take any pictures with a camera or cellphone, be sure to turn off the
flash first. |
| 8 |
In the event you must give off some light, give a
yell so folks can cover their eyes or turn off a camera. |
Miscellaneous
| 9 |
Astronomy is a quiet, peaceful activity. Avoid
loud and boisterous behavior. |
| 10 |
Green laser pointers are not allowed, except by
permission of the event coordinator. |
| 11 |
Please ask
for permission before touching anyone's equipment. |
| 12 |
Bring your kids. However,
many kids get cold and tired early, so you will want to bring warm
clothes and maybe even a sleeping bag for them. Do not let them run
around unsupervised as there are lots of expensive telescopes, tables,
cables and equipment to run into in the dark. |
| 13 |
Pets are best left at home, but if you must bring
your pet please make sure they are on a leash, under control and quiet
at all times. Also, make sure that they do their business away from
the observing field and that you clean up after your pet. |
| 14 |
Smoking and alcohol are not allowed during
observing hours in the observing area, or around any telescope equipment
at any time. Be aware that alcohol may adversely affect your night
vision, body temperature and ability to drive safely. |
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