Astronomy Hacks

Safety First

Take precautions to keep small problems small.

The days when most amateur astronomers observed from their own backyards are long gone. Light pollution forces most of us to seek observing sites far from cities, often in the middle of nowhere. But with civilization comes safety. If you have a problem at home, you dial 911 and the police or paramedics or animal control officers arrive in a few minutes. If you have a problem at a remote observing site, it’s up to you to deal with it until help arrives, which may be some time.

If you’re prepared, small problems tend to stay small. If you’re not, a small problem can rapidly escalate into a dangerous emergency. Here’s what we recommend to prepare yourself:

Observe in a group

There really is safety in numbers. A lone observer may be victimized by two- or four-legged predators or may have a medical emergency. Bad things are less likely to happen when you observe with a group [Hack #2], and if a problem does arise there are people there to help.

Never leave the last person alone

Use the buddy system. The last two vehicles remaining at the end of an observing session should leave together, particularly if the site is remote.If you have company, a flat tire or other breakdown is merely annoying.If you don’t, it can be very inconvenient at best and dangerous at worst.

Tip

Call us sexist, but we never leave a woman or even a group of women alone, even at a regular club observing site near civilization. It’s just too risky. Most women appreciate ...