In any outdoor gathering of amateur astronomers who remain all night, the owners of telescopes are careful not to aim for their tools in the nascent sun. Credit: Virginia State Parks Staff/Wikimedia Commons
There have been moments over the years in which I went to observe and I was not unprepared. That it was an action that I should have taken, an object that I forgot or some observation of the wisdom that would have improved my session. I hope that the following list prepares you better for when you diligate you under the stars.
Morning attention
On the nights where you remain until the morning, when you stop, focus your telescope to the west, away from the nascent sun. This is crucial if you are letting your telescope discover. Even with the roofs, however, the warmth of the sun is known to cause damage.
Non-noci-essential?
The following list contains some of the non -astronomical objects that I take to the events in which I could be camping or remain for a prolonged time: auxiliary table / bungee cables, rope, etc. [7.5m] Those) / Hand sled / Power output strip / bar / spare parts / straps / kinship instruments (in particular Allen keys) / garbage / wire bags (assorted) / wire ties (assorted lengths) / volt-ohm meter.
Observing alone
If you have to observe alone in a remote site, cheat everything. Before going out, be absolutely sure to let someone know Exactly where you will be and Exactly How long you plan to be outside. This is not the time to choose an unknown position at random. Your life can depend on someone who knows where you are. In addition, check the conditions of the spare wheel and fill the fuel tank.
Pack
Aj Crayon, from Phoenix, in Arizona, warns: “When you try to bend a tarpaulin in windy time, turn your back to the wind and let it sweep the sheet by you. Make sure not to let it go!”
Prescription painkillers
My late observation companion, Jeff Medkeff, reported this interesting fact: “Most of the prescription painkillers affect your weak magnitude limit for two magnitudes or more”.
Curtains
“When using a tent during an observation race or a star party, consider a second tent for equipment”, is the excellent suggestion provided by Mark Marcotte, by Lubbock, in Texas. “Such a configuration will maintain dry things, relatively without dust and out of direct sunlight. It will also give you much more space in your sleeping tent.
“In addition, forgets the normal curtain poles. Most are fragile and will bend in a hard soil. Instead, he uses great peaks, which you can find in any good hardware store.” Those recommended brands are 8 inches long (20 cm), with a diameter of about 3/8 inches (9 mm) and a head diameter of ¾ inches (19 mm).
