Observing

Our outdoor observing sessions are referred to as "Star Parties," but there's always more "star" than "party" involved.  These are great experiences for novices and veterans alike, and some precautions will help ensure a safe and positive experience.

• It'll be dark. Very dark:

  1. Step carefully and watch out for curbs, tripod legs, and other people moving about.

  2. Beware of Seed-Harvester Ant colonies and other night-active insects as well as larger creatures indigenous to the area. Some have poisonous bites, stings, claws, beaks, and teeth.

• Location, Updates, and Weather:

  1. Please register to attend. We'll email any last minute changes.

  2. Download and print a map for our venues HERE.

  3. If traveling alone, let someone know where you'll be going and when you will return.

  4. Check the weather. Clear Dark Sky is a good place to start.

• Clothing:

  1. Prepare for cool weather. Warm days turn chilly at night in the open desert.

  2. Avoid sandals or other open footwear. Thick leather shoes are better than thin fabric sneakers. Many desert critters bite and sting.

• Bring:

  1. A source of RED light. Red plastic taped over a regular flashlight works fine.

  2. Water and food are fine, but please don't handle astronomical equipment with greasy or sticky fingers. (And please pack-out your trash.)

  3. A chair, cushion, sleeping bag, or whatever you prefer is a good idea.

  4. No alcohol, please.

• Children:

  1. Please maintain control.

  2. Telescopes, tripods, electrical cords, portable tables, and other people are hard to see in the dark.

  3. Beware of night critters. This is their home.

• Arriving and departing:

  1. In the dark: Use low-beam headlights near the observing area. Turn off your dome light and avoid turning on your headlights while pointed at observers. (Switch headlamps to Manual, not Auto.)

  2. Please drive slowly; dust is bad for telescopes.

• Everyone is happy to share their celestial views. Just walk up to any telescope and ask the person in charge. (If there is a line, please respect other viewers.)