For those attending the Star Camp here is the Guidelines Flyer.
IceInSpace Vic Star Camp
Snake Valley 2005
Welcome to the first IceInSpace Vic Star Camp! We hope you enjoy the opportunity to meet, socialise and observe with amateur astronomers of varying experience levels under the dark skies of Snake Valley.
This flyer lists some guidelines, which we ask everybody’s cooperation in following. This will ensure that everybody can gain maximum enjoyment from their observing time at Snake Valley.
Lights off after dark!
Many people have come to Snake Valley for the rare experience of observing at a dark sky site, and wish to gain the most from it. This means restrictions on lights used after twilight when observing will commence. We like to do it in the dark!
• No white light torches to be used on or near the observing field. Red led torches or weaker torches such as 2xAA battery torches may be acceptable if the lens is covered with red cellophane.
• People driving into or out of the camp after dark should do so with headlights off. Car interior and boot lights should also be disabled to prevent them from coming on when opened.
• All people staying at the camp need to be mindful of the need to limit extraneous light.
eg: keeping doors closed in camp buildings with interior lights.
• Laptop computers can throw out a lot of light, please keep screens covered and out of view of other observers.
• Due to excessive light from the Recreation Room it will be locked at sundown. Videos and DVD’s can be watched in the dining room as an alternative.
General observing field etiquette
A few general pointers to ensure that everybody gets along and enjoys themselves.
Most of these are common sense but need to be stated all the same.
• People have come to the Star Camp for varying reasons, some want to check out as much equipment as possible, whilst others wish to make the most of the dark sky experience with as much quality observing time as possible. If somebody is engrossed in their observing, don’t disturb them unnecessarily.
• Never touch anybody’s equipment without invitation from the owner. If someone is kind enough to loan equipment to you, do not on-loan to a 3rd party without the owner’s knowledge and consent. Loitering around other people’s equipment without the owner being present won’t gain any friends either.
• Parents with children please keep them under supervision and control when anywhere near telescopes and equipment. Instruct children they can look when invited, but never to touch.
• Ladies (or gentleman where applicable), please don’t wear makeup (especially mascara) if you wish to view through other peoples telescopes. Such makeup can leave greasy smudge marks on eyepiece optics and be difficult to clean off.
Thanks for your cooperation, have a great time at Snake Valley 2005 !
.