Re: For newbies going to viewing sites

On Tue, 30 May 2006 02:10:49 GMT, "Matt J. McCullar"
<mccullar@xxxxxxxxx> wrote:

As interested as I am in astronomy, I haven't gone to that many public
viewing sites. Each time I do so, however, I learn something very useful
and I'd like to collect more tips from others who have far more experience
with this sort of thing.

* Bring a red flashlight and some star charts. Practice before you go.
Fresh batteries?

* Bring insect repellent, but don't spray it on anywhere near any of the
telescopes!

* Bring something comfortable to sit on or lie on.

* Dim your car's headlights if possible before getting too near the viewers.

What can you add?

Some of those are a bit regional. Around here, I'd leave off the insect
repellent, because we basically don't have anything. But even in the
middle of summer, we advise people to have lots of layers. Even though
it (usually!) doesn't drop below freezing in July, when you are
observing under clear, high altitude skies for many hours, you need
thermals, flannel, a down parka, good gloves and a hat to stay
comfortable. Nothing ruins a night like getting really cold.

Not just headlights need to be controlled (which is usually easy), but
also a sometimes large array of interior lights. Those can be more
difficult- you either need to remove bulbs, fuses, or make masks. Best
to deal with this some time in advance.

If you wear glasses, a neck strap is sometimes useful.

As always, I also suggest people try a very dim white flashlight instead
of red, and make sure they use charts that have white stars on a black
background. For many that is the best compromise between preserving
night vision and maintaining comfortable acuity.

Your night vision will be quicker and better if you make certain to wear
dark glasses anytime you are outside for at least the day you plan to
observe.

Don't forget to keep hydrated. It's easy to forget, especially once it
gets dark, but that will cost you in thermal control and fatigue.

_________________________________________________

Chris L Peterson
Cloudbait Observatory
http://www.cloudbait.com
.

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