Equipment for Dark Sky Observing

[Astralstroll]

Apart from the obvious scope(s) and accessories, what other equipment do people find useful to take when they go to a dark sky site?

Dave.

[nephilim]

A red torch is an obvious MUST & also flask of hot coffee or soup

Steve

PS Dont forget your EP case, I've driven 20 odd miles before I realised that

[Stargazer_00]

A car

[Mike73]

If you like hunting for dark sites then its pretty important to actually know how dark the skies are so a SQM meter is worth every penny I reckon.

[pete_l]

A light coloured groundsheet to set up everything on. When it's dark it's sometimes difficult to find something you drop (esp. on rough terrain). If you have a sheet under your 'scope then small objects show up easier under torchlight. Also you know, even if you can't find whatever you've lost, that it'll be on the groundsheet somewhere when you come to pack up. Just don't shake it out before you pack it away.

[scarp15]

A light weight roll top camping table, and yes as mentioned a mat or ground sheet to put underneath the scope - for this I take a section of off cut kitchen lino. A magnifying glass is useful for looking at charts in conjunction with your red light torch. Also a portable observers chair.

Edit and dont forget some kind of weather proof cover for just in case. You know clear skies one minute, then wind blown snow, rain hail the next.

[crashtestdummy]

For me warm clothes,tea and sandwiches,star maps and i take a walpaper pasting table to put them all on.i also like to check the site on google mapa first so i know where south is etc

[foundaplanet]

I always take a bit of old carpet to put on the floor (also use it at home), a sheet of plastic under if it is wet. Keeps your feet warmer when its cold, stops stuff getting muddy and better if you drop something.

[Astralstroll]

Many thanks for the above tips. Time to get a few more bits and pieces. Back garden observing has its negative points, but everything is very close by if its forgotten or overlooked.

Dave.