Grant

We have a list of challenges for the next year based on ideas we've had in the mod/admin team but, we are very much open to suggestions We're trying to get a balance of subjects and difficulties and like to have some that pretty much anyone can take part in every so often to try and get more people involved. Please let us know any thoughts you have Cheers, Grant

You can book food anytime up until a week or so before: https://www.firstlightoptics.com/sgl-sp-booking.html Same as extra nights - I will join up all the bookings for the same person

Few more bookings have come through so pitch plan has been updated to v2

I've sent you a PM

It's only the very end section in hare that doesn't have EHU.

When you book you choose electric or non-electric and you also enter your tent size so that you will be allocated a suitable pitch ?

No but a large chunk of it and at this time of year there won't be many others around and in theory not close to us. Those that are there will know an astronomy event is going on and will be given information about red lights efc.. and welcomed to come and visit ?

We don't use the large 'rally' field because it doesn't have electric hookups...

Version 3 of the pitch plan. It's starting to fill up nicely but still plenty of room if anybody would like to come along - bookings are still open Cheers, Grant * Updated to version 3, 4th October 2017.

If you book what days you can now and then Pm me anything else you want I can sort it for you ?

Absolutely - there is still spaces please book through the FLO site. I'll aim to post up the pitch plan tomorrow - just need to chase up a couple of people's bookings with Lucksall.

Pitch allocations will be up by the end of the week - first draft is ready but some people have changed the pitch type they need so I'm just waiting for the changes to come back and will update and publish. We still have plenty of space if anybody is still to book :-)

Competition due to end today - if you would like to enter, please create your topic and upload your image asap

Please book through FLO. There are other groups booked in before / after us so it may not be possible to stay on the same pitch before and after the dates we have available - best to drop me a PM with the extra day details and I will check with Lucksall for you.

Yes - still plenty of space

Bookings are now open - full details on our shiny new SGL SP website: http://sglsp.com/ Pitch prices are the same as last year but food costs have gone up a little bit but, these haven't changed for a number of years so it was overdue. Look forward to seeing you all there Cheers, Grant

All - just a reminder, this imaging challenge ends 31st May

Yes

Tis fixed

D'oh!!!!! Fixed the post will change the banner tomorrow - how has nobody else noticed this so far!!!

Please start a new topic in this forum area for each entry

Yep - we thought with UK skies one month was too optimistic so each challenge lasts for three months so there will be some overlapping - we'll see how it works out once we've done a few

SGL XII Red Light Rules October 28th - November 3rd 2016 Lucksall Caravan Park, Mordiford, Hereford Light Rules The handling of light at a star party is something that is a bit different, and so we’ll go into some detail. This may appear pedantic, but it really can make a huge amount of difference to the viewing/imaging experience for everyone. It takes the human eye at least 20-30 mins to become properly ‘dark adapted’ for stargazing. White light ruins that hard-won dark adaptation in an instant and also ruins images. By far the easiest way to make yourself truly unpopular at a star party is to walk around with a white torch! We will be working with the campsite to minimise the amount of light in our area (for instance, using blackout material in the shower block windows). The lights that really need to be there will be shielded red wherever practical. You should ensure that you do the same wherever possible after dusk. If it’s clear at all, you should only use dim red light torches, as these do not significantly affect dark adaptation. Laptops/Screens Laptop computers used on the field should be shielded by using a cardboard box or similar,and facing away from other observers. For visual observers, they should also have heavy red filters. For astrophotography, red filters are also required for your laptop screen. Again remember that a laptop used in a tent should still be shielded as it will be bright to those outside. Car Lights If possible, remove fuses to stop interior lights or indicators from flashing if you need to get into your car. Alternatively, mask off the lights as much as possible. If you do need to open the doors and the lights are likely to flash, shout a warning to others so they can turn away Arriving After Dark Please park BEFORE you get to the rally field and find someone to assist in showing you to your pitch. If you drive onto the field with your lights on, you will very quickly make a lot of new friends! Tent Lights All people staying at the camp need to be mindful of the need to limit extraneous light. eg: keeping doors closed in camp buildings with interior lights. Remember than even in your tent a white light is easily visible and bright outside – so red lights should be used in tents. Please remember to check any external light on caravans / motorhomes before going to bed – it may be cloudy when you go to bed, and then clear later. Head/Hand Torches Dim red led torches are to be used on and around the observing fields, and keep them aimed at the ground. Bright red head-lamps should be dimmed with paint, red electrical tape, cellophane or nail varnish. A handy trick is replace one of the batteries with a dead one - this reduced the power and the brightness Laser pointers We will be operating a ‘no laser pointers’ rule, as they can be dangerous and can ruin night vision and photographs for others. The only exception will be if we decide to do an ‘SGL guided tour of the heavens’ at the start of an evening. REMEMBER: It's the BRIGHTNESS as well as the colour! Red Light Rules WILL be in force after dusk when clear Why all the fuss?? We have had people drive onto the field with full beams on, we have people's tents light up like a music festival, we have had people who head torch could light the dark side of the moon...... None of these things make for a good star party. While we all enjoy the social element, we are there predominantly to observe or image the heavens. We will not allow the enjoyment of the majority to be ruined by the thoughtless actions of the few!