Updated on January 3rd, 2012

SCHEDULED EVENTS
 

General Event Etiquette and Information

Observing the night sky is done in the dark! To fully enjoy the experience observers need to be dark adapted and do their utmost to preserve the dark environment. Of course, safety must come first! Visitors are requested to be considerate and thoughtful of the need for maintaining the darkness. When arriving at an event after dark, you should dim your headlights as soon as safety permits. When preparing to leave an event, please warn others before turning on your headlights or other white lights. Avoid displaying any white light at the event; this includes flashlights, car dome lights or camping lanterns. The best light to use is a variable red LED flashlight. Bright lights of any color should be avoided. A regular flashlight can be modified with red cellophane over the lens, or the bulb can be painted with red nail polish and the lens covered with paper to dim the light. Keep flashlights pointed down away from observer’s eyes. Green laser pointers are permitted, but they should be used carefully; they are not toys … they can cause considerable damage to the eye.

The BBAA does not generally provide refreshments or snacks at events. If food or drinks are shared they are offered by individuals, and are enjoyed at the user’s own risk. Visitors are welcome and encouraged to bring their own snacks and drinks to events. Alcoholic beverages are prohibited. Please keep all food and drink away from the telescopes. Please do not smoke near the telescopes.

Bringing a pet to observing sessions, while not forbidden, is also not encouraged. If you must bring your pet, be sure you can control the animal and keep them away from the telescopes, food, and other guests.

Please dress appropriately. In warm months, you should expect to encounter mosquitoes and other biting insects, especially at dusk. The less skin exposed the better; shorts are never recommended. Please avoid spraying bug sprays in the vicinity of the telescopes as they can damage optics. Always come prepared for cooler than expected temperatures even in summer. In cold months be sure to dress in layers and wear a hat.

Club members are sharing their own equipment, and it is usually both delicate and expensive. Please be considerate. Do not touch the scopes, and in particular, never touch an optical surface. Be careful when moving around or approaching a telescope. There may be electrical wires or other trip hazards on the ground leading to the scope. Be careful not to bump the scopes … you could knock the scope off its target or even cause damage to its drive system. Looking is done with the eye … it is never necessary to grab the eyepiece. The image is always formed above the glass surface of an eyepiece; your eye should not contact it. Please ask before attempting to adjust the focus of a telescope. Be aware that with larger scopes, you may have to climb a ladder to reach the eyepiece … you should hold onto the ladder and not the scope.

YOU OBSERVE AT YOUR OWN RISK! 
The BBAA assumes no responsibility for any injury, damage or loss.

SKYWATCH is our free public observing program held once each month at the equestrian area of Northwest River Park in Chesapeake. BBAA members set up telescopes to share the view with visitors. Everyone is welcome, and no reservations are required, although prior notification for large groups such as scout troops or classes is appreciated. The event is weather dependent so attendees should check with the park at (757) 421-7151 to insure the session will be held. The event runs from dusk until midnight. Visitors are welcome to arrive and depart at any time during the event. Contact Ted Forte or Georgie June for more information.

Cloverwatch is jointly sponsored by BBAA, the Night-Eyes Astronomy Club and the Southampton Astronomers in support of the 4-h club. It is held on the Saturday following Skywatch at the Southampton County Fairgrounds near Franklin Virginia. It is free and open to the public. Please contact Cliff Hedgepeth for more information. Cloverwatch will not be held this summer (2008)

Nightwatch is our “observer’s only” session at Chippokes Plantation State Park . near Surry. The session runs from dusk until dawn. Our night use of the park requires a permit and at least one copy of the permit must be present during the event. Members are asked to put a 9” x 11” sign with “BBAA” in large letters on the dash of their vehicles and pay the $3.00 entry fee at the main gate.

Gardenstars is a joint program of the BBAA and the Norfolk Botanical Gardens . Members of the public wishing to attend must sign up with the park and will be charged a fee. BBAA members set up telescopes to give sky tours to the patrons. A short PowerPoint presentation is delivered (by a BBAA volunteer) on an astronomical subject prior to the telescope session. The session starts about an hour before dark and the end time is variable. Contact Kevin Weiner

Night Hike is a summer program offered by Northwest River Park in Chesapeake. Hikers sign up in advance and pay a small fee. They are led on a nature hike by an amateur naturalist (Dr. Dean Bohan)that highlights the natural nighttime environment. It culminates with a stop at the south terminal where BBAA volunteers have telescopes set up and offer sky tours. Hikers should contact the park at (757) 421-7151. BBAA members wishing to volunteer should contact Ted Forte .

New for 2008 Boardwalk Astronomy events will be held on the Virginia Beach boardwalk at the height of tourist season. Events are held at the 24th Street Stage area and a tent erected for the purpose will provide room for a display that includes a webcam monitor. The BBAA is embarking on this exciting opportunity to bring astronomy to the people of Hampton Roads at the invitataion of the city and of Virginia Beach Planetarium director, Chuck Dibbs. Special parking accomodations will be made for astronomer participants. Club members are urged to sign up for the events on the database set up on the Yahoo e-group backbayastro . We need both members willing to bring telescopes and members to act as reliefs and assistants. Contact Chuck Jagow .

The East Coast Star Party (ECSP) is hosted by BBAA member Kent Blackwell at the Hampton Lodge Campground in Coinjock, North Carolina twice each year. Enjoy an intimate star party in the cedars under magnitude 6.3 skies. The party is scheduled in the spring and in the fall and attracts observers from as far away as New York. Held over a weekend, Kent always hosts a Saturday afternoon cookout where he provides the hot dogs, hamburgers and soft drinks. Many attendees add their own dishes and the event usually turns into a grand pot luck feast. Visitors that leave by midnight can attend the observing session for free. Overnight campers pay a reduced star party rate. There are door prizes available to registered guests. Most ECSPs feature at least one vendor (Camera Concepts). All are welcome but space is limited and is first come first served.

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