[AZ-Observing] Re: Star Party Rules

Unless an event is specifically promoted as having a deep, deep-sky observing 
or astrophotography focus, I think it best to emphasize and preserve the 
social aspect of a star party. I'm not drawn to star parties by dark skies. 
There are plenty of those within a reasonable driving distance of my home. 
Star parties offer a chance to socialize with other amateur astronomers and 
that's the main attraction for me.

The Arizona City site has the advantage of a large, naturally segmented 
observing field. If special areas are created, they should be for the 
minority of folks who want to observe or photograph with being bothered. The 
far southern section of the site benefits from natural shrubs which shield 
stray lights from the wide open northern section. That area could be reserved 
for attendees *not* planning to depart before dawn.

A second section might be reserved for people arriving after dark. There are 
several challenges in making this work. One is assigning someone to intercept 
the late arrivals and guide them to the reserved area. That job would have to 
be rotated among volunteers who take 30-minutes to hour-long shifts between 
sunset and ????

Then, there's the larger goal of educating attendees about proper star party 
etiquette. This can be addressed several ways:

1. Electronic and print promotion for star parties should include etiquette 
highlights. For example, an announcement sent to this mail list, posted to 
SAA or published in the club newsletter should include relevant information 
about special areas set aside as "Total Dark" or "Late Arrival" zones.

2. Encourage people to email the coordinator(s) for information about the 
event. The email info packet should include star party etiquette along with 
date, time, directions and other relevant information.

3. Publish an annual article on star party etiquette in the club newsletter, 
perhaps in the issue before a major star party hosted by the club.

4. Give a presentation on star party etiquette at a monthly meeting, again 
close to the star party event.

5. Finally, assign someone the task of walking the field at 10pm to check in 
with folks, make sure they're having fun and ask if they're planning to leave 
early. Offer a friendly reminder to the early birds to make a verbal, 
audible, courtesy announcement before they start their vehicles.

6. If somebody blasts the field with his high beams, TP his house or, better 
yet, his APO ;o)

Best regards,

Bill Ferris
"Cosmic Voyage: The Online Resource for Amateur Astronomers"
URL: http://www.cosmic-voyage.net


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