Astronomy Hacks

Don’t Violate Observing Site Etiquette

Rules exist for good reasons. Keep these simple ones in mind when you are observing, and you won’t incur the wrath of your fellow participants.

An observing event can be anything from a large, formal star party with hundreds of participants to a small informal observing session among club members and friends who enjoy spending an evening together under the stars. Whatever the size of the event, behaving properly at the observing site allows you and others to enjoy the session.

A set of (usually) unwritten rules for observing site etiquette has developed. Most of the rules are based on common sense, but some may not be obvious to inexperienced observers. The rules vary with circumstances. If you are observing with a small group of close friends, you can be a bit more flexible. But if you are observing at a large star party, particularly if there are strangers present, it’s best to follow the rules closely. Break a few rules, and you’ll hear others muttering about the newbie. Break too many rules, and you may be asked to leave and not be invited back.

Don’t Show a White Light After Dark

If you remember just one rule, remember this one: do not show a white light after dark unless you have everyone’s permission. It takes half an hour or so for one’s eyes to become fully dark adapted, and a brief flash of white light can instantly ruin that dark adaptation for everyone [Hack #11].

If you must show a white light—and by “must” we mean for something really ...