OFF TOPIC: Star Party at McAllister Park for Lunar Eclipse, Wednesday February 20th

BrettinSanAntonio · 02-13-08, 11:08 PM

This isn’t Land Cruiser related but in case there are other armature astronomers out there like me, I’ll be participating in a Lunar Eclipse viewing party at McAllister Park, Wednesday, February 20. All you have to do is show up and there will be many telescopes for the general public to see this total lunar eclipse (last one until 2010). Dress warm and please review star party etiquette. These events are interesting, fun and people are very friendly. Viewing starts at dusk but the eclipse won’t begin until around 8:45pm.

This event is sponsored by the San Antonio Astronomical Association.

BrettinSanAntonio · 02-14-08, 11:33 AM

BTW...these are family friendly evetns and bringing kids is encouraged!

ilikebigtires · 02-19-08, 03:29 PM

Did anyone read these rules...lmao! These come straight off of the Star Party Etiquette site that Brett posted. #9 and #10 are particularily interesting. Must be a little cosmic humor.

Observing Site Guidelines
1. Avoid loud and boisterous behavior. Star-gazing is a quiet, peaceful activity.
2. Don't litter.
3. Don't set up too close to another observer. When in doubt, it's always a good idea to ask, "Is it OK if I set up here?"
4. If you're a visitor or a newbie, try not to monopolize another person's time. The astronomers are there to enjoy the sky, not to give lessons. (Except, of course, when the party is specifically organized to help the public and/or newbies.)
5. Watch your step (but don't use a flashlight). Be especially careful of wires on the ground. Some scopes require power and some folks use their car's battery. If your scope requires power try to make the wires as safe as possible.
6. Pets -- some places ban pets, some allow them. If you bring your pet make sure it is firmly under control.
7. Music -- some places ban music altogether, some are less strict. Just remember that music that you love may be extremely irratating to others. When in doubt use a headset.
8. Alcohol -- some ban it; some almost require it. If you do drink (at a party that allows it) make sure you don't violate the "loud and boisterous" rule. And be aware that alcohol may adversely affect your night vision, body temperature and ability to drive home.
9. Flame throwers and fifty-caliber stray light elminators should be equipped with glare shields.
10. Owners of LX-200s must offer coffee to passers-by who mistake the noise of their slewing motors for that of an expresso machine.
11. Bears, coyote, pumas, and skunks have right of first refusal on anyone's night lunch, except when the observer is very hungry.

rrdogma · 02-19-08, 03:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ilikebigtires

Did anyone read these rules...lmao! These come straight off of the Star Party Etiquette site that Brett posted. #9 and #10 are particularily interesting. Must be a little cosmic humor.

I did not read the rules

Kelly

ilikebigtires · 02-19-08, 03:38 PM

What? The "Official Rule Reader" didn't read the rules? lol.

rrdogma · 02-19-08, 03:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ilikebigtires

What? The "Official Rule Reader" didn't read the rules? lol.

Brett is rubbing off on me I guess. On the plus side, I am rubbing off on you!

BrettinSanAntonio · 02-19-08, 05:20 PM

You guys interested in going?

cool breeze · 02-19-08, 05:42 PM

were going to be watching the weather tomorrow to see. id like to but its far for us and gas, you know, its more than milk and not as delicious.

yall going?

BrettinSanAntonio · 02-20-08, 08:34 AM

Looks like the weather isn't going to be good for viewing. If we don't have a clear sky, I wouldn't waste the time or fuel to go.

cool breeze · 02-21-08, 01:04 AM

We were really going to head out there then realized its easy to walk out the front dorr, stop and look up. But noting to be seen except clouds, bummer

LandCruisers4Life · 02-21-08, 02:46 AM

If it's the same organization, I think my friend Doug is a member. Those guys have some HIGH DOLLAR telescopes, and they have what it takes to see the rings of Saturn etc. If it's clear, and everything panned out right, you'd definitely have a good time.

I like to go to the star party at MacDonald Observatory when I go to west Texas on Big Bend trips.

02-14-08, 11:33 AM	#2
BrettinSanAntonio IH8MUD Lifer Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: San Antonio, TX TLCA# 11186 Posts: 1,237	BTW...these are family friendly evetns and bringing kids is encouraged! __________________ Brett in San Antonio, Texas Alamo City Land Cruisers Lone Star Land Cruisers - Austin '97 Lexus LX 450 TLCA # 11186 Sold - '82,'86,'95 Land Cruisers; '85 4Runner

02-19-08, 05:20 PM	#7
BrettinSanAntonio IH8MUD Lifer Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: San Antonio, TX TLCA# 11186 Posts: 1,237	You guys interested in going? __________________ Brett in San Antonio, Texas Alamo City Land Cruisers Lone Star Land Cruisers - Austin '97 Lexus LX 450 TLCA # 11186 Sold - '82,'86,'95 Land Cruisers; '85 4Runner

02-19-08, 05:42 PM	#8
cool breeze IH8MUD Addict Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: San Antonio, TX Posts: 742	were going to be watching the weather tomorrow to see. id like to but its far for us and gas, you know, its more than milk and not as delicious. yall going? __________________ -Josh- '94 FJZ80 2nd owner 175k OME 2.5", Bumper'd: Dusty Made & custom front, TSL radials 36x12.5, Aussie locked rear and a really cool Soco magnet on the bumper! "If Chuck Norris drove a Land Cruiser, the resulting unstoppable force would destroy the earth."

02-21-08, 02:46 AM	#11
LandCruisers4Life IH8MUD Lifer Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: San Antonio, Texas TLCA# 16244 Posts: 1,598	If it's the same organization, I think my friend Doug is a member. Those guys have some HIGH DOLLAR telescopes, and they have what it takes to see the rings of Saturn etc. If it's clear, and everything panned out right, you'd definitely have a good time. I like to go to the star party at MacDonald Observatory when I go to west Texas on Big Bend trips. __________________ 2004 Land Cruiser UZJ100 "El Rinoceronte" Only 100 Series on earth with an Inti rack on top.

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02-13-08, 11:08 PM	#1
BrettinSanAntonio IH8MUD Lifer Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: San Antonio, TX TLCA# 11186 Posts: 1,237	OFF TOPIC: Star Party at McAllister Park for Lunar Eclipse, Wednesday February 20th This isn’t Land Cruiser related but in case there are other armature astronomers out there like me, I’ll be participating in a Lunar Eclipse viewing party at McAllister Park, Wednesday, February 20. All you have to do is show up and there will be many telescopes for the general public to see this total lunar eclipse (last one until 2010). Dress warm and please review star party etiquette. These events are interesting, fun and people are very friendly. Viewing starts at dusk but the eclipse won’t begin until around 8:45pm. This event is sponsored by the San Antonio Astronomical Association. __________________ Brett in San Antonio, Texas Alamo City Land Cruisers Lone Star Land Cruisers - Austin '97 Lexus LX 450 TLCA # 11186 Sold - '82,'86,'95 Land Cruisers; '85 4Runner

02-19-08, 03:29 PM	#3
ilikebigtires IH8MUD Regular Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: San Antonio Posts: 226	Did anyone read these rules...lmao! These come straight off of the Star Party Etiquette site that Brett posted. #9 and #10 are particularily interesting. Must be a little cosmic humor. Observing Site Guidelines 1. Avoid loud and boisterous behavior. Star-gazing is a quiet, peaceful activity. 2. Don't litter. 3. Don't set up too close to another observer. When in doubt, it's always a good idea to ask, "Is it OK if I set up here?" 4. If you're a visitor or a newbie, try not to monopolize another person's time. The astronomers are there to enjoy the sky, not to give lessons. (Except, of course, when the party is specifically organized to help the public and/or newbies.) 5. Watch your step (but don't use a flashlight). Be especially careful of wires on the ground. Some scopes require power and some folks use their car's battery. If your scope requires power try to make the wires as safe as possible. 6. Pets -- some places ban pets, some allow them. If you bring your pet make sure it is firmly under control. 7. Music -- some places ban music altogether, some are less strict. Just remember that music that you love may be extremely irratating to others. When in doubt use a headset. 8. Alcohol -- some ban it; some almost require it. If you do drink (at a party that allows it) make sure you don't violate the "loud and boisterous" rule. And be aware that alcohol may adversely affect your night vision, body temperature and ability to drive home. 9. Flame throwers and fifty-caliber stray light elminators should be equipped with glare shields. 10. Owners of LX-200s must offer coffee to passers-by who mistake the noise of their slewing motors for that of an expresso machine. 11. Bears, coyote, pumas, and skunks have right of first refusal on anyone's night lunch, except when the observer is very hungry.

02-19-08, 03:38 PM	#5
ilikebigtires IH8MUD Regular Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: San Antonio Posts: 226	What? The "Official Rule Reader" didn't read the rules? lol.

02-20-08, 08:34 AM	#9
BrettinSanAntonio IH8MUD Lifer Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: San Antonio, TX TLCA# 11186 Posts: 1,237	Looks like the weather isn't going to be good for viewing. If we don't have a clear sky, I wouldn't waste the time or fuel to go. __________________ Brett in San Antonio, Texas Alamo City Land Cruisers Lone Star Land Cruisers - Austin '97 Lexus LX 450 TLCA # 11186 Sold - '82,'86,'95 Land Cruisers; '85 4Runner

02-21-08, 01:04 AM	#10
cool breeze IH8MUD Addict Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: San Antonio, TX Posts: 742	We were really going to head out there then realized its easy to walk out the front dorr, stop and look up. But noting to be seen except clouds, bummer __________________ -Josh- '94 FJZ80 2nd owner 175k OME 2.5", Bumper'd: Dusty Made & custom front, TSL radials 36x12.5, Aussie locked rear and a really cool Soco magnet on the bumper! "If Chuck Norris drove a Land Cruiser, the resulting unstoppable force would destroy the earth."