Etiquette

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