Having Fun at a Star Party!
By: JC Willette

1. No Scope - Don't Worry. All of us have been beginners at one time or another. Go find your old pair of binoculars, grab a chair, flashlight, pen and paper to jot some notes down on. Locate your nearest astronomy club and join in on some of their star parties. These folks are more than happy to get you started on learning the sky, deciphering star atlases and even allow you to peek through their scopes. After a short period of time, say a year, you will obtain your first scope and know what other equipment you will need.

2. Set up your equipment during daylight. It is best to do this to prevent losing small parts. It also allows you to become familiar with your surroundings and the area.

3. Never go observing alone. Naturally stargazing is done at night, outside, and more often than not in remote areas. For safety and fun, groups of two or more are highly recommended. In case one has a medical emergency, the vehicle has a flat tire or any other scenario, you will not be left stranded without help. Safety equipment such as water, blankets, food, cell phone, maps, extra cash and the most important first aid kit should be packed. Always let someone know where you are going and what time you are expected back. 

4. Bring more warm clothes than you think you'll need. It goes to say that we live in the desert and deserts get very cool at night compared to the blistering heat of day. The mountains and deserts we visit for observations are far away from civilization. Dress warm and in layers, bring a thermos of warm drinks in the fall and winter. Always plan on getting cold, you eventually will. Keep moving if you start to get chilled and maybe even a little exercise to get the blood flowing will help.

5. Use Red Lights - Cover all lights with red tape or cellophane paper. You can also purchase red LED flashlights at any of the local astronomy stores. Nothing is more disturbing to observers than a flash of bright white light in the eyes after their eyes are dark adapted. remember this includes your lights inside your car, RV, etc. If you arrive at or leave an observing site after dark, drive with only your parking lights on until you leave the viewing area.

6. Be careful about going out with someone you don't know. For safety and fun join a local astronomy club and go to a club star party or a regularly scheduled observing session with friends. That way you meet new people in relative safety, have a lot of fun, get to know a new place and I guarantee you, after a night's observing, you'll have new friends.

7. Best made plans go astray frequently. Lots of factors can hinder a night's viewing, some of which are meteorological. Thunder and lightening, fog, clouds, rain, hail, snow, sleet and wind. The biggest here in the Las Vegas area are clouds and wind. I must mention the animals: an occasional bat, snake, tarantula, scorpion, cattle and coyotes. Humans can also be pesky types. The drinkers, lovers and car racers can all be disturbing to the observer.

8. Remember to save energy to get home. Be aware of your energy. Remember you have to pack everything up and drive through the dark on unfamiliar narrow winding country roads while you're sleepy, and oh yes, let's throw in some rabbits or stray coyote. Sometimes you'll want to sleep for an hour or two during the night, sometimes you'll stay up till the sun rises.

9. Learn all you can on each outing. Don't be afraid to ask for help or for information on anything you are looking at. I can guarantee that there will be someone there who can look it up or answer the question. Again remember we were all beginners at one time and we all asked questions. You can start your learning at home but looking at the star map for the night and what part of the sky you are interested in. Become familiar with a constellation or two, then observe it at the site.

10. Be smart, be safe, and always have an enjoyable experience.