Deep South Star Gaze Observing Field Rules/Regulations 2021

DSSG 2021 (XXXIX) - Observing Field Rules and Regulations



At the Deep South Star Gaze, held at the White Horse Christian Retreat Center, light restrictions will be in effect from deep dusk until dawn on the observing field and its approaches. Parking rules on the observing field and its approaches will be in force for the duration of the star gaze. These rules have been designed to make the star gaze an enjoyable experience and are based upon our previous 38 years with the Deep South Star Gaze. These rules are driven by common sense and should be familiar to anyone who does regular astronomical observing from a dark site. Virtually all regulations are the same or quite similar to rules found at many other star parties.



1. Spots on the observing field are strictly first come, first serve, with the exception of the Registration Canopy (north side of the field). RV’s and campers because of size, have to set up outside of the Arena Field. Small telescope trailers will be permitted as long as space permits.



Attendees are prohibited from setting up equipment to include canopies, tents, tables, telescopes, etc. on the “Arena Field” until after the field is staked and marked. (This should be completed by noon on Tuesday, 11/2. Vehicles may have to be moved after the field is marked to conform to its layout if set up or parked prematurely. (Other areas where set up is permitted at White Horse will not be laid out and attendees can park there upon arrival. Some direction may be given, particularly if arriving with an RV or Camper. We will direct you to areas that have 30 amp breakers if that is needed.)



We will lay out the field based upon registration numbers and the condition of the field. Each attendee spot will be approximately 15 feet wide. New arrivals should "key" off of what is already set up as we want to avoid creating spaces which are either too narrow or too wide between spots (your spot consists of your telescopes, canopies or tents). Telescopes will be set up within a registrant’s spot closest to the field center (center line runs the length of the field. There will be an approximately 15 ft. corridor between (from the outside – vehicles, then canopies and then equipment) running the length of the field. Enough space should exist between canopies to allow space to walk and/or move equipment. Our main objective is to conserve space on the field. Note too that canopy size should be no larger than 12’ x 12’. The field layout may be modified based upon registration numbers as circumstances dictate. 30 amp ac power will not be available to anyone set up on the Arena Field. Lower amperage electrical power may be limited. It is advised that anyone set up on the Arena Field should strongly consider running their equipment on battery power.



2. Once set up in a spot, your vehicle should be closest to the fence, preferably tail in, then your canopy and in front of that your telescope equipment. You can also park your vehicle outside of the Arena Field. There will be no driving into or out of the Arena Field at night.



3. Vehicle Parking outside of the Arena Field and AC Power -



RVs and campers should be parked off of the south side of the road leading to the main White Horse Building. This is where we will have some 30 amp power. Before settling in anyone arriving in an rv or camper should come to the Arena Field and ask for help in getting a spot to set up.



Tents can be set up behind telescope equipment in lieu of a canopy or within a canopy. If registration is light we may be able to allow tent setup adjacent to a canopy. Do not expect this, in all likelihood you will not be able to set up both a canopy and a tent on the Arena Field unless the tent is under a canopy or substitutes for either a canopy or a car on the field.



AC electrical power will be available from a few 20 amp outlets within the barn. As several may want to tie into the same power source, tripping is a possibility. If that happens, lines will have to be removed from the power source in order (last one in is the first one out). The DSSG management is not providing extension cords or junction boxes. The run from the outlets to where telescopes will be on the Arena Field will be a minimum of 100 feet and a maximum of 300 feet. It is anticipated that heavy use could result in multiple tripped circuits. The cord run could also result in significant voltage drops.

If you use cord(s), please secure it to the ground to prevent a tripping hazard. (Hint: use batteries if at all possible.)



Note – telescope drives draw little power. Other items such as an ac power hair dryer will draw a lot of power and if use is attempted one will likely trip the circuit. They should not be used.



Announcements and registration check-in will take place at the Registration Canopy located on the north side of the Arena Field.

"No Equipment” (reduced rate) registrants should park their vehicles as close to the entry gate to White Horse (where the “white horse” statue is. If parked in this area you can pack your vehicle (observing our light prohibition rules) and leave when we call out “time windows’ for departure. (8 pm, 10 pm and midnight). No one parked on the Arena Field will be allowed to drive off at any time between dusk and dawn except in the case of an extreme emergency. Other registrants parked outside of the Arena Field can also leave (yellow parking lights only) during our departure windows.



4. White lights of any kind are forbidden after dark unless light rules are suspended due to weather conditions or an emergency. In the case of a true medical emergency, white lights are justified. Do whatever is necessary to make your car, truck or van "astronomy friendly". This includes turning off interior light master switches, removing fuses, leaving vehicles unlocked after dark (to avoid light flashes via remotes), covering lights that cannot be turned off, etc. The best practice is to simply plan ahead and not open doors after dark if there’s any question of lights coming on.



5. Flashlights and computer screens (at night) have to be red shielded, keep flashlights pointed down as much as possible. Some red shielded lights are still too bright and if so we will let you know. Use judgement and ask your neighbor if your light is too bright. If too bright you will have to shield it further.



Note - Use of laptops on the field – any laptop used on the Arena Field must have its screen red shielded. If found to be too bright, the screen illumination can be dialed down. Additionally it is a good idea to also shroud your laptop within an enclosure or “computer tent” – see links. This serves a double purpose as it also protects your computer from dew. If possible, please set up your computer so the screen is pointed away from other observers.



Links to buy red screens and computer enclosures/tents



www.amazon.com/s?k=computer+tent&ref=nb_sb_noss_1

www.astrogizmos.com/Computer.htm



6. Lasers or Red Dot Finders – red dot finders are perfectly fine for use at the DSSG. Green (or any other color) lasers used as a finder/pointer on telescopes or as hand held night sky pointers are prohibited if skies are clear.



7. Music – everyone has different tastes. If you like to listen to music when observing, use earphones/ ear buds.



8. The White Horse Christian Retreat Camp prohibits alcohol and it’s use on its grounds and in any of its buildings. Please respect their rules. We do not intend to forfeit our ability to continue to use the White Horse Christian Retreat Camp for the Deep South Star Gaze. Having said this, we are not roving policemen.



9. Pets are not allowed on White Horse Christian Retreat Camp grounds or in its buildings. No exceptions.



10. Football, frisbee, baseball, volleyball, etc. is not allowed near telescopes/equipment which has been set up. There are lots of other open areas on the property where you can throw a ball or toss a frisbee.



11. Campfires, cook stoves, Sterno or propane heaters, barbecue pits are not allowed on the observing fields. While they are specifically not disallowed OFF the observing field, care must be taken to fully shield their light output so as not to be visible from the field. If light from a “cooking device” is visible on the field, you may be required to extinguish the device. NO USE AT NIGHT.



12. Smoking is not allowed on the observing fields. If you need to smoke please move far away from any area where scopes are set up. Smoking is not permitted in any buildings at the White Horse Christian Retreat Camp.



13. Quiet generator use will be permitted in conjunction with RV or camper operation or for recharging batteries.. Their use is not permitted on the Arena Field at night.



Note - We will have trash barrels strategically located around the fields.





Revised 9/25/21