By RCA Member Candace Pratt

Since we have many cars and people now attending our scheduled and informal star parties, we would like to review a list of guidelines for star party courtesy.  

• If possible, try to be at the observing site 30 minutes before astronomical twilight.  Vehicle lights, even yellow parking lights, are disruptive to dark-adapted eyes.  If you have to arrive later, stop a short distance from the observing site, let your own eyes dark adapt, and then proceed to the site very slowly using your yellow parking lights.  Approach and pull into the nearest observing site in order to be the least disruptive to the viewers already set up.
  

• Disconnect or cover all interior car lights with a red acetate/cloth or shield them in some other way with red materials.  This protects viewers from flashes of bright white light when car doors are opened at the site during the evening.
  

• Remember, your vehicle back-up lights are bright white.  A good idea is to back your vehicle in at the start of the evening so that when you leave, you can pull straight out rather than having to back up.
  

• Each person should have a red flashlight for use at the site.  It is easy to modify a regular flashlight by covering the lens with a red filter.  Red construction paper, red fabric, red cellophane (thick layers), or red tail-light repair tape works great to make filters.
  

• Some people have expensive equipment at star parties.  Most astronomers are eager and enthusiastic to share the view from their instruments.  Don’t be afraid to ask the owner for a view through their telescope.  However, before you move or adjust someone else’s equipment, ask if it is OK and how to properly do it.  They may want to do it for you.
  

• Astrophotography/CCD imaging is an increasingly popular hobby of club members, and many will set up their equipment at 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!
  

• Music and other loud noise:  Some amateur astronomers like to listen to music, while others enjoy the pristine quiet.  Ask your neighbors if they object.

It is a great idea to review these courtesies frequently.  Star parties are more enjoyable for everyone when we practice observing etiquette.  If you invite a person to a star party who has never been to one, please go over these tips with them.  It will keep them from feeling embarrassed by having to be reminded, “No white lights, please!”