Dark Skies Viewing Etiquette
Our family loves to star gaze as we've been doing it for years. We're quite knowledgeable in our space sciences information, as are our children. Because we've gone out to dark sky sites, we know the rules or proper etiquette of going to these places. After watching a recent meteor shower, I think most do not. While it's FANTASTIC that so many want to watch in something so spectacular, a little courtesy goes a long, long ways. Trust me on this - I heard many grumblings from the people present about the lack of respect.
It's very disruptive to your vision to finally get it adapted to the dark (as it can take upwards of an hour to truly adapt) only for someone else to drive into the viewing area - headlights shining all over.
Before I begin, here's a fantastic blog on why red lights are preferred over white. It's not to be mean or difficult, there really is a reason why the white lights are harsh.
When you arrive, it's considered proper etiquette to dim all exterior lights on your vehicle. Obviously it's illegal to drive w/o headlights, so it's up to you how you deal with this. However, be considerate to the amount of time you are driving around the area looking for a parking spot - the people who were there before you already had adapted their eyes to the dark. Your headlights disrupt this for them. Some may even be taking night photography, and your headlights flood (and ruin) their pictures many of which are long exposure.
Please disable all interior lights - this is as simple as removing the right fuses. It's quite bothersome to have someone open their vehicle doors/trunk and have those white lights flood the area. We're out in the dark, and the white lights undo the adaptation our eyes have done in the dark. If you are unable to remove the fuses, simply letting people know by saying "white light" allows those to cover their eyes. And please be respectful of the time you have your white light going. ;)
Flashlights are a no-no. Yes, I know you need to see in the dark, but again the white light from the flashlights are hard on the dark adapted eyes. The photographer of the picture was trying to capture the Perseids Metoer Shower, and this is what lights do to the picture. Consider wrapping your light with red fabric and an elastic band. It doesn't take long for your eyes to adapt to the red light and you'll be able to see just fine.
No flash photography. If you've read this far, this should be self-explanatory. ;)
As you depart, give a quick honk (before your start your vehicle) to allow everyone still remaining to cover their eyes, and/or stop photographing the night sky.
A little courtesy really does go a long ways. Everyone is there to enjoy the beauty of the night sky, so let's not ruin this enjoyment.
Bring a comfortable chair, a blanket and a positive attitude. Star gazing is a wonderful thing to do with everyone in the family.
For further information:
Edmonton RASC (Royal Astronomical Society of Canada)
A list of Alberta Dark-Sky Sites
Telus World of Science Observatory
It's very disruptive to your vision to finally get it adapted to the dark (as it can take upwards of an hour to truly adapt) only for someone else to drive into the viewing area - headlights shining all over.
Before I begin, here's a fantastic blog on why red lights are preferred over white. It's not to be mean or difficult, there really is a reason why the white lights are harsh.
When you arrive, it's considered proper etiquette to dim all exterior lights on your vehicle. Obviously it's illegal to drive w/o headlights, so it's up to you how you deal with this. However, be considerate to the amount of time you are driving around the area looking for a parking spot - the people who were there before you already had adapted their eyes to the dark. Your headlights disrupt this for them. Some may even be taking night photography, and your headlights flood (and ruin) their pictures many of which are long exposure.
Please disable all interior lights - this is as simple as removing the right fuses. It's quite bothersome to have someone open their vehicle doors/trunk and have those white lights flood the area. We're out in the dark, and the white lights undo the adaptation our eyes have done in the dark. If you are unable to remove the fuses, simply letting people know by saying "white light" allows those to cover their eyes. And please be respectful of the time you have your white light going. ;)
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| Photo Credit - Haslam Digital Photography |
Flashlights are a no-no. Yes, I know you need to see in the dark, but again the white light from the flashlights are hard on the dark adapted eyes. The photographer of the picture was trying to capture the Perseids Metoer Shower, and this is what lights do to the picture. Consider wrapping your light with red fabric and an elastic band. It doesn't take long for your eyes to adapt to the red light and you'll be able to see just fine.
No flash photography. If you've read this far, this should be self-explanatory. ;)
As you depart, give a quick honk (before your start your vehicle) to allow everyone still remaining to cover their eyes, and/or stop photographing the night sky.
A little courtesy really does go a long ways. Everyone is there to enjoy the beauty of the night sky, so let's not ruin this enjoyment.
Bring a comfortable chair, a blanket and a positive attitude. Star gazing is a wonderful thing to do with everyone in the family.
For further information:
Edmonton RASC (Royal Astronomical Society of Canada)
A list of Alberta Dark-Sky Sites
Telus World of Science Observatory
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