Observation Tips from Michael's Collection
Preparing for a Stellar Night: A Comprehensive Guide to Stargazing
Ever found yourself staring at the stars and wishing you had a heads up on what to bring or how to stay safe? Well, here's a run-down of things you shouldn't miss out on when you're out there under the cosmos.
Morning Awareness
If you're staying until dawn, remember to point your telescope westwards, away from the rising sun. Leaving your scope uncovered could lead to some damage, even with covers. The sun's heat is no joke, so be mindful.
Not All Essentials Are Astronomy
Here's a list of some items I take along when I'm camping or hanging out for a while:
- Auxiliary table, bungee cords, ropes, and whatnot
- Canned air, claw hammer, duct tape, electrical tape, extension cords (preferably two 25-foot-long ones), hand sledge, power outlet strip, pry bar, spare parts, tie-down straps, tools (especially Allen wrenches), trash bags, wire (miscellaneous), wire ties (various lengths), and a volt-ohm meter.
Lone Ranger
If you're planning to observe at a remote site by yourself, double-check everything. Let someone know exactly where you'll be and how long you'll be gone. Don't be a hero and pick an unfamiliar location randomly—your life might depend on someone knowing where you are. Also, check your spare tire's condition and fill up on gas.
Packing Up
A.J. Crayon, from Phoenix, Arizona, advises, "When trying to fold a tarpaulin in windy weather, turn your back to the wind and let it blow the tarp away from you. Just don't let it go!"
Painkiller Warnings
My late observing buddy, Jeff Medkeff, shared this interesting fact: "Most prescription painkillers will knock your faint magnitude limit by two magnitudes or more."
Tent Talk
"When using a tent during an observing run or star party, consider a second tent for your equipment," is a fantastic tip by Mark Marcotte, from Lubbock, Texas. "Such a setup will keep things dry, relatively dust-free, and out of direct sunlight. It will also give you a lot more room in your sleeping tent.
"Also, forget about regular tent stakes. Most are flimsy and will bend in hard ground. Instead, use large spikes, which you can find at any good hardware store." Mark suggested the ones he used—8 inches long, with a diameter of approximately 3/8 inch, and a head diameter of 3⁄4 inch.
- While stargazing, remember to point your telescope westwards, away from the rising sun to prevent damage from the sun's heat.
- I take along various tools and essentials such as auxiliary table, bungee cords, ropes, and a volt-ohm meter for my camping or outdoor-living excursions.
- If you're observing at a remote site by yourself, be sure to let someone know your location and duration of your trip, and ensure your spare tire and fuel levels are good.
- A.J. Crayon advises when folding a tarpaulin in windy weather, to turn your back to the wind and let it blow the tarp away from you, while Mark Marcotte suggests using large spikes instead of regular tent stakes for better stability.
