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Whittier, NC

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smoky mountain stargaze

preparation

lighting

Only red lights are permitted on the premises. If this is your first time attending a star party, please bring a red flashlight (you can usually get them under $10 online). Red lights will help everyone stay adjusted to the darkness while helping you get from one place to the next without walking into someone or a very expensive something.

If you forget your red light, look for a volunteer or go to the registration tent! They can give you some red filter to put over your white light and we will have some red lights available from vendors that we can sell to you.

Laser pointers are neither banned nor are they recommended. They can damage someone's night vision (and their eyes) and interfere with astrophotography if used irresponsibly. Some people spend lots of time trying to get a good picture and some of these pictures require long exposures. A brief flash with a laser pointer can ruin all of this. If you must bring a laser pointer, be responsible with it and do not hand it to children. The preferred method of showing someone where to look is by finding a bright star and using the width of your hands and fingers at arm's length to show people how far to go from that star and in what direction. Though some people have smaller hands they usually have shorter arms, as well, so this method works great for everyone.

It's also recommended that you turn off lights inside your car, hood, and/or trunk if you are parked near the observing field and plan to go to your vehicle at night. If you need assistance with this, please find a volunteer and we'll help you get these turned off or give you some red filters to put over your interior lights. Anyone arriving at night will need to park in the parking lot or the grass of the hotel located at the bottom of the hill and walk up to the observing fields. Also, do not park at the fields if you plan to leave at night!

Lighting rules are in affect from sunrise to sunset as long as it's not overcast and clearing that night is not expected. Anyone who breaks lighting restrictions will first be reminded of lighting rules then be asked to leave if they continue to break lighting rules. We are providing red filters to everyone who needs them so is no reason for the rules to be broken!

driving & parking

Gates will close at sunset. If you must leave, please find a volunteer to assist you with the gate and please do not turn on your headlights until after you have left the premises. We will line the entrance road with red LEDs to help you get down the hill safely without headlights.

Vehicles are not permitted to park on the fields and must use the parking lot. Vehicles will only be allowed to drive onto the fields along designated driving paths to load/unload equipment during daylight hours. The fields are only to be used for camping and telescopes. All RVs and vehicles must park in the parking lot. There is a designated spot for RV owners to park so they can set their equipment up next to their RVs.

Do not park in the main parking area if you do not have equipment in the field and you plan to leave at night. There is additional parking at the bottom of the hill which you should use, instead.

cooking

You're welcome to cook. However, power is limited, so it is recommended that you use gas or charcoal. Open fires are not allowed anywhere on the premises and cooking is not allowed within tents! Please dispose of leftovers and ashes in a sealed bag.

We will also have local groups providing breakfast, lunch, and dinner with pre-paid tickets. If you wish to eat these prepared meals, please pay for these meals when you arrive so the organizations can know how much to bring.

In addition to all of this, warm food and snacks (hot dogs, burgers, chips, chile, soup, coffee, soda, etc) will be available at the concession stand. These items will also have an additional cost, but can be purchased 24 hours a day.

smoking, lighters, & alcohol

It is not advised to smoke around people's telescopes. Though the smoke won't have much affect on viewing, most people don't want their equipment accidently burned or ashed on. Cigarettes should be discarded in an appropriate container or trash recepticle. Please do not throw cigarette butts on the ground!

If you must use a lighter, use it in a place that no one else can see it. A flame can ruin night vision just as quickly as a white light, so step behind a vehicle, into your tent, or shield the light in some other way to prevent disturbing other's viewing.

No alcohol! Alcohol is not allowed anywhere on the premesis.

music & quiet hours

If you play music, please keep it turned down so it doesn't disturb your neighbors. Headphones are preferred.

In addition, many people go to bed early and others stay up very late observing (up until sunrise in some cases). Please be respectful of this and keep noise down to a minimum from 12 AM - 12 PM. Our activities area is located a good distance from any camp sites (and has large heated tents), so feel free to meet here and mingle.

clothing

If you looked at the historical data in our weather section, you'll know that it will probably not be t-shirt weather. Low temperatures can be anywhere from the 20s to the 60s but observing even in the 50s can feel very cold. Mountain wind gusts can also bring wind chills which make the temperature feel much colder than it is. Make sure to bring plenty of extra layers to keep yourself warm!

computers & internet

We will have enough power for laptops and telescope equipment. Astro Gizmos has been generous enough to provide us with a system capable of 512 Kbps upload speed and 2.04 Mbps download speed on a 802.11b/g connection for wireless access. In addition, they will set up an internet cafe for attendees without computers to use.

All computers/laptops in the field must be operated in a 'night mode' or with a red filter over the screen at night. If it isn't, you will probably be asked to turn it off. Red filter will be available at the registration tent.

ladders

Some big telescopes require ladders or step stools to look through the eyepiece. If you, as an observer, need to climb someone's ladder to look through their telescope, you are doing so at your own risk. Neither the organizers of Smoky Mountain Stargaze nor the owners of the telescope accept liability for any injury caused by ladders or step stools. The choice to climb a ladder and inspect the ladder before climbing it is strictly up to the observer, as is the liability for any injuries sustained or equipment that gets broken. If you do not want to accept this responsibility for you and your children, there will be plenty of smaller scopes around which won't require you to climb anything.

generators

Generators will not be permitted. Power is available for RVs, equipment, and laptops.

garbage & waste

All garbage must be disposed of in the appropriate recepticles! On Friday, April 4th, RV waste disposal will be available.

children

Star parties are truly a great family event and we hope you bring your children to observe and learn! Most amateur astronomers got their first interest in astronomy as children and a star party can be a very exciting and fulfilling time for kids. However, please keep an eye on your children! This area is surrounded by forest and a rugged terrain full of wildlife and vegetation. Between the terrain, the wild animals, and dense and sometimes toxic vegetation, a child can easily be injured or get lost if left to explore on their own. The fields will be full of equipment that people have worked for years to purchase or build and many people have more invested in their astronomy equipment than they do in their cars. Though we want to be as lenient as possible with children, you will be held responsible for any damage caused by your children.

All children and young adults below the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. For school groups and community centers that wish to attend, please keep close tabs on the kids you bring.

pets

Pets are welcome, but they must remain within the owner's camping area or with their owner. They are not permitted to be outside without a leash. This is to protect the safety of your pet, other attendees, and keep the event enjoyable for everyone. Owners must clean up after their pets immediately! Please read the section on plants and wildlife for more reasons to keep your pet on a leash or with you at all times.

plants & wildlife

It is estimated that Smoky Mountains National Park has 100,000 species of living organisms, so keep in mind that though civilization isn't far way, neither is wildlife. In previous years, I have seen various wild animals within 1/2 mile of our observing field including animals like skunks, deer, foxes, bobcats, wild boars, and black bears. I have also seen lots of ticks, black widow spiders, copperheads, and timber rattlesnakes, none of which make for a pleasurable close encounter. Much of the wildlife in this area is threatened, endangered, or protected so it's a good idea to keep as much space between you and any wild animals as possible for your safety and the for the safety of the animal.

There are also many threatened, endangered, and protected plant species in the immediate area. If you decide to take a hike or a drive, please stay on marked paths or designated roadways to help conserve these species. When hiking, also be aware of poisonous plants like poison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac which may be budding this time of year and is prevalent in the surrounding woods.

Just remember to rely on common sense and mutual respect when exploring the area. Also remember that you can use the internet cafe or a wireless card with your laptop to learn more about what to look out for.

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