"RED LIGHT RULES" and other important rules to observe

Light from Earth is the astronomer's enemy. In order to see faint objects through a telescope your eyes must undergo a process called dark adaptation. This adaptation takes about 30 minutes. White light from flashlights, car headlights/interior lights, in fact any light other than red, will destroy your dark adaptation in less than a second. Then, you will have to wait another 30 minutes to be fully dark adapted again. Since our goal at a star party is to see faint objects, here are a few simple rules we will ask everyone to follow.

  1. Only use a red light on the field. If you do not have a red beam flashlight, cover the lens with red cellophane or stretch a red balloon over the end. Some people even paint the lens of their flashlight with a thin coat of red nail polish. If you need help, ask a BSAS volunteer. We will have plenty of cellophane and rubber bands. Several layers of cellophane are usually needed to make the light dim enough.
  2. If you have a vehicle on the telescope field, cover the interior light with red cellophane or red duct tape. If you have one of the new vehicles which automatically turn on their headlights when started, then cover the headlights with cellophane or duct tape as well. Red duct tape works best but should be removed promptly when no longer needed.
  3. Take note of the telescope field area. Try not to direct lights in the field direction from the main camp. The telescope field is somewhat isolated from the rest of the camp, so lights in the cabins or meeting buildings should not affect the darkness there, but lets try to keep white light use to a minimum even in the main camp area.
  4. If you anticipate the need to move your vehicle after dark, ask the BSAS for temporary headlight covers. If you are leaving Nakanawa after dark, park on the entrance road with your vehicle pointed outbound.
  5. Shield computer monitors used in the field and cover screens with red cellophane or use "night vision mode", if available.
  6. NO FLASHES FROM PICTURES IN THE TELESCOPE FIELD AT NIGHT. This may seem obvious but we have had a few incidents where all were surprised by the flash of a light bomb from a camera. Even though the flash is short, it destroys all dark adaptation.
  7. If, and may the heavens forbid it, you accidentally shine a white light in the field of dozens of dark adapted people, expect to be called some very unpleasant names and to hear things that will make those of a modest temperament blush. I am certain that your mistake will not be twice repeated.
  8. Keep your light pointed at the ground. When approaching a telescope station do not shine even red lights in the face of the host. Though it is not likely to destroy night vision it will temporarily blind him/her.

OTHER RULES

  1. Always wear your TNSP name tag when in public areas. This is our only way to keep track of those who should be in the camp. Your tag will also be your meal ticket if you have purchased meals.
  2. Read and review the Camp Nakanawa sheet of rules. These apply to all Nakanawa visitors.
  3. If you smoke, please be considerate to others when in public areas. Also, Camp Nakanawa management specifically asked THAT NO CIGARETTE BUTTS BE LEFT ON THE GROUND.
  4. Parents, we all know that kids love to run free in open areas (and should be encouraged to do so), but a dark telescope field is not the place for that. Remember that telescopes are delicate instruments. Some amateurs will spend more than an hour polar aligning their equipment. Tripping over a tripod can not only cause personal injury but can break expensive equipment.
  5. Ask permission to look through a telescope. Almost everyone will be happy to give you a view, but it is still polite to ask. It is also standard practice to not touch a telescope while looking through the eyepiece. You will get a better view when there is no vibration transferred through human contact. Those new to viewing often use the telescope to brace against and to steady themselves. Approach a telescope slowly, find the eyepiece and ease up to it cautiously. You may want to brace against a companion or the telescope owner if you feel unsteady.
  6. Be quiet and considerate in the mornings. Remember that some folks will have been up all night and are trying to catch a few hours early in the morning.
  7. Please pick up after yourself. Lets leave the camp better than we found it.

Find a BSAS volunteer if you have any questions or need help with anything. Lloyd Watkins TNSP Chair. If you can't resolve a problem, ask Lloyd. He is here to serve you and to make your TNSP experience the best it can be.

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