Star parties are a great way to connect with the cosmos , and proper prep work is crucial to an amazing experience .
Comfort Being comfortable during your observing sessions is important . Not only will you see more details , but you will experience greater health benefits . Here are some tips to consider : Dress for comfort . During winter you need to keep your extremities warm , so you will need gloves , a warm hat , and warm boots in addition to insulated pants and jacket . If you are observing in an area where there is a wide range of temperatures over the observing session , then dress in layers . If you want to buy the best coldweather gear at a bargain , then consider buying preowned and lessen the impact on the environment and your wallet . Natural insect repellent will greatly reduce the bother of mosquitoes , ticks , and flies . Many use the tried-andtrue oil of lemon eucalyptus ( OLE ). The actual repellent chemical in OLE is called p-menthane-3,8-diol or , much more simply , PMD . The so-called Zero-gravity chairs have become popular with stargazers as they allow you to sit up straight or recline with amazing comfort for observing with binoculars or to watch for meteors with the naked eye . If you are spending most of your time at your telescope , consider an observer ’ s chair . Portable tables come in handy to bring your eyepieces , maps , laptops , red flashlights , and more ( you get the idea ) off the ground and within easy reach . Stay cooler when it ’ s hot , and warmer when it ’ s cold . If
COURTESY OF Scott Roberts
you are camping at a star party with temperature extremes , consider covering your tent / rv / trailer / vehicle with a reflective shade cloth such as Aluminet . This amazing metalized material has been knit together to make a lightweight cover that moderates the temperature within by reflecting heat from the sun when it ’ s hot , and retaining warmth from the sun when it ’ s cold . Aluminet can also keep your gear covered and insulated when not in use .
Leave No Trace Set up your tents and telescope equipment on tarps . It will create a moisture and dust barrier . Tarps on the ground will make it easy to find any small parts that you drop in the night , and when you leave , it will make cleanup much faster and easier . Bring trash bags and pick up your area . You want to leave your observing area better than how you found it . All refuse should be packed out and properly disposed of . Double check the area before you leave , not only do you want the area to be clean , but you don ’ t want to leave behind any expensive gear . No open fires . Most astronomy or star party sites do not allow open fires . The light from a fire wipes out your night vision , and the smoke from a fire can get on your optics . Do not leave food or drink out in the open unattended . Insects and animals are attracted to the scent of food and drinks . Pack up all of your edibles , including any used dishes , cups , or cutlery .
n n n Scott W . Roberts is the founder and president of Explore Scientific in Springdale , Ark . He is an avid amateur astronomer who has spent more than 30 years in the astronomy optics industry .
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