Introduction

You may find this list of observing field rules long and detailed, but largely these center around two things, dark adaptation and respect for the observing equipment on the field. Dark adaptation is necessary for effectively viewing deep sky objects through telescopes. Experienced observers understand this. Others may not. Telescopes on the observing field may range in value from hundreds of dollars to tens of thousands of dollars. The owners have the right to have their equipment protected and respected. Eyepieces can also have a value from tens to hundreds of dollars. So please read these do's and don'ts with those principles in mind.

Bringing Telescopes

This is by no means a requirement, but bring a scope with you if you have one. Don't be embarrassed if you aren't familiar with it or think it may be to small. You will find help using it and may be surprised at what you can see with it. Binoculars are another great way to observe the night sky, so if you can't bring your scope, then bring your binoculars.

Car lights

Lights are generally the biggest problem at star parties because it takes several minutes on average for your eyes to get used to the dark or "dark-adapted" so you can really see faint objects in the sky. Some newer vehicles have automatic headlights that come on when you start the vehicle and this could be a problem. Some vehicles have the ability to turn this feature off, others do not. Sometimes partially depressing the emergency brake (but not enough to actually engage it) will disable the automatic lights.

In either case, please park you vehicle with the headlights pointing away from the field. When you start the vehicle, you will not blind those on the observing field or ruin some ones astrophoto exposure. Another problem is dome lights on vehicles close to the observing field. Either cover it or simply remove the bulb. If you must turn on a white light, call out "White Light" to warn the astronomers.

Flashlights

You need one to navigate your way around the dark observing field. Standard flash lights with white bulbs are a BIG NO-NO. Flashlights with a red lens or some type of red filtration are highly recommended. If you do not have one, read up on how to construct a star party friendly flashlight.

Photography

No Flash Photography - The bright strobe of a camera flash can destroy every ones 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. Take all the natural light photos you wish. Obviously, we encourage taking photos of the night sky.

Smoking

Don't smoke around any telescope. Smoke damages telescope optics by settling on the optics and ruining the coatings. Smoking simply should not take place on the observing field. Telescope mirrors and optics represent an investment on the part of the owner and regardless of cost owners hate to see their telescope optics dirtied by tar from cigarette smoke. So be courteous, don't smoke around the telescopes.

If you must smoke, please move to an area away from the observing field and downwind of the telescopes (at least 50 feet). Also, have respect for the facility. Do not discard butts on the ground. Please place them in the proper containers.

Don't "flick your Bic"- If you must light up, go behind a large vehicle or otherwise thoroughly shield your flame. A lighter is just as bad as a white flashlight.

Alcohol

Alcohol is strictly prohibited on the Visitors Center/Observatory and Pennyrile Forest premises.

Aerosol Sprays

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 are fine.

Food

Keep food and drinks away from the telescopes - Sticky hands, sloshing drinks, and expensive optics do not mix.

Spitting

Do not spit - Many times astronomers must be on their hands and knees around the telescopes. Nobody wants to encounter the end results of your chew. There have been instances where an inconsiderate person spit blindly into the dark and hit a box of very expensive eyepieces.

Music

Some observers enjoy playing music while looking through their scopes. This is acceptable under certain circumstances. Please have respect and ask your neighbors before you turn on the music. If they agree to your playing the music, please keep the volume to a reasonably low level in your observing area. Not everyone enjoys music while observing. Also, please select music that is pleasing to most everyone. Pink Floyd's Dark Side of the Moon is a good selection for backyard observing (one of my favorites! -jm), but others will probably frown if it's played at a star party. When in doubt, use headphones and a portable player of some sort.

Trash

The common sense rules apply here. If you make a mess, please clean it up. Bring trash bags to place your trash in. Help us keep the facility looking nice and presentable. LBL is run by the USDA Forest Service, Pennyrile is a Kentucky National Forest and ultimately we are all guests at the site. Let's don't wear out our welcome.

Quiet Mornings

Most observers come to a star party simply to observe from dusk till dawn. Often some will go to bed as the sun is rising. If you are an early riser, please have respect for those still in the sleeping bag. Please try to be as quiet as possible at least until the majority are up and around.

Children

Children are the future of amateur astronomy and we encourage parents to bring them along to the party. A star party can be a very exciting time for most everyone, kids included.

Please, keep an eye on your children. There are literally thousands upon thousands of dollars in equipment out on the observing field. Most scope owners have saved for years to buy their dream scope, or have countless hours in building their own equipment. Children should be instructed not to run or play around the equipment on the observing field. They should also get the owners permission before touching any equipment.

A star party official will issue only one warning if your child or children are breaking the basic rules. After that, you will be asked to leave the premises. We are not trying to be overly strict on this subject, but we do not want any damaged equipment or telescopes. We want to provide optimal circumstances for observing and that means keeping equipment free from harm.

Touching Equipment

Do not touch a telescope unless the owner has given you permission. Never touch the optical glass of a telescope or eyepiece. The oils on your skin can ruin the coatings.

Big Scopes

Most telescopes are small enough that you can simply walk up and look in the eyepiece, or better yet, you can sit down and look through it. Then there are the "Big Dobs". These telescopes so large that you literally have to climb a ladder to look through them. Some only require a step or two and you are at the eyepiece. Others may require more. It is not uncommon to climb four, five, even six feet up a ladder just to look through the eyepiece. No big deal you say? They can be! Just remember, you are doing this in the dark. When you do go up a tall ladder, be sure to count your steps. If you forget that you are on a ladder and turn around to walk away, that first step could be a doozy! (Lulu) If in doubt, ask the owner to count you down. It's better to be safe than sorry. And whatever you do, DON'T TRY TO BREAK YOUR FALL ON THE TELESCOPE!

Scope owners will not be held responsible if you are injured climbing their ladders. But you will be held responsible for any damage you cause to a scope. By climbing the ladder, you assume the responsibility of getting up and down safely. If you don't think you can get up there and back down safely, don't go.

Walk-a-bouts

It's a lot of fun to walk around the observing field during daylight hours, checking out all of the beautiful scopes that are set up. You can easily see everything in detail. Now try to walk around the field in the dark. Things will look totally different. Use your red filtered flashlight when you walk about the field and keep it pointed toward the ground. Be on the lookout for power cords and tripod legs. Once your eyes become dark-adapted, it will be much easier to walk around the field.

Clothing

Give some thought to this one! Check a weather report prior to an observing session. Astronomy is not much fun if you are not comfortable. Standing around in the night air can be quite cold, even in the summertime. Bring a long-sleeve shirt or a sweater.

Asking Questions

There is a saying that even holds true on the observing field. "There is no such thing as a stupid question. Only stupid people do not ask questions". Now we aren't implying that you are an idiot ;-). We are just trying to explain that no matter how dumb you may think the question is, go ahead and ask it. Most of us have probably asked the question ourselves when we were getting started in astronomy. A star party is the best classroom for learning about the hobby. You will learn more in two days by asking questions and listening to discussions than you will in a year out on your own.

Have Fun

The enjoyment of a star party is indescribable. Many new friends will be made, you will look through many different telescopes, both large and small, and a sense of satisfaction and fulfillment will be with you as you leave. Most are already looking forward to the next star party even before they leave the observing field.

Last Word

When in doubt, ask. We make every effort for you to enjoy the star party. If you have comments, questions, or concerns at the star party, by all means let one of the club members know. We will try our best to help out and make your visit an enjoyable one.

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