Dark Sky Site Etiquette Since we have a dark sky party coming up, it seemed appropriate to publish the dark sky site etiquette rules. I have excerpted these from various spots on the web. At previous SLAS private star parties, a number of club members, new and old, have not followed one or more of them. While it takes an effort, it is worth it for the enjoyment of all at the site. 1. Don't use white lights and use red lights sparingly. If for some reason you MUST use a white light, shout out a warning at least 3 seconds before the light comes on. 2. Make sure you car doesn't violate the above. Backup lights and even interior lights can ruin someone's night vision. If you're planning to leave before dawn, park so as to be able to leave without using your lights or put duct tape over them. Shield or turn off automatic car door or trunk lights (Pull the fuses if necessary.) (If your have one of the new cars that have "daytime running lights" that come on as soon as you turn the key on, try lifting the emergency brake one click. Often that will turn them off. If not, find the fuse that controls them and pull it before driving onto the field.) Please announce your departure in advance (to save night vision and astrophotographer's tempers) Use parking lights only no headlights 3. Astrophotography/CCD imaging is an increasingly popular hobby of club members, and many will set up their equipment at private star parties. If you are planning on taking pictures, let those around you know that you have a camera set up so they can be careful about their red lights. On the other hand, be sure to check around you before flashing your red lights, opening car doors, or using any running lights on your car when leaving so you don't inadvertently ruin someone's once-in-a-lifetime 45-minute exposure at the 42-minute mark! 4. Never touch anyone else's equipment without permission. Don't be afraid to ask, though, and never touch any glass optical surface. 5. No aerosol sprays on the observing field. One drop of insect repellant spray can permanently damage telescope optics. 6. Watch your step (but don't use a flashlight). Be especially careful of wires on the ground. Some scopes require power and some folks use their car's battery. If your scope requires power try to make the wires as safe as possible. 7. Don't set up too close to another observer. When in doubt, it's always a good idea to ask, "Is it OK if I set up here?" 8. If you're a visitor or a newbie, try not to monopolize another person's time. The astronomers are there to enjoy the sky, not to give lessons. Don't head for the biggest scope in the field and spend the night there. This is not a public star party. On the other hand, feel free to look at objects when invited, and to invite others to share your views. 9. Bring observers only. Very small children and pets generally do not enjoy star parties, and can be annoying to others. If you do bring a child make sure that he/she is old enough to enjoy the viewing without annoying your fellow observers. If you bring your pet make sure it is firmly under control and on a leash at all times. 10. Music-- Remember that music that you love may be extremely irritating to others. When in doubt use a headset. 11. LX200s -- some people really dislike the noise an LX200 makes when slewing. LX200 users should make sure that they're not offending their neighbors. Reducing the slew speed helps a little. So does arriving early so that those who might have a problem can set up at some distance away. 12. Never be the next to the last to leave. Don't leave someone alone at the observing site without first checking with them. Dead car batteries, vandals... 13. The last two people should sweep the area with their flashlights to see if anyone accidentally dropped something important. If you find anything left behind, contact the club President the next day and then bring the item with you to the next meeting to be re-united with its owner. And this one from Jay Freeman seemed especially appropriate to finish with. Flame throwers and fifty-caliber stray light eliminators should be equipped with glare shields. Owners of LX-200s must offer coffee to passers-by who mistake the noise of their slewing motors for that of an espresso machine. Hack saws should be checked at the door. (If you cannot find the door, please remain outside of it.) Bears have right of first refusal on anyone's night lunch, except when the observer is very hungry. Abandoned cookies should not be presumed up for grabs, unless nobody is looking. Refrain from pointing out the failings of your neighbor's telescope until your own optics are safely covered. These rules are intended to help maintain access and use of the Astronomy Club observing sites for as many members and their guests as possible, while preserving the conditions that have brought us out to enjoy the sky. Following these rules will permit everyone to pursue the study and enjoyment of astronomy to the fullest satisfaction.