Star
Party Etiquette
The Riverside
Astronomical Society does not have "rules" about
how to behave at Star Parties.
However, newcomers often want to know what will happen, and what people
actually do at a star party.
The following information may help those who want to know, but may not
know who or how to ask.
SCHEDULE
Star Parties are usually scheduled for Friday and Saturday nights preceding or closest to the new moon. However, many people come out for only one evening, and that is normally Saturday. Most scheduled star parties are held at GMARS, so we'll describe what usually happens there. At national forest and other campsites, the idea is the same but the daytime activities will vary.
Many people stay overnight, but others leave after an evening of observing. A window of 11:00 to 11:30 p.m. is generally accepted as a time for people to leave if they must. By adhering to this time, the disruption is minimized. However, if this window does not accommodate your plans, you are free to leave as necessary--with proper consideration for the use of lights and safety. We encourage you to ask any member for assistance in departing after dark.
We encourage you to arrive before dark. This is not always possible, and particularly not after a working day. Again, you may arrive whenever you can, but if you come after dark, you should be sensitive to keeping your lights off. See the section on LIGHTS below.
Generally, we try to set up observing and photographic equipment in the late afternoon. At about two hours before sunset, we eat in the clubhouse kitchen, at a local restaraunt, in the RV, or around the Coleman stove. When the sun goes down, we crank up the telescopes. Depending on one's stamina, that activity can go on well past midnight.
On Saturday, we sleep in a bit. Pots of coffee boil on various stoves, and in the clubhouse. Daytime activities could include hiking the local desert (if it is not summer), flying kites, or helping to fix up the clubhouse and facility. Some people may be found napping during the day, and should not be disturbed. In the afternoon at the clubhouse, we may meet as an impromtu Site Committee to plan and discuss progress on the site.
On Saturday afternoon an hour or so before sunset, we usually have a big potluck/star-be-cue, with hamburgers, buns, and fixings, with members and guests throwing in some desserts, chips, and other things into the pot. There is no charge for the meal, but donations are certainly welcome.
As sunset approaches, new people start to arrive. The newcomers generally include some first-timers, and students coming to earn extra credit in their astronomy classes. We may conduct an informal tour of the telescope field for these folks, or have a short sky tour. The population at the site for the star party weekend generally peaks at sunset. Then Saturday evening continues pretty much as Friday.
On Sunday morning, folks pretty much pack up and head off to breakfast or home. The telescope field is usually cleared by about 11:00 a.m.
LIGHTS
Amateur astronomers know that almost any light (except dim red light) will hurt nighttime vision. For this reason, they are careful to bring a dim red flashlight for their nighttime use.
After dark, and anywhere near the site, visitors should NOT use anything but a dim red flashlight. If there is an emergency or safety concern, please let us know immediately.
It should also be noted that even red light will affect one's night vision and observing, particularly if it is bright or not well filtered. This can sometimes happen when a normal flashlight is covered with red cellophane. Flashing lights can also be very distracting, and if bright may affect night vision. These lights may be necessary to warn aircraft of tall power poles near an airport. However, they should not be necesary on the telescope field. In general, it is best to keep all lights off (even dim lights), unless they are absolutely necessary for walking, or reading observing books and charts. You can usually find someone to help you shield your flashlight for appropriate use at GMARS.
Often, children will point a flashlight at people's faces. This is a natural reflex. Please remind your young ones to always point the light towards the ground, and use it for walking only. You do not need to have a light on if you're standing still or waiting to view through a telescope. Better yet... control the flashlight for your children.
Automobile lights can be another problem. The time to learn how to control your vehicle's lights is before you come to the star party. It is very difficult to learn how to control the lights in the middle of a dark night at GMARS. Look in the manual or talk to the dealer. Most cars have a dial or switch (usually connected to the panel light dimmer) that can shut off the interior lights even with the door open. Other drivers may have to locate the switch, fuse, or relay that controls these lights. Some cars have daytime headlights or automatic headlights that are always on. Sometimes these can be shut off by pulling up one or two notches on the parking brake. If they cannot be controlled this way, there may be a convenient override switch or easy-to-use fuse. If not, the driver has a few choices. One could just forego driving at night (preferred). Or, one could tape some opaque (light proof) material over the lights. Another alternative is to park down the road. IF YOU MUST DRIVE WITHOUT LIGHTS and you are unfamiliar with the site, have someone help by walking along to guide you with a red flashlight. We recommend you park at the entrance (with headlights OFF), and walk in with a dim (red) light and ask someone for assistance in parking your vehicle. Although we refrain from using lights after dark, we are also concerned about your safety and the safety of others.
Lights should be controlled on the entire site during a star party. Recreational Vehicle windows should be fitted with opaque coverings, and care should be exercised that lights are off when opening the doors of vehicles. Tents are not light-proof, and a typical flashlight or camp lantern in a tent will ruin night vision for those outside. And for those new to "camping" at a star party, it should be said that it isn't really camping as you may be used to, since campfires are not allowed. Also, be sure to use a red mask over your notebook computer screen.
Green Laser Policy
The RAS does not have an official policy concerning the use of green laser pointers. Common sense and courtesy dictates what is acceptable. For sky tours early in the evening, the green laser pointer is certainly a valuable tool. Minimize its use, and no one will likely object to this. As the sky darkens several hours after sunset, many members will be engaged in astrophotography and imaging. The use of the laser is not recommennded during this period. If you feel a need to use it, and there is only a small group at the site, we would recommend that you get an "OK" from the group before proceeding.
COST
All RAS functions are free to all attendees, members or non-members. There may be a donation bucket at some events, but nobody keeps track of who drops anything in the bucket, or if anyone is a member or not. Your camping, food, and other personal expenses are your own. At GMARS, there is no fee for camping. (At some RAS Star Parties away from Landers, you would be expected to pay for your campsite.)
If you enjoyed your night at our star party, or plan on attending one, you may make a donation to the Landers Site Development fund.
Click here for a pledge form, or send your donation directly to Riverside Astronomical Society, 8300 Utica Ave., Suite 105, Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91730.
FACILITIES
The site has a small house with a bathroom, kitchen, and a small bedroom. There are no RV facilities hookups, but the telescope field and parking areas are graded and relatively level. You are welcome to set up tents adjacent to your vehicle and/or telescope. Limited 120V AC power is available on the telescope field for scopes, computers, battery chargers, etc.
Users should be aware that the desert sand does not pack well and care should be taken that one does not drive through soft sand. Please keep your vehicle adjacent to the telescope field or other "developed" areas.
BEHAVIOR
These guidelines will tell you a little about the way our star parties work. The club has not made any rules about what you can and cannot do at an RAS Star Party. But somehow, we get along quite well together. We do not usually encourage the playing of music or listening to the radio during the evening star party. The few times we have had some music, it could not be heard more than the few feet from the player, and the person who was operating the player checked with his neighbors first. We do not smoke or drink alcohol in or around the telescope field. Children should be monitored, and no one should be running on the property, especially at night. Members and guests typically wait patiently for their turn to look through a telescope. Attendees with telescopes are expected to allow others to look through their scope (unless they are involved in a specific observing or astrophotography program). Again, these aren't really rules, they just are the way we do things.
LOCKS
You are free to go to the site whenever you like, whether it is a Star Party weekend or not. The residence has a locked fence around the house, and that will be opened only when an RAS member who holds a key is present. There is typically no access to electricity, or the house and bathroom, except during Star Parties and other special events.
PARKING
Parking is available on-site in designated areas.
Click here for Map and Parking Information
If you must leave early, please park facing the exit so you do not have to use your "backup" lights.
WEATHER and CANCELLATIONS
Our experience is that GMARS will have clear weather even as rainclouds are covering the Riverside area, and even as the weather link is reporting clouds in Landers. However, there is no adequate way to notify people of cloud-outs in the desert. The RAS cannot be responsible for forces beyond our control. You may call the site at (760) 364-1952 for weather conditions. GMARS Weather Link.
PETS
Pets are welcome during the day, but should be under control. Whether they should be on the telescope field at night depends on how well they behave, but they would probably be happier someplace else.
EQUIPMENT--YOURS AND OTHERS
The reason to have a star party is to do observing. The reason we observe at a party is so that we can do it together. If you wish to bring your own equipment, feel free to do so. If you want help setting up, just ask--you will find some volunteers. If you do not have your own equipment, feel free to visit with any person on the field and ask what they are doing or "What are you looking at?" In very rare instances you may run into somebody who simply is working too hard at something to take time to visit with you and have you look through the telescope. This is true for some astrophotography or other specialized observing. These things take a lot of concentration. However, most people on the field would love to have you look through their scope; just be friendly. You never need equipment of our own to attend a Star Party.
If you are new to this, be aware that equipment should be handled with the same care you would give any delicate instrument like a fine camera or good crystal. Generally, equipment is not fragile like these items can be, and won't break when touched. However, since the optics magnify so much, a simple touch can disturb the view, and may even move the scope so that you cannot see the object. So, do everything gently.
CLOTHES
Desert temperatures range from very cold to very hot--often within twenty-four hours. When the sun goes down at a winter star party, the temperature can rapidly fall past freezing in a matter of hours. Therefore it is essential to bring plenty of layers of warm clothes. Include long johns, a hat, parka, and gloves for the night. Rely on wool, silk, or poly underwear, down for the parka, and plenty of layers and bulk to insulate. Dress warmly from the beginning of the evening. Once the body gets cold, it is hard to get the your body temperature back to a comfortable level.
FIRST TIMERS' QUESTIONS
If you have never been to a Star Party before, are visiting for extra credit in your astronomy class, want to know what kind of telescope to buy, are having trouble with your equipment, or whatever--just ask. Just as with any other group, we have some quiet and stick-to-themselves people. However, the vast majority of members are more than willing to share with you whatever they know. They will probably provide you with more information than you asked for. The mission of the Riverside Astronomical Society is "Bringing the Joys of Astronomy to the Public." We can't do that if you don't ask. First timers especially should attach themselves to somebody and simply spend the evening around them. If you would like such a mentor, just look around. The best candidates will already have a few people standing around looking through their scopes. Just join in and have fun.
SCHEDULE
LIGHTS
COST
FACILITIES
BEHAVIOR
WEATHER/
CANCELLATIONS
PETS
EQUIPMENT
CLOTHES
FIRST TIMERS
