Astronomy at
Lake Taghkanic State Park

No White Lights, Please

Astronomers prefer dim red lights to white lights, because dim red light helps preserve night vision. This can make all the difference between seeing or not seeing a very faint target.

If you arrive before dark, please try to park with your headlights facing toward the exit and away from the telescopes (which will mostly be in a line in the parking lot).

If you arrive after dark, please dim your lights when you enter the parking lot, and try to turn away from the telescopes and park away from them, so that your lights don't interfere with observing.

Either way, please try to drive and park so that even your dimmed lights won't be pointed at the telescopes. We are in a big parking lot, so you should be able to arrange your turns so that your car's lights never point toward the crowd.

You can easily convert a flashlight for use at a star party by covering the lens with red plastic tape (red "electricians" tape), which you can get at almost any hardware or home repair store. One layer should be enough. You can also use automobile tail light repair tape, which you can get at an auto parts store, but with this you will probably need two layers. If you forget to do this, an MHAA member may have some and can help you convert to an Astronomer's Flashlight.

-- Please avoid flash photography whenever possible. --