Isle of Wight Star Party Guidelines

Below are a few guidelines to ensure that the Isle of Wight Star Party is a success – please read them and try to help us to help you. We will be marshalling the Holiday Centre and politely enforcing these simple rules. (Updated 20th January, 2010)

Mind the Cliff Edge

Please ensure that everyone in your party, especially anyone arriving after dark, is made aware of the proximity of the observing field to the cliff edge. No one should go beyond the safety ropes for any reason.

Beware Uneven Surfaces and Obstructions

All users of the observing field should be aware of its uneven surface and the presence of telescopes and equipment, and move about with care at all times, especially after dark.

Car Movements and Lighting

Car movements onto or off of the Holiday Centre Lawns is not permitted between 18.00 and 06.00. When entering the site, there is a one way system, please drive in on dipped lights, and turn to face the road before parking.  Leaving the site, please reverse out of the parking spot, and then leave, again on dipped lights.

Please ensure any car vanity and boot lights are either switched off or masked in some way – removing fuses is also an option.

Light from caravans, campers and tents must be fully shielded or covered with red filters.

Observing

Torches on the site must be red filtered.

Laser pointers are not allowed.

If you are using a laptop computer with your telescope, please ensure it is dimmed and using a night friendly colour scheme. Shielding the laptop from other observers will also be appreciated.

Any bright LEDs on equipment should also be masked.

For our part, we will ensure that campsite lighting is masked or switched off and white bulbs are replaced with red bulbs where possible.

Smoking

Lighting cigarettes or other smoking material will ruin the dark adaptation of those in the vicinity. Smoking in prohibited in any building. If you are a smoker, please bear this in mind and try to light up considerately.

Pets

Pets are not allowed at the Star Party. This is to ensure equipment is not damaged by them.

Security of Equipment

Security of equipment is difficult at Star Parties and although the island has an enviable reputation for low crime and we have almost sole use of the site visitors need to be alert.  All visitors are responsible for the security and insurance of their own equipment.