Star party newbie.

[BilliGoatsGruff (Billi)]

I'm hoping to attend the Stockport star party in August and I was wondering if anyone could help me come up with a checklist of things to take. Also, what are the "rules"? I know that you can only have red lights, but what else is there?

[BeanerSA (Paul)]

Warm clothing is a must. It's freezing up there.
Chairs.
Tupperware boxes to keep bits and bobs in, as dew can be a problem.
Did I say warm clothing?
Bring your questions. There are some very knowledgeable people.

[BilliGoatsGruff (Billi)]

would it be worth taking my own scope and binoculars?

[BeanerSA (Paul)]

Definitely take your binos.

Are you an ASSA member?

[Moon (James)]

I have most of my stuff in boxes. It helps a lot. I omitted my DSLR list.

It's easy to forget stuff, so a list is a good idea.

Toolbox
Torches
Batteries
Screw driver(s)
Hex keys
Level
Scissors
Red Tape
Rubber Bands & Cable Ties
Velcro
Hex Screws
USB Hub, Cable & Power
Air Blower
Cheshire
Sight Tube
Pen
Thermometer
Shifter / Spanner
Compass
Laser Collimation Tool
Sun Cream
Hand Warmers
End Caps
Cleaning Cloths

Mount Box
Mount
EQ6 Cable
GamePad

Box for the field
1 x extension lead
2 x power board
12V power
Dew heater and power
Blanket
Binos
thermal blanket
Tripod pads
Hair Dryer
EQ6 Handset
USB cable (spare)
Rubbish Bags
Cleaning Rag
Scope Cover
Tripod Spreader
Spanner
USB Charger

MISC
Telescope
Table
Chairs
Counter weights
Aerogard
Guide scope + guide cam
Finder Scope
Telescope tripod
12V battery

STL BOX
Camera
Power Supply 240V
12V Cable
Coma corrector
USB Cable

CLOTHES
Warm socks
Warm boots
Jacket
Gloves
Beanie
Chap Sticks
Hat
Bath room stuff
towel
Polar Suit

FOOD Box
Dinner and breakfast
Coffee
Water
Sugar
UHT Milk
Spoon
Snacks
Bowl
Cups
Panadol
Thermos

TENT
Tent and Pegs
Hammer
Sleeping bags
Pillows
Matress
Blankets
Cooker and Gas
Billy

LAPTOP BAG
Laptop
Red Screen (for Laptop)
Power
Mouse
Mouse Mat
Yubikey


and you are ready to go!

James

[BilliGoatsGruff (Billi)]

Originally Posted by BeanerSA

Are you an ASSA member?

No I'm not. Why's that?

Thanks for the massive list, James! I'll definitely be making one of my own before I go!

[BeanerSA (Paul)]

Originally Posted by BilliGoatsGruff

No I'm not. Why's that?

If you ARE a member, they have some conditions about members associating with the public, Police Clearances and the like. The last time we took our scope to a public night, but didn't officially volunteer, I think they got a bit funny about it, but I couldn't be sure.

Non-members attending usually just use the telescopes that are provided by the volunteers to use. That said, I'd still take your binoculars, because it is always helpful to try and find things thru binoculars first, and if somebody points something out to you, you can try and find it yourself.

The star parties don't usually go all night, so you don't really need to bring much other than the warm clothes. Are you planning to stay in the Caravan Park next door? I hear it's pretty basic.

[BilliGoatsGruff (Billi)]

I might send them an email to find out more info. It doesn't say much on the website. Seems like becoming an ASSA member would be a good idea, what with all the extras.

[BeanerSA (Paul)]

Are you still heading to Stockport this Saturday? I'm working