Member Astronomical League and International Dark-Sky Association
To ensure that everyone has a safe and enjoyable experience at our public star parties, we ask that you follow a few simple guidelines:
No Smoking On The Observing Field
Smoke damages telescope optics and can cause sensitive individuals
to suffer severe allergic reactions.
No Aerosol Sprays On The Observing Field
One drop of spray can permanently damage telescope optics. Please
do not apply insect repellent spray or use any other aerosol spray on
the observing field. Lotions or roll-ons are fine.
No White Lights After Dusk
White light ruins the dark adaptation that your eyes develop after about
20 or 30 minutes in the dark. You will need this dark adaptation to see
faint deep sky objects. When a white light is used after dark anywhere
in the vicinity of the observing field (flashlights, car headlights,
even a match) it takes up to 30 minutes for everyone to regain their night
vision. Once your eyes adapt to the darkness, you will be able to find
your way around and avoid obstructions without needing to use flashlight.
How to make an astronomy-friendly light
The best solution is to use a red filter or lens on flashlights or to buy special red LED lights. However, it is very simple to adapt a regular white flashlight to make it friendly to your eyes. All you need to do is cover it with anything red. Applying several coats of red fingernail polish to the flashlight lens is an inexpensive way to make a permanent astronomy light. Temporary astronomy lights can be made by covering a regular flashlight with a thick layer of nonflammable red paper or red plastic and securing with a rubber band. Red brake-light tape can also be used.
Turn Off Your Headlights And Interior Lights
When you arrive at an observing site after dark, please turn off your car's
headlights BEFORE entering the parking area. When you leave an
observing site after dark, please do not turn on your car's headlights until
AFTER you exit the parking area. Also please ensure that any non-red
interior and trunk lights will not come on when a door is opened. If your
car's courtesy lights cannot be deactivated with a switch, please cover the
lights with a piece of cloth or paper bag.
No Flash Photography
The bright strobe of a camera flash can destroy everyone's night vision
for 45 minutes to an hour. Photographs taken under dark conditions,
even with a flash, generally do not turn out well, anyway, unless you're
using special film and camera settings.
Watch Your Children
Children are always welcome at all of our star parties. But since the
observing field is dark, small children are more likely to trip and get
hurt, become lost, or bump into and damage expensive equipment.
Ask Before Touching
Some astronomers may be adjusting their equipment or doing delicate
astrophotography, or the telescope may not be aimed at any object in
particular, so please ask before touching or moving a telescope or
other equipment.
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