Quote:
Originally Posted by Wavytone
Things you've missed:
1. Assemble and test all your gear at home beforehand to make sure (a) it's all working (b) you haven't omitted an important part and (c) batteries, iPhones and laptops are all charged up. It never ceases to amaze me how many turn up at some remote location only to find they've left something behind or didn't charge a battery.
2. Something to warm/wake you up afterwards before driving home (coffee/tea) and a sugar hit (choc or a mars bar). Or a cuddly partner 
Fires are not a good idea. In summer there may be a total fire ban, and even if not, if scopes are nearby the smoke is not good for optics plus the light pollution will be annoying. And the problem of making sure it's really out afterwards (esp in summer)... there's the question of both finding fuel for it and tidying up the mess afterwards. At the most a small gas ring and cylinder (the sort for camping) may be useful, but IMHO a thermos is a much better idea.
3. Make clear no alcohol otherwise the idiots will bring slabs and proceed to get plastered. A positive way to put this is to remind people they will be driving home late at night and driving and alcohol do not mix.
4. Depending how/where this is organised you might like to check your legal liabilities and consider insurance. |
Also many thanks for the different perspective. Specific comments
1. The community would organise this and they have liability where we might organize a mass session.
2. Avoiding alcohol will be difficult though moderation might be possible. I'll think about this more. I agree its an issue though the group I'm thinking of should be controllable and responsible as they are mostly older..
3. Sounds like attention to clothing will be paramount so as to avoid nearby fire while keeping people comfy. I know how to do this provided they have the layers. Thermos and chocolate sound good.
4. Good point about pretest especially if someone brings their own telescope along which they havent used in a while.
[Glend, regarding closeness to coast, yes I know about beaches looking specky but having lousy optical properties. We arent that close but it is still an issue being in a rainforest area. Viewing quality does alter from night to night. Whether this will affect a very amateur night will be interesting to see. Certaintly we are not talking here ideal photographic conditions but under dark skies I can look at the Magellanic clouds directly which is a good measure I think of light pollution which is pretty minimal.
Regarding too much water vapor or mist that is an issue. Fortunately we are on a ridge. A lot will depend on humidity.)
