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Your view of the night sky can be
greatly enhanced with a few helpful hints. We have placed some
suggestions and links here for you to gain the best viewing results.
Preparation:
It is surprising, even on a mild
night, how cold you can get using your telescope. It may feel a warm
night when you first start observing, but chill can easily set in from
being immobile and handling cold metal.
It is suggested that warm clothes be worn, and jackets, beanie's,
gloves and extra jumpers are always in your accessory collection.
Handy Viewing accessories:
An essential item on any observing
occasion is a red LED light with good batteries. Red cellophane over a
torch will suffice, but is not as effective as a red LED. This light is
for seeing into your Eyepiece Case, reading Star Maps and walking
around in dark locations. The reason we use 'Red' light is because it
does not ruin your 'dark adapted' vision, or others around you. Always
make sure you have spare batteries.
A must for comfort is an adjustable stool or something to sit on so
your back is not constantly bent. 15 minutes of bending can cause days
of pain, so make sure you can observe at the Eyepiece comfortably.
Great tools to have are Star maps. You don't need to have huge
Astronomy books on the viewing field. Maps can be printed from the
Internet, and slipped into plastic pockets to keep them dry from dew.
Another simple Star Map tool is a 'Planisphere'.
Fog & Mist can ruin any viewing night, but don't be dismayed. Fog
and Mists can disappear as fast as they appear. If fog rolls in, cover
your scope and accessories, go have a rest in the Clubroom's, and keep
a check every 10 minutes. Many times I have been fogged out and started
packing it away for the night, only to have the fog dissipate by the
time I am finished packing. Other times fog will not go, but take the
time to see what happens. Often after a fog the air is even clearer!
Helpful Links:
Jet stream: Jet Stream is very fast moving high altitude air currents.
Even on the clearest, calmest nights the Jet Stream can be racing along
at incredible speeds making objects appear to dance and distort in the
eyepiece. You can check on Jet Stream
here.
It is always a good idea to have a check on the weather that is approaching.
Never rely on what it looks like at the time. As we are at a higher altitude
here at Snake Valley, the weather can change amazingly fast. Have a look
here. To see what is expected in your next few hours.
There are
many other observing field tips such as notepads, snacks etc, but we hope
that these few will help you to prepare before your viewing session.
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