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Kelling - Autumn 2009

daz

By daz
in Star Parties & Astro Events

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  • 6 months later...
  • Replies 73
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albedo0.39

albedo0.39

Posted
Posted

Just booked up !

A total and utter newbie - no tent so we've taken the plunge and booked a mobile home very close to the yellow section. I (we in fact) have absolutely no idea what to expect on a star party. I'll try and smuggle the new scope, but where do I find a beginners guide to this event ?

Do's, Don't's, how it all works..etc

So looking forward to it so thanks if you have some hints / tips. Do I need to wear a "This is all new to me" hat ?

All advice very welcome - thanks

Steve

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Ant

Ant

Posted
Posted

Here are some pointers taken from Spring Star Party

Hope this helps. The only one I think is missing is be careful about just walking up and touching/moving an unattended scope - Very few observers will say no (if any), but the scope could be in the middle of an imaging run.

Guidelines

When you attend the Kelling Heath star party, consider these few simple steps to help everyone enjoy the event.

Come Prepared

The site is within a mile of the sea so make sure you dress warmly and if coming alone, make a thermos of tea and bring some snacks for sharing :)

Lights

Flashlight - Remember to bring a red light if you plan on wandering around the site and arrive before dark so you can familiarise yourself with the site.

Car - If it is clear and you arrive after dark, consider parking your car in the main car park and walk to the observing field. This way, your lights will not affect those people out observing.

If you're car is parked on the field, try to remove fuses or cover lights that may come on unexpectedly with tape; for example, interior lights or indicators when locking/unlocking your car.

Smokers - Please be careful when lighting up. Shielding the lighter flame is best; it’s amazing how bright lighter flames are and this will ruin dark adaption of those around you.

Toilet blocks - The lights inside are left on but the windows and lights outside are screened, so not to light up the sky.

Noise - Everyone’s taste in music is different so please don't play music loud. Try to keep the noise/music down after midnight and before noon the next day. As people up to the early hours observing may still be sleeping.

Misc

Rubbish - The site is of scientific interest so please use the bins provided near the toilet blocks.

Laser pointers - These are discouraged from use on the observing fields. Due to the amount of people in attendance they present a danger and risk of causing blindness through careless use. They may even interfere with ‘astroimagers’ nearby.

Children - Are more than welcome to attend but need to be supervised at all times, there is a lot of trip hazards and expensive equipment setup on the field.

Computers - Please can these be shielded from those trying to observe. Try placing a box around the screen so as to minimise the light finding its way to other observers. It’s amazing how bright a computer screen is at night and it can seriously hamper visual observers’ enjoyment of the event.

Enjoy

The reason for star parties is for like minded people to get together, socialise, share knowledge and enjoy the night sky from a dark, hopefully cloud free site.

By considering these simple guidelines, everyone can enjoy the beauty of the north Norfolk night sky.

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albedo0.39

albedo0.39

Posted
Posted

Thanks Ant. Great Help. I'd guessed most of that, but the bit I'm most interested in is how it all works apart from that. Do people set up scopes next to their own patch of ground and then leave them there for the duration of the SP ?

Or... do all the scopes get huddled in the middle of the field with general mingling going on ?

Are people up all night ?

I'm thinking of bringing a scope (if I can fit it into the car with 2 MTB's + luggage...) but how about the security ? Sorry to ask, but as I mentioned, I've never done this sort of thing

My interest is to learn more about how different eyepieces work under real world conditions, chat to folks, share ideas, etc...

Thanks again

Steve

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James

James

Posted
Posted

Hi Steve,

Generally you set up your scopes next to your tent. If you know the people next to you then you can of course sit the scopes together. It depends on the star party of course and how the organisers choose to do things. I've attached a picture from Kelling Autumn 2008 where several pitches were used to host lots of telescopes.

Whether you stay up all night depends on the person... I try to stay up till dawn to make the most use of clear skies but many can't do that. It always amuses me at Kelling on a clear night to see everyone toodling off to bed at 11-12. Some of course have to get up the next morning and drive somewhere or have family with them so a late night would be hard!

Regarding security... it's not usually a problem. Most star parties are in remote areas, everyone around you is an astronomer and most people happily leave kit out with the only problem being the weather :) I've never heard of anything going astray but I guess there's a first time for everything!

James

post-13295-133877366757_thumb.jpg

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Wobbly Bob

Wobbly Bob

Posted
Posted

Hi Steve, regarding Kelling Heath, we have been to every meet at this venue and as James has mentioned, the only real problem we all face is protecting your equipment from the weather. These days 90% of the campsite will be taken over by Astronomers, New and Experianced, so you will find a very friendly and helpfull bunch of like minded people. In fact the sky camp would be the ideal place to get enthused about our hobby, plus many astro bargains can be found around the site.

I have never head of anyone having anything stolen from a pitch at KH.

See you there.

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albedo0.39

albedo0.39

Posted
Posted

I'm relieved to hear of the "fun and freindly" approach - it helps when you don't know the people / scene and so on. As for the late nights - well, if the skies come out to play, then I'm up for burning the midnight oil. Indeed the missus and used to be often out late at quarter to cold so I'm OK with all that.

Great to hear about security. Looking forward to it.

Thanks for advice

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  • 1 month later...
cjh2007

cjh2007

Posted
Posted

Hi, just spoke to kelling about the star party, there was still afew pitches left so i reserved 1 in blue butterfly touring area!! is anyone else in this area or because im late booking am i miles away from everyone?? my first star party so dont want to be on my own!! :cool:

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albedo0.39

albedo0.39

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By quirk of nature, I have discovered that my LB-16 does not fit into my Volvo but does fit into my Mini - albeit with no room for luggage. So... I'm considering towing my 'scope down to Kelling...

...or leaving the wife at home...

What do you think will be the easiest for me to work on between then and now ?

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  • 2 months later...
  • 4 weeks later...
SteveL

SteveL

Posted
Posted
Hi .Just joned this forum,and had booked late ...so im in the blue field,Pitch 213. so hope not to far from you who are going.will bring my 4" refractor ,and may be a 12" Dob .If I persuade myself enough,!.

Regads Jon

Plenty of us on the blue field...

http://stargazerslounge.com/star-parties/86494-kelling-sept-2009-mugshots-thread.html

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