Etiquette
Star Parties provide an exciting environment and enjoyment for its participants. To keep the star party fun and to show consideration for all participants there are a few important guidelines to follow. These Please review our Star Party tips below:
General Guidelines
- Park away from the viewing field if you will be leaving during the night, remember your backup lights are bright, white lights. A good idea is to back into the space so when you leave, you can just drive out.
- If you park near the viewing field, either disconnect your Dome light or cover it with red cellophane.
- Make sure you bring a red flashlight for use at the site. This helps preserve night vision.
- Bring your Kids. Astronomy is a family affair. Remember they get tired easily so you may want to bring a sleeping bag for them.
- Bring warm clothes. Even on Warm Summer evenings it can get cold.
- Bring warm drinks and food.
- It is better to leave your pet at home.
- Bring binoculars. It’s amazing how much you can see if you know where to look.
- Smokers – If you must smoke, please do it away from the instruments and downwind from your nearest neighbors.
WSSP Specific
- If you brought a flashlight and it isn’t red, we have red cellophane for you!
- Before you touch an Astronomer’s Telescope, ASK! The owner will be happy to show you what he is observing and will show you the proper way to look through his particular instrument.
- Please don’t throw litter on the observing field.
- Be careful when walking on the observing field. Most telescopes should have some form of marker, whether it is cyalume sticks or red lighting etc. There will be markers along the pathway leading to the observing field.