CalStar '10

CalStar Areas, their Uses and Rules

CalStar is intended to accommodate many levels of star party experience, school groups, and people who want to view in a dark site, but would rather sleep in a hotel room instead of camp. We have always had the entire Overflow Area to ourselves, but this year we are going to make better use of it. Those that plan to be on the site during the entire night and those that don't will be physically separated.

CalStar is fortunate because the physical layout of the site allows us to separate different groups of guests. First a quick summary of the various areas and the areas intended use

• Dark Enforced Area - Also known as the Baseball diamond. This is where all of the hardcore astronomers will be observing. Since night vision is the most precious asset at a star party , this area imposes the most draconian rules on light usage and access. All entering this area are required to comply.
• Casual Area - This area also has rules to restrict light usage and access, but the rules are not as severe as in the Dark Enforced Area
• Late Arrival/Early Departure - This area has rules that are more like a weekend star party. You can enter the area after dark and leave the area before morning. This area is actually larger than the Dark Area and has been sparsely used.

Note: This year there will be no departures through the main entrance

Click on image for a full size view

Common Rules in All Areas

• Lake San Antonio is part of the Monterey County Park system. Abide by the posted rules.
• Driving at the observing area: the speed limit is simple... go slow enough to not raise dust. Please avoid driving after 6 PM when optics are open.
• No running! This applies mostly to children attending... running raises dust and is a danger to equipment.
• Quiet hours are dusk until noon. No music, and no running vehicles to recharge batteries.
  Do not bring a barking dog. Park rules require dogs to be on a maximum 7 foot leash at all times.
• Music? Not during observing hours. During the day? Okay, but keep it toned down
• No open fires. This is fire season. Also the light and smoke will harm viewing.
• Use the porta-potties!
• Be considerate if you smoke. Some people are deathly allergic to cigarette smoke.
• SJAA always leaves the CalStar site clean. Pick up your trash and especially Pick up your butts. If you don't then I have to.

Road Closures

People come a long way to CalStar for uninterrupted viewing of objects they cannot see closer to home. One inconsiderate person leaving a dark enforced area in the middle of the night can cost many people 30 minutes or more of dark adaptation. Thus we close the road to the Casual and Dark Enforced areas from 8 PM until morning twilight. Any car within the area is prohibited from leaving. Any car outside may not enter.

Light Rules

The Rules on the use of light vary greatly from area to area. The light rules in the Dark Enforced Area allows observers to protect their night vision/images at the cost of convienience. Other areas add more flexibility, but sacrifice the assurance that your night vision is protected. Time is precious in a star party like this. One mistake can prevent someone from finding that elusive glob for 30 minutes or more.

By the way for those planning visual observing here are some other nuggets to chew on:

Affect of Bright Light During the Day "Exposure to intense sunlight for two to five hours causes a definite decrease in visual sensitivity, which can persist for as long as five hours. ... At the same time, the rate of dark adaptation and the degree of night vision capability will be decreased. Since these effects are cumulative and may persist for several days, military neutral density (N-15) sunglasses or equivalent filter lenses should be used in bright sunlight when night operations are anticipated."

Smoking and Alcohol

Age

General Info on Night Vision

Detailed Rules

	Road Access	Light Rules	Recommended Use
Dark Enforced Area	Road Closed 8 PM	No White Light from any source (flashlights, car lights) in tents or outside.Only Dim Red lights.There must be no direct or reflected white light visible from computers, or the computer must have sufficient red plastic over the screen without light-leak to assure it is unobtrusive.	Experienced Observers who are familiar with their equipment and have attended star parties before Tends to be rather dense with people and equipment.
Casual Area	Road Closed 8 PM	Avoid White Light sources that might be visible from dark area. No white flashlight use outside. Make sure your car courtesy lights are off. Use dim Red Flashes to walk around Make sure your laptop is not too bright for your neighbors and does not shine in dark area	Observers that want a more casual experience.People that have not attended a multi day star party. RVs (they tend to have problems with the light rules) School groups (individuals are welcome to visit other areas following light rules) Groups with small children Observers wanting more space/privacy than available in more congested areas
Late Arrival/ Early Departure Area	Be considerate and try to avoid headlight use.Caution: roads less watered. More prone to cause dust.	Be considerate of other observers. Try to use dim red instead of white lights No camping lanterns	Observers wanting to leave early, Observers arriving after 8 PM. If you wanted to be in a restricted area then move during daylight

rjh 8/25/08