First Star Party with the Boise Astronomical Society?

For your first public star party, here are some essential items to bring for a comfortable and enjoyable experience:

• Comfortable Chair: You may get tired and want to sit down, bring something comfortable to relax in.
• Red-filtered Flashlight: Essential for preserving your and our night vision and navigating. Please avoid bright headlamps people typically jog with, as they can be painfully bright, and they point right in other peoples face.. A flashlight covered with brake light repair tape or a bike brake light wrapped in glow-in-the-dark tape works perfectly.
• Warm Clothing: Even on mild nights, temperatures can drop once the sun sets.
• Snacks and Drinks: Stay hydrated and energized throughout the evening.
• Optional:
  • Binoculars:  These are great, our modern optic in binocular are more powerful then telescopes in medieval times.   A club member might be able to help you explore the night sky.
  • A camera for selfies before it gets dark - Telescopes are so cool.

Recommended Conversation Starters:

Understand that many of us were once the socially awkward ones in your high school and university classes, so we are most likely not going to rush up and begin a conversation with you! Here are some great icebreakers to get you started:

• "What are you looking at?"
• "Mind if I look through your telescope? I’m new to this."
• "Hi, I’m [your name], I'm new"
• "Are you a member of BAS?" (BAS is pronounced like the fish!)

Important Considerations:

• DO NOT ATTEND/TRAVEL onsite unless  "Go" notification is listed. The club monitors the weather to ensure optimal viewing conditions. Check for a "Go" or "No Go" status before heading out.  It will be on Group.IO and our FB page.
• Beloved family pets tend to get the zoomies we really won't be set up for pets to visits.  Focusing on new people, new environment, new skills, please minimize distractions by tucking in your fury love ones at home for the evening. 
• Check the Weather: Be prepared for any weather changes and dress accordingly.
• Arrive Early: This helps prevent headlights from blinding others when you arrive.  See if you can see a parking spot when you leave the headlights are pointing away from the group.
• Be Respectful: We’re all strangers here, so please keep noise levels down, use red lights only, and respect other people's equipment. Telescopes are generally expensive and delicate.
• Ask Questions! Don’t hesitate to ask more experienced stargazers anything you’re curious about. If you stump us, we might just have a prize for you!
• Hands Off the Telescopes: When using the telescopes, place your hands on the chair and lean into the eyepiece. Grabbing the telescope can accidentally move it off target.