Click here if you are having trouble logging into the forums
Privacy Policy |
Please read our Terms
of Service | Signup and
Troubleshooting FAQ | Problems? PM a Red or a Green Gu.... uh, User
RussL
Music Maker
Reged: 03/18/08
Posts: 1925
Loc: Cayce, SC
|
|
It is true that dark adaptation will show you your way around after awhile. While visiting a friend who lives in a green zone I couldn't see my hand in front of my face at first, but after an hour or so I could see everything I was doing, even the black eyepieces in my accessory case. Walking around was not a problem, and if there was a critter nearby I would've seen it, or at least it's general shape. George is right that it is never truly dark. Perhaps your wife (and you?) needs to experience this to see how safe you can feel out there.
--------------------
--Dawg, the Russell
"Akita mani yo." Observe everything as you walk. (--Lakota)
Celestron Celestar 8 Standard SCT, f10
Celestron 80mm Wide View ref., f5
Orion 120ST ref., f5
Criterion RV-6 Dynascope, Newt., f8, (c. 1962)
Sears Discoverer 60mm ref., f7, (c. 1973)
Celestron Ultima DX 10x50, 6.5 TFOV
Tasco 7x35 wide
Several mediocre eyepieces
|
GeorgeDuke
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 04/24/03
Posts: 1591
Loc: PARADISE! (So.Florida)
|
|
Hope you never find out Carol!
--------------------
George
--------------
SkyShed POD XL-3
LX200GPS 203mm f10
StellarVue SV102ED2 Feathertouch Ser#0018
LXD75 GOTO with Orion 16" pier extension
Baader Hyperion 8mm ,13mm, 21mm + FTRs
2" GSO ED barlow, 2" SV Dielectric and Orion Prism Diagonals
|
glava2005
member
Reged: 04/12/09
Posts: 89
|
|
simple... just get her drunk (or tipsy at least)
--------------------
Sky-Watcher ED80
TS Astro5 mount
|
csa/montana
Wild Spirit
Reged: 05/14/05
Posts: 40271
Loc: montana
|
|
Quote:
Hope you never find out Carol!
I also hope so George! 
--------------------
Carol
AstroTech 16" Dob (Thanks ASTRONOMICS!)
Vixen 80MF/AstroTech Voyager
Masuyama's 7.5, 15, 25W, 35mm,
Pentaxes; 5XW, 7XL, 10XW.
14mm Meade 4000 UWA
TV Panoptics; 22, 35
DreamCatcher Dobservatory, #2
|
nyc_nurse
sage
Reged: 07/29/09
Posts: 254
Loc: nyc
|
|
There are fears and there are phobias. I think it's natural for most people to have a certain amount of anxiety when in an unfamiliar area in the dark - add the stress of a person who isn't accustomed to being in the woods and it would be strange for a person not to have some apprehension. If the OP's wife has manageable anxiety then I would suggest getting her first accustomed to the area during daylight. Day hiking in the woods is a great way to make the woods less mysterious and fearful and more fun and beautiful. Gradually get her to hangout during twilight and let her go indoors when she feels like it. You can't expect her to forget possibly a lifelong fear of the dark overnight.
However, if her fear borders on a phobia then I would tread very lightly and carefully as any attempt to acclimate her could make the fear worse and no amount of "reality checking" her about her safety will turn her around. In the end, respect her anxiety and try weighing her discomfort with the comfort you have of her observing with you.
--------------------
Sam P.
www.agirlandaguy.blogspot.com
Pentax 7X50
TV-102 APO w/ (Starbeam - on backorder  )
Ash Gibraltar w/ SkyTour DSC
NZ3-6, N9T6, N13T6
TV 20 Plossl
Pan 24, 35
Pentax XW10, XW14
|
Ray4852
sage
Reged: 09/30/08
Posts: 401
Loc: Arcade, NY
|
|
I know what its like for a bear to move in. I had a bear once move in on me. it was my fault. I was eating chocolate cookies. he wanted some too. remember bears are harmless if you don't try to harm them. if they move in give them some elbow room and let them do what they want. never spray anything at them. they will get aggressive and attack you. if she has cubs with here get out of the area. if you are afraid to walk to your observatory at night because of nature, your getting stressed out now. you have about one in a zillion chance nature will harm you. if you drive down the road at night with your car the chances of you getting hit by a drunk is a lot better. just remember nature is harmless if you know how to communicate with it.
--------------------
Home Built 18 dobsonian
Panoptic 27mm
Tele vue 16mm 9mm naglers
Tele vue big barlow
Telrad and DSC
deepsky and skytools software
|
csa/montana
Wild Spirit
Reged: 05/14/05
Posts: 40271
Loc: montana
|
|
Quote:
. never spray anything at them. they will get aggressive and attack you. if she has cubs with here get out of the area. if you are afraid to walk to your observatory at night because of nature, your getting stressed out now. you have about one in a zillion chance nature will harm you.
Living in the wilds, bear spray has saved individuals from being attacked! Mt. Fish & Wildlife heartedly endorse bear sprays.
I did not say I was "afraid" to walk to & from my observatory, rather "uneasy"; and am the furtherest thing from being "stressed out".  I've lived alone with only one neighbor here for almost 14 years; have come face to face with a cougar; had a bear rip a wall off my back porch; so I'm very aware that taking precautions is a very good thing.
Quote:
just remember nature is harmless if you know how to communicate with it.
Just curious, how many years have you lived in remote areas?
I've had 20+ years at another remote location here, before moving up here, alone for almost 14 years.
Totally ignoring any possibilities while "communicating with Nature", is something I'm not willing to do. 
--------------------
Carol
AstroTech 16" Dob (Thanks ASTRONOMICS!)
Vixen 80MF/AstroTech Voyager
Masuyama's 7.5, 15, 25W, 35mm,
Pentaxes; 5XW, 7XL, 10XW.
14mm Meade 4000 UWA
TV Panoptics; 22, 35
DreamCatcher Dobservatory, #2
|
NerfMonkey
sage
Reged: 06/12/08
Posts: 482
Loc: NE Ohio
|
|
If your car's got remote door locks your keys probably have a panic button on them. Even if you left your car parked up at the house I'd think it would go a long way in putting your mind at ease to know that you can make a ton of noise with the push of a button. Anyone living within a mile wouldn't appreciate it too much though!
--------------------
Mike
Zhumell 12", Oberwerk 15x70s
107 Messiers, 247 total DSOs, 6 planets, 1 comet
|
Tiny
super member
Reged: 05/02/08
Posts: 197
|
|
Quote:
I am indeed in Jersey, though the country site I'm talking about is actually in Chenango County, NY. There are indeed quite a few bears in parts of New Jersey however. I'd probably be more likely to run into a bear in Northwestern Jersey than out in NY where I'm observing.
Like i said, music. You'll feel far less wierded out. I jog at night all the time and it certainly takes a much larger psychological toll when i do it without any form of music.
In reality you have a far better chance of either getting into a fatal car accident on the way, or crushed by a tree, than you do of meeting one of the handful of deadly critters that still roam. Even more rare is one that is actually going to confront you with hostility.
Quote:
Well, I'm not in northern Montana, & have bears, cougars, coyotes, wolves.
Wasnt trying to be specific, just places known for very high populations of the aforementioned animals. Dont trust the mace for a range of more than 20ft. Its actually recommended to test it so you know what to expect. Like many things some liberties were taken with the performance characteristics.
|
csa/montana
Wild Spirit
Reged: 05/14/05
Posts: 40271
Loc: montana
|
|
Neither of my vehicles have that. And my neighbor wouldn't hear it if I did. Let me be clear; I'm not afraid of going to & from the observatory! I just have a very healthy respect of what can be out here. If I was afraid, would I be living in a remote area, alone? I love living here, but do not pretend that something cannot happen. Being prepared, & cautious never hurt anyone.
I can assure everyone, my observatory will continue to be joyfully used for many years to come! Don't know how I become the subject of the thread; so let's get back to the original poster, & try to give him more suggestions.
--------------------
Carol
AstroTech 16" Dob (Thanks ASTRONOMICS!)
Vixen 80MF/AstroTech Voyager
Masuyama's 7.5, 15, 25W, 35mm,
Pentaxes; 5XW, 7XL, 10XW.
14mm Meade 4000 UWA
TV Panoptics; 22, 35
DreamCatcher Dobservatory, #2
|
Ray4852
sage
Reged: 09/30/08
Posts: 401
Loc: Arcade, NY
|
|
Ive lived 25 years in a remote area. if your having problems with wild animals get rid of the ones that's giving you the problem . not all of them are bad. if a bear tore up my place he would make a nice rug on the floor. if your having problems around your observatory put up a 12v electric fence. it will keep everything away so you can be safe. if you don't like walking to your observatory get an ATV. no animals will stop me from enjoying what I like to do. I wont hurt them either. I love nature. they have every right to be there with me. I don't live in mountain country like you do my area is surround with woods and open fields. that electric fence will help you out. give it a try. I have about 30 bee hives on my property now. the fence keeps every animal away. if a bear move in he would get zapped.
--------------------
Home Built 18 dobsonian
Panoptic 27mm
Tele vue 16mm 9mm naglers
Tele vue big barlow
Telrad and DSC
deepsky and skytools software
|
nyc_nurse
sage
Reged: 07/29/09
Posts: 254
Loc: nyc
|
|
Invariably it seems like threads like these progress to the extremes of either 1) wilderness survival tactics out in the outbacks or 2) all of god's creations are peaceful when respected. It's fun to read but I think creates an unrealistic picture for the uninitiated and would definitely freak out the OP's wife if she were to read this stuff.
Quote:
let's get back to the original poster, & try to give him more suggestions.
Another thing that might help is bringing her to a couple of star parties held at darksite locations in similar surroundings. She might feel less anxiety with more people. You might be able to get the number down to a few dozen people, to several observing buddies and then perhaps just you two.
--------------------
Sam P.
www.agirlandaguy.blogspot.com
Pentax 7X50
TV-102 APO w/ (Starbeam - on backorder )
Ash Gibraltar w/ SkyTour DSC
NZ3-6, N9T6, N13T6
TV 20 Plossl
Pan 24, 35
Pentax XW10, XW14
|
csa/montana
Wild Spirit
Reged: 05/14/05
Posts: 40271
Loc: montana
|
|
Quote:
. if your having problems around your observatory put up a 12v electric fence. it will keep everything away so you can be safe. if you don't like walking to your observatory get an ATV. no animals will stop me from enjoying what I like to do.
I have never mentioned having problems around my observatory! Just that I'm cautious when walking to & from; which is only being sensible. Nothing has, nor will ever stop me from enjoying what I like to do also. I'm down there observing every clear night I get, year around.
I really apologize to the OP, for his thread to be centered on me; when I don't have a problem. I'm bowing out now, so that the thread can go back to the original poster's questions. 
--------------------
Carol
AstroTech 16" Dob (Thanks ASTRONOMICS!)
Vixen 80MF/AstroTech Voyager
Masuyama's 7.5, 15, 25W, 35mm,
Pentaxes; 5XW, 7XL, 10XW.
14mm Meade 4000 UWA
TV Panoptics; 22, 35
DreamCatcher Dobservatory, #2
|
bdk
journeyman
Reged: 11/06/09
Posts: 7
Loc: New Jersey
|
|
Quote:
but I think creates an unrealistic picture for the uninitiated and would definitely freak out the OP's wife if she were to read this stuff.
Yes, I don't think I'll have her read all this
Still, its all been helpful. Its great to be able to post a question and get so many different responses and viewpoints so quickly from people with so much experience.
To summarize what I'm taking away from all this, I myself am pretty comfortable viewing from my darksite as long as I stay pretty near my house or car, with the exception of getting a bit jumpy when the wildlife gets too noisy in my immediate vicinity. From what I'm taking away from this thread, this isn't unlike what a lot of other people experience. I'll mostly just keep doing as I'm doing and will probably get more comfortable as I get more used to the sounds of the country in the dark.
Two ideas that I will definately use, are to get a bright red flashlight so I can ditch the white one (my red light I have now is just bright enough to read by), and to keep near my car with the panic-button control nearby. I'll continue to observe near my home or car and not wander off through the woods.
While there are parts of the country where more precautions are in order, for me, this should be sufficient for me to feel that I'm not taking any stupid chances out there, and have a level of precaution that is truly in line with what the real risks are (minor). In truth, It probably wouldn't really have occured to me to be nervous out there at all if my wife wasn't so worried. When you are sharing space with someone who acts like their are lions on the front porch waiting to maul us if we step outside, it does have an effect.
For my wife, I'll see what she thinks of attending a dark sky star party or two, and maybe try some perimeter lighting. As a couple of people observed, even once I'm out for just a couple of minutes, I can see well enough to not trip over stuff, so its not pitch dark, its just impossible to see what might be lurking off at the edge of the woods in the shadows. Some red perimeter lighting might be in order.
If neither of those help, I'll stop pestering her, and let her just enjoy the view from our "red zone" back home.
Thank you everyone who chimed in with their advice. Much appreciated!
|
RussL
Music Maker
Reged: 03/18/08
Posts: 1925
Loc: Cayce, SC
|
|
How about having a star party at the site in question? I believe your wife would enjoy that and feel right at ease out there with a crowd of friends. especially with everyone in a jolly mood.
It is never unreasonable to be cautious, and taking measures to help insure safety are merely wise moves. Some prefer to take no measures at all---I've been that way myself many times, but I'm not sure it is wise. Measures are needed if there is anything that comes to mind that could be a potential danger. That, in itself, is not necessarily borne of fear.
The remark above about your wife's concerns bordering on phobia is important to consider. If that is the case, pressuring her to face it could be psychologically disastrous without clinical supervision. (So could reading this thread, perhaps). At least do not demean her in any way for being afraid, and let her know that you respect her concerns.
I further believe that the remarks of any one of us here that describe some scary scenario are not intended to say that all situations are as dangerous, but merely to point out that strange things can and do happen. I'm sure your site is safer than you think, and that you have nothing to truly fear out there, but taking any precautions that make you and your wife feel better about being out there are wise moves, whether needed or not.
The electric fence was a good suggestion, too. Ya'll have fun. Invite some friends to join you. Wish I could come myself. Clear skies.
--------------------
--Dawg, the Russell
"Akita mani yo." Observe everything as you walk. (--Lakota)
Celestron Celestar 8 Standard SCT, f10
Celestron 80mm Wide View ref., f5
Orion 120ST ref., f5
Criterion RV-6 Dynascope, Newt., f8, (c. 1962)
Sears Discoverer 60mm ref., f7, (c. 1973)
Celestron Ultima DX 10x50, 6.5 TFOV
Tasco 7x35 wide
Several mediocre eyepieces
|
pa_strgzr
member
Reged: 09/07/09
Posts: 19
Loc: N.E. PA
|
|
If you go with the electric fence idea be sure to hang white ribbons from the wires. I am in farm country and I can tell you that they are hard to see at night.  Walking into the fence would be worse than any animal encounter you might have in the north east.
--------------------
Orion XT10
Hyperion Zoom
Hyperion 21mm
Telrad
|
JayinUT
I'm not Sleepy
Reged: 09/19/08
Posts: 948
Loc: Utah
|
|
I really liked Tony Flanders article on fear. Anyone's chance of being attacked by wildlife is so slim, that it is not rational to worry about that. Be a good scout and be prepared, but I don't worry about it. Just aware of my environment at a dark site is all.
The original OP's fear and his wife's fear are natural to a point but we can't let fear control our lives. Have some bear or pepper spray with you. I was out last night and had an owl fly around. How to get over it? I really think you just have to face it one step at a time and build on it. Perhaps set up outside the house and look up at zenith for a half hour or hour and call it good. Each time move closer to the field. That could help. It could be this is just too strong of a fear for your wife to overcome. You may just have to be content on finding a location she feels comfortable and going there, at least for awhile.
--------------------
Jay in Utah
---------------------------
Location: Lat: 40.514N Long: -112.032W
Mortal as I am, I know that I am born for a day. But when I follow at my pleasure the serried multitude of the stars in their circular course, my feet no longer touch the earth.
— Ptolemy, c.150 AD
My Blog
|
Tiny
super member
Reged: 05/02/08
Posts: 197
|
|
you're not that far from the Black Forest Star party that happens every year in late summer-early fall up in northern PA. About 500ppl in the middle of nowhere. You should go and bring your wife too.
|
NerfMonkey
sage
Reged: 06/12/08
Posts: 482
Loc: NE Ohio
|
|
Quote:
Don't know how I become the subject of the thread; so let's get back to the original poster, & try to give him more suggestions.
I was referring to the thread starter with my post about the car alarm, for the record.
--------------------
Mike
Zhumell 12", Oberwerk 15x70s
107 Messiers, 247 total DSOs, 6 planets, 1 comet
|
Dain
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 03/24/05
Posts: 1596
Loc: N.Y. Adirondack Mnts. NGC 4565...
|
|
Quote:
I'm sorry; but telling someone asking for advice that they "don't have what it takes", is not helpful. Healthy fear is good, because it keeps you alert to your surroundings. I'm uneasy walking to & from my Observatory because I'm totally alone; that doesn't mean that I don't have what it takes to stay with Astronomy.
Awesome, Carol. That's what I like to hear 'round these places. 
Clear Skies to you All!
--------------------
Best,
Dain
Adirondack Mountains (my true dark sky site)
@ Cedar River Flow
Local Site
Clear Skies?
|
|
15 registered and 16 anonymous users are browsing this forum.
Moderator: desertstars, werewolf6977, ClownFish
Print Thread
|
Forum Permissions
You cannot start new topics
You cannot reply to topics
HTML is disabled
UBBCode is enabled
|
Thread views: 1057
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Previous
Index
Next
Threaded
[Re: 
Edit
Reply
Quote
