Etiquette for public star parties
- Don’t use white lights. Use red lights (put red tape over your flashlight) if you must use a light.
- If you come to a star party without a telescope please park some distance away from the observing site to save room for those with heavy equipment to carry.
- Never touch the equipment without permission. But don’t be afraid to ask.
- Never touch any glass optical surface.
- Avoid loud and boisterous behavior. Star-gazing is a quiet, peaceful activity.
- Don’t litter.
- Drive very slowly so as to avoid people (especially children) and to prevent kicking up dust.
- Watch your step (but don’t use a flashlight). Be especially careful of wires on the ground. Some scopes require power and the use of a battery.
- Children — please keep an eye on them and instruct them not to run around nor to touch the equipment.
- Pets — check ahead if pets are allowed as it depends on the venue and rules established by the club putting on the star party.
- Music — please no music.
- Smoking — no smoking allowed at any of the sites that SJAA puts on public star parties.
- Alcohol — no alcohol allowed at any of the sites that SJAA puts on public star parties.
Adapted from http://arnett.us.com/psc/etiquette.html