Observing - safety

[bm1980]

Hi this has been a very informative thread as i am also a newbie and in the pr2 area

Regards

Ben

[jonstarrysky]

very pertinent thread, as it is typical that backyards in the burbs are little use for astronomy. I get out to a rural dark site(s) and the astro experience is much better. But takes a bit of getting used to alone and some research to get a site that lacks disturbances eg: lads razzing about in their hot hatch. I have close at hand a bright torch (it is metal so in theory can also be used in self defense), car keys and mobile. Of course these will v unlikely be needed..... Choose your spot well, and you'll find somewhere with little hassle.... My experience is it needs to be somewhat obsure and small e.g. not a big national trust car park

[pook]

What would worry me there is two things:

A) Chavs out racing their knackered Corsas and Saxos, and

Your night vision getting ruined every time a car went past. (or subs being ruined if the scope is pointing near the road).