Telescope Reviews: MSHSP7 - Yep, we're crazy

Hey All!
I have taken the bit and sent a e-mail to Denisse Fisher, the person who sent the e-mail to me about the event at Mt St Helens. Below is what I sent, I hope she has some good answers, and I will share them with you if I get them.

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I have some concerns on your event. You say there will be camp fires. This is a serious problem when telescopes are involved. First and most important, the light from the campfires will hinder everyone's ability to get dark adapted. This will greatly reduce the number of objects visible with the telescopes. The entire reason for holding a star party at a dark sky location is to get away from any lights, either local or overall light pollution. The second problem with campfires is the smoke from the fires will block portions of the sky from being visible. We have enough problems with clouds, we do not need clouds of smoke as well. The last problem, and may be the worst issue with campfires, is the smoke, soot, and cinders generated by the campfires may land on the sensitive optics of someone's telescope. This can and will destroy the the telescopes ability to put a clear image of celestial objects in the eyepiece, and may not be repairable. With some telescopes costing several THOUSAND dollars, and my own telescope is about $600, many amateur astronomers like my self will not risk this exposure!

Another item of concern is where you have stated that viewing will be over between 10:30 pm and 11:00 pm. It does not get fully dark this time of the year until this time. Most star parties are a all night affair, with some people staying up until twilight the next morning. The best viewing is between midnight and 3:00 am! I understand the 10:00 am time for breaking up camp, and do not see this as a problem.

One of the things not stated in your letter is acceptable lights after dark. Since I expect there will be people there who have never looked through a telescope before, and do not know what to expect, they need to be informed of some things beforehand. White light (like the typical flashlight or camp lantern) is generally not allowed at star parties, for the same reason as the light put off by camp fires. The type of lights that are accepted are flashlights with RED lenses. Ordinary flashlights can be temporarily converted with a bit of red tape, like taillight repair tape, or a couple layers of red cloth. These flashlights must be not too bright, and people will be surprised on how much can be seen around them when they are dark adapted. Starlight can be quite bright when it is the only light visible.

Please let me know your thoughts. I still want to contribute my time and astronomy knowledge to your event, but the campfires must be completely extinguished before I uncover my telescope and show the wonders of the heavens to anyone who cares to look.

Walt Ellis

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What do you think guys? Anyone else care to draft a letter to her so I am not alone?

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