Prepare YOUR CAR for Astronomy!

[@davewilton6021]

Excellent video. I want to emphasize asking someone on foot to serve as a ground guide to escort your vehicle away from the dark area. It's important for safety, and that's what we always did in the army when moving vehicles at night (we didn't use headlights for obvious reasons). Also, for interior lights: covering them with red, translucent tape does an excellent job of providing light to see while not destroying night vision. Any auto supply store will have such tape.

[@AstroEscape]

I agree. It can be done safely, and I also want to emphasize safety!

[@dumpydalekobservatory]

Sound advice when I go to star parties it's usually for a few days so everything comes out the car & packed in the caravan, if for a one nighter I generally set up before it gets dark I leave the boot (trunk) open for the whole night so no lights come one in the whole time of being there as I'm generally the last to leave lol.

[@AstroEscape]

I know a few people who leave theirs open too. If you check my video from today, Mike left his open the whole weekend except when we went to sleep so food was locked away.

[@johndoedro]

Dark site etiquette! Thanks you, sir.

[@AstroEscape]

You're welcome!

[@jolucas2395]

Great video... Perfect job on safety....

[@AstroEscape]

As much as I want to help everyone learn the night sky, how to take pictures of it, and just generally enjoy it, safety is the main concern. Even if someone doesn't know the night sky, as long as they were safe when stargazing, that makes me happy.

[@VikramHarinath]

Do they light up pathways and so on with red lights so you can drive your car in and out without headlights on, etc etc? Otherwise its a massive safety issue (even with someone walking your car out).

[@AstroEscape]

Most places don't. The idea is for the driver to keep their dark adaptation so they can see the guide. The guide doesn't necessarily have to be walking in front of the car, they can be beside it where they can easily talk to the driver and see. In my tip, it also assumes they are driving slow, as a lot of places (at least in the US) have a speed restriction of 5-10 mph (8-16kph). All of that being said, if the driver stays slow enough the guide can walk with the car and communicate with the driver, they could safely be guided to the road, where they can turn the lights on and drive away :)

[@TheNarrowbandChannel]

Required vexing for star parties :)

[@AstroEscape]

Indeed. Take note for next weekend....

[@jeroendejong6680]

Clever video!

[@AstroEscape]

Thanks you!

[@hangerbird]

Great tips that many don't think about.

[@AstroEscape]

Thanks, Hangerbird!

[@PafMedic]

As A Medical Professional,I Dont Recommend Covering Any Inside Lights,As Long As You Can Access The Gear Shift,Youve Gave A Lot Of Star Party Tips,But Not Necessarily Human Safety Tips

[@AstroEscape]

Well, for this purpose, the driver should be driving slow and not very far with the lights covered, then uncovering once they get to the road....if they plan on moving the car at all... tons of times I've seen at Cherry Springs people get into their car and interior lights go on full blast :(

[@PafMedic]

@@AstroEscape ,Im Going To Agree,Been There Myself,Im A Member Of The Wagman Observatory In Tarentum,And My Skies Are More Remote,and Darker😂Im In Elderton Pa,But I Have Seen On Some Open Star Parties,You Have To Watch Close For Kids,As Ive Seen Them Dart Out In Front Of People Coming In,and Gates Arent Closed.Unless Its A Closed Party ,Just Something To Keep In The Back Of Your Mind.Great Tips Though..Ive Got A Dumb..Humorous Question..As Most Of Us Dont Allow Laser Pointers…But Yesterday..I Saw A Laser Pointer,Star Finder,Complete With Rings and Mounting Plate For Various Scopes,Just Curious On Your Thoughts…I Think Its A Bad Idea..I Could Just See Some Parent Thinking This is Easier,Put It On Their Kids Scope,And The Tube Coming Loosened,and Drops,And It Scans Across Someones Eyes..And Its Green🤦🏼‍♀️Be Glad Whn The Smoke Is Gone,Have A Great Day,Thank You For Responding Back,and Always..Clear Skies❤️🙏🏻🔭✨💪🏼

[@FyreMunky69]

Where Did You Get That Shirt...??

[@AstroEscape]

Little store down the street from Cherry Springs State Park a few years ago. They don't have it anymore =/

[@FyreMunky69]

@@AstroEscape Sorry To Hear That It's A Great Shirt

[@AstroEscape]

@@FyreMunky69 Oh, I know. Next time I am up there I may ask them to reprint it :)

[@kevekev333]

just waiting for the smoke to clear.......

[@AstroEscape]

You and me both! When I recorded that, all charts showed it otherwise clear. I really hope they can get the fires under control, or it starts raining for a week straight up there soon.

[@woody5109]

Star party…I wish. Great tips though.

[@AstroEscape]

Watch the schedules! Cloudy Nights forum has a list, come to one!

[@Marco-qe5zw]

Essentially, just turn all lights off, and dont lock your car.

[@AstroEscape]

Yep! But sometimes people new to going to public events don't think about these things right away.