[AZ-Observing] Re: Star Party Rules

I can't argue with any of the suggestions. Thad makes a good point to know
who you're observing next to. FWIW, back up lights can't always be avoided.
If you have an automatic tranny, they ARE going to come on briefly while
shifting through reverse into drive. Same for Daytime running lights. This
is where the observer needs to get creative. My car has DRl's. If I know I'm
leaving early I bring a red towel to drape over the lights till I'm out of
NVKR (Night vision killer range). Simple and it works. Now might be a good
time for regular star party goers to "Light proof" thier cars. Take it out
in the driveway one night and look for all sources of light. Cars these days
have a God awful number of little convenience lights that seem like mini
Venus' at a dark sky site. Find 'em and pull 'em. Check what lights come on
when starting the car and shifting gears. Cover 'em. I wrote an article in
SACnews back about october 2000 dealing with this. When I get my computer
back, I'll post it here as a reminder.

Lookin' Forward to the Leonid's

Clear (and Dark) Skies 
Rick Tejera
Editor SACnews
Saguaro Astronomy Club
Phoenix, Arizona

-----Original Message-----
From: Jones, Jack (AZ75) [mailto:jack.jones@xxxxxxxxxxxxx]
Sent: Monday, October 15, 2001 12:28 PM
To: 'az-observing@xxxxxxxxxxxxx'
Subject: [AZ-Observing] Re: Star Party Rules



> So, let's be creative here.

The backup light problems were happening at the north end of the field
nearest the entrance, so we know that those who wanted to leave early were
obeying the "where to park" rule, but not the "no white light" rule. They
are giving warning, but not sufficient warning. It may not be ignorance, it
could be a psychological thing: either they either think everyone knows they
are leaving, are lax, or maybe they feel self-conscious yelling. We could
make a drill a regular fun thing. At twilight, the host could possibly give
an "OK everybody listen up for a sec" notice on a bullhorn, stating the rule
and then saying OK, everybody yell "White Light!" (feeble response) OK let's
try it again: "White Light!", (got a little louder response). I couldn't
hear you, one more time: "WHITE LIGHT!" (all are yelling it loud). Much
better, thank you and good observing!  I think it would be fun to hear the
responses, and promote esprit de corps, don't you think?  Even if oldies
laughed, at least newbies would sure get the point, and know it was OK to be
"Loud When Leaving". Anyone coming after that would need to be specifically
told of the rule. If it then worked, you would know that it was worth doing.

Jack Jones

---
This message is from the AZ-Observing mailing list.  If you wish to be
removed from this list, send E-mail to: AZ-Observing-request@xxxxxxxxxxxxx,
with the subject: unsubscribe.

The list's archive is at:  http://www.freelists.org/archives/az-observing

This is a discussion list.  Please send personal inquiries directly to
the message author.  In other words, do not use "reply" for personal
messages.  Thanks.


---
This message is from the AZ-Observing mailing list.  If you wish to be
removed from this list, send E-mail to: AZ-Observing-request@xxxxxxxxxxxxx,
with the subject: unsubscribe.

The list's archive is at:  http://www.freelists.org/archives/az-observing

This is a discussion list.  Please send personal inquiries directly to
the message author.  In other words, do not use "reply" for personal
messages.  Thanks.

Other related posts: