[sac-forum] Novices for this weekend

Howdy all;
Being the Novice Group coordinator for SAC, I would like to speak to the 
beginners for a moment about this weekend.  I know that at least a few of you 
are concerned about a long trip to a star party at 5 Mile Meadow.  Yes, it is a 
long trip.....but I promise you it is worth it.  If you are just learning the 
sky, nothing can be as captivating as a night under really dark skies.  In 
particular this time of year when the beauty of the Milky Way flows from 
Scorpius to Cassiopeia and all points in between.

If you don't have the equipment to camp, then just plan to sleep in the back 
seat of the car.  A couple of blankets and a pillow can almost take the place 
of a sleeping bag.  I take a few towels or pieces of cardboard to block the 
windows from the rising SUN....you are going to be trying to sleep late.

We have spoken of warm clothes several times and they are important.

Also, bring plenty of fluids....the altitude dehydrates your body.  Sun block 
creme and a hat for the daytime also needs to be on the list of things to bring 
along.  We will be in the trees so some bug repellent is a good choice.

I did mention a folding table, I like a comfortable folding chair also.  I am 
still looking for a new one after mine broke last weekend from years of use.

I did mention a list and it is important.  Nothing can ruin a good observing 
weekend faster than forgetting a much-needed item.  If you came to my house you 
would see my list right on the wall near the telescopes.

So, list all the items you would need to use your telescope....mount, tripod, 
eyepieces, battery, cables, star charts.....like that.  And check the list 
carefully before you leave.  There is no place in Happy Jack to buy parts for 
your new Celestron or Meade scope.

White lights--it is simple--Don't Do It.  This is the one thing that will get 
observers unhappy with you.  Bring a red flashlight with good batteries.  Rig 
your vehicle so that it won't splash white light around.  If you can't turn off 
the overhead lights, then cover them with tape....masking tape (3 layers), red 
tail-light repair tape from Auto Zone or...Duct Tape.  Just cover that while 
light source.

So, try and get up with us to the high country this weekend.  It will be the 
only star party in the next several months that is way out of town and still 
has the ability to get the family sedan into the site.  I promise it is OK for 
you to walk up and say "Is that the Big Dipper?" because there are so many 
stars you are lost.  All of us old timers have a story like that....they are 
cherished nights.

See ya under dark Arizona skies;
Steve Coe
Novice Group Chairman, Saguaro Astronomy Club

Author "Deep Sky Observing--The Astronomical Tourist"
Saguaro Astronomy Club website
www.saguaroastro.org

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