Clothing
In Southern Idaho nights get cool, even after the warmest summer days, and the
lack of motion while observing makes it even worse. These tips will help you
stay warm so you can enjoy the spectacular Idaho skies:
- Dress in layers. Add an additional sweatshirt if needed.
- Cover your head, hands and feet. When any of these get cold
you will be cold.
- Bring snacks to resupply your body with energy. Stay hydrated with
something to drink. By keeping your energy level up, your eyes will be
more likely to be able to see objects better.
Lights
Allowing your eyes to adapt to the dark is very important for good observing.
Please use only dim, red lights as much as possible. If there is no way you
can avoid white lights, for example if you can't control the headlights in
your car, be sure to warn everyone before you turn them on, and make sure no
one is in the middle of an astro-photo when you turn the lights on.
Bugs
Be sure to bring insect repellant.
Many of our star parties are held in Idaho wilderness, which comes with
large numbers of blood sucking insects during the evening. The Bruneau
observatory has legendary mosquitoes, as well as bats that dine on them.
(We welcome the bats to our summer star parties there!)
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External links
Star Party Survival Guide
Star Party Etiquette
Austin Astronomical Society (PDF)
Stargazing Etiquette
Amateur Observers' Society of New York
Dark Sky Etiquette
Amateur Astronomy Magazine
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