A Star Party

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vgeric

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Hey guys... I'm finally taking everyone's advice.... I'm going to a star party! I'm going to the one at Curby (I live in Indiana... Curby is a really small place, but it looks sweet!). If anyone plans to go, let me know so I can look for you! I'll be the kid there. <img src="/images/icons/laugh.gif" /><br /><br />Anyway, some more questions. I'm afraid that the people there will look at me as only a kid and not a fully capable astronomy person. Maybe I'm too worryful (is that a word?) but I'm just like that. I'm also curious of how to ask someone to see their telescope. How do you ask somebody to show you something and try out their scopes? I really want to see some things, but heaven knows I'm not the best astronomer that ever lived. <br /><br />Any tips or hints about what to do at the first time star parties?<br /><br />Thanks for the help,<br /><br />Eric
 
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nevers

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Hi Eric -<br /><br />There ya go! You'll have a blast. I went for about 6 months as a loner before I hooked up with other clubs. In fact, it was Thom here at SDC that got me to join there group: The Sirius Lookers, down in Arizona.<br /><br />If the group of people that you are meeting up with are anything like the people I've met here and there, they will be more then happy to show you whatever you want. Being a "kid" doesn't mean anything except that you have a lot more time to learn then people like me who started the hobby at the age of nearly 40. Sometimes I wish I was a "kid" again and had it all to do over again.<br /><br />If there is a 'scope you want to look through, just walk up and say "Hi, whatcha got in your 'scope? Do you mind if I take a look?" If it's something (an object or piece of equipment) you don't know about, by all means: ask! The stupidest question is the question not asked. Anybody who is at a Star Party is "a fully capable astronomy person". It's those who are sitting at home that are not capable.<br /><br />It's not a big deal to ask about how people go about finding certain objects either. Everybody has their little tricks. Believe me, you'll learn more at one Star Party then you would in a year here.<br /><br />If the club or people your going to meet up with have a website, many of them have their "Star Party Etiquette" posted somewhere: try looking for that.<br /><br />At the first Star Party: <br /><br />- Don't ask if we can have a campfire like I did. Doh...<br />- Be careful about white light. If you have to use it, give everybody fair warning. (It's best just not to use it <img src="/images/icons/wink.gif" /> )<br /><br />- Do ask questions<br />- Do have fun<br />- Do report back to us on how it went!<br /><br />Clear & Dark Skies to ya!
 
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heyscottie

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Remember that most people are proud of the scopes they have (and all the money/time they spent to get them how they are), and are generally ITCHING to show other people their stuff. You yourself are always proud to show others views through your scope. These people are not likely to be any different.<br /><br />If somebody seems to be having problems with their scope, by all means stay away. If they are observing happily, simply walk up and ask them what they have in the eyepiece, and if you can take a look. Be respectful, ask questions, and they will accept you. We are always glad to have another convert to the faith, and the older people will always be glad to see young blood to carry on their hobby.<br /><br />Scott
 
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vgeric

Guest
Arg. I didn't get to go because of those darn clouds. Why of all nights did it have to happen that night? Anyway and nonetheless, thank you very much for your suggestions and tips. I'll keep those in mind when I do get to go! You guys never let me down.<br /><br />VGEric
 
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tfwthom

Guest
Clouds?<br /><br />We (NEVERS, SkyJim, and I) just got back from our joint Local Group/Sirius Lookers star party/campout in the White Mts (Bishop CA area) started Wed for the Perseid Meteor Shower I got home this morning at 12:17 am<br /><br />This is a 1250 mile (round trip) for me and out of 4 nights only got 2 nights (Wed and Friday) of observing. We got rained on, hailed on, and high winds.<br /><br />John from SkyJim's club posted some pictures already. <br />http://f2.pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/jfisanotti@sbcglobal.net/album?.tok=phRTulBBzejPumbp&.dir=/abba&.&%$#@!=ph<br /><br />The scope in the pics is my TAK<br /><br />I'm sure Brad will be posting a trip report with pictures later.<br /><br />There will be lots of other star parties (and lots ruined by those damn clouds) lol<br /> <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> <font size="1" color="#3366ff">www.siriuslookers.org</font> </div>
 
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