So that we can all safely enjoy the night sky, we encourage you to review and follow these guidelines.

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• Proper behavior is expected at all times, particularly when the public is in attendance.

• Alcohol and illegal drugs are not permitted at observing events.

• Smoking is allowed, but please ask permission of telescope owners before approaching their equipment.

• Please avoid loud and boisterous behavior — stargazing is a quiet activity.

• Music is permitted but should be kept at low levels. Not everyone enjoys the same music.

• No littering. Pack your trash and dispose of it appropriately.

• Children should be instructed that running around the vicinity of the telescopic and other personal equipment is not permitted.

• Pets should be leashed and controlled at all times.

• Do not touch other people’s equipment without permission. They are usually more than willing to share their equipment and viewing.

• Use a sturdy ladder to assist with viewing as necessary. Better safe than sorry.

• Please apply insect repellents away from equipment, as repellents can potentially be harmful to optical surfaces.

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Arriving and Parking at a Star Party:

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• If arriving after dark, please be aware that your headlights can be blinding to those already observing.  Please use parking lights if possible and drive very slowly.  If you can’t see properly — STOP and ask for assistance!  Once you have parked your car, please extinguish your headlights as soon as it is safe to do so.

• Arrive early to set up your equipment before sunset.

• Park facing towards the exit to avoid having to back up.

• If you don’t bring a telescope, or if you expect to leave early, please park close to the lot exit to avoid having to drive around others' equipment when leaving.

 

White Lights:

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• White lights are discouraged, but when used should be low power, pointed down at all times and well shielded. If you must use lights, please inform others around you to give them a chance to turn away or shield their eyes.

• Red LEDs or flashlights with a red filter are preferred to help preserve night vision.

• Be careful with lights when people are engaged in astrophotography; even a brief flash of your flashlight could ruin a long exposure photograph.

• Turn the brightness down on your laptop computer and digital cameras screens and use a red filter placed over the screen.  Laptops used for astrophotography should ideally be shielded and set up facing away from others.

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Laser Pointers:

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WAA discourages the use of laser pointers at its star parties unless required for valid educational purposes.

• Laser pointers are teaching tools and should only used for pointing out stars, planets and other celestial objects.

• Lasers must be limited to 5mW or less.

• The beam must be on for the shortest period necessary and then shut off.

• Users must ensure that no aircraft are within 60 degrees of the beam at any time, regardless of aircraft altitude.

• The beam must not be pointed at people, animals, cars, planes, buildings or reflective surfaces.

• Users must ensure that no one looks directly into the beam, as it could cause blindness.

• Lasers (including telescope collimators) may not be left unattended.

• Children under the age of 16 are not permitted to use laser pointers.

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Leaving a Star Party:

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• Use parking lights if possible.

• Announce in advance that you are leaving in your car - this gives others a chance to turn away or shield their eyes from your headlights.

• If you can’t see the exit, have someone escort you out with a red flashlight.

• Don’t leave someone alone at the park without first checking with them.

 

DISCLAIMER

 

By participating in any activity sponsored by Westchester Amateur Astronomers, Inc., you expressly acknowledge that you do so at your own risk. Westchester Amateur Astronomers, Inc., its membership, officers, and Board Members assume no responsibility for any claims that may arise out of participation in any of its activities.

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Participation in star parties carries certain risks of injury, including, but not limited to: injuries arising from falls or bodily trauma while observing through telescopes, tripping over unseen objects in the dark, insect bites, cold or heat-induced injuries, and other potential injuries. Appropriate caution during the activity will reduce, but may not completely eliminate any likelihood of injury.

 

Your participation in any Westchester Amateur Astronomers, Inc. activities is an indication of the knowledge, understanding and acceptance of these terms.