Skywatch

A "Skywatch" is simply a gathering of amateur astronomers with a focus on outreach and education for a private group or for the public at large. A Skywatch is by definition "beginner-friendly." At a skywatch our focus is on giving you and your group the most enjoyable and educational experience possible!

These are the general rules for skywatches:

• Watch your step. Be especially careful of wires on the ground.
• Park Carefully. Try to park so that your headlights and back-up lights won’t interfere with the observers.
• No Smoking. Smoke damages telescope optics.
• Red Flashlights. No white lights. A red light will not ruin your night vision as much as white light will. You can cover the lens of a regular light with red plastic or tail-light repair tape. A dim light will seem bright once your eyes become dark-adapted.
• No Flash Photography. The bright flash of a camera can wreck everyone's night vision.
• Stay Warm. Few people realize just how chilly it gets late at night, even in summer, particularly when you are standing still under a clear sky. Bring about twice as much warm clothing as you think you'll need. In summer, a light and heavy jacket, warm shirt, jeans. Winter calls for insulated boots, thermal underwear, corduroy jeans, parka, flannel shirt, gloves, and, very important, a warm knit cap!

This event relies on clear skies. The bad weather date will be Thursday, July 16, same time and place.

Insect repellent is highly recommended.

For more information, see the NH Astronomical Society's website: http://www.nhastro.com/skywatch.php.