Star Party Rules

Lighting Restrictions –

Vehicle headlights, parking lights, tail and brake lights, and interior lights must remain extinguished.  All RV, trailer and camper lights must be extinguished, unless proper shielding is installed on all windows and doors to prevent light escaping.  Coleman-type lanterns, campfires, open flame grills and outdoor lighting are NOT permitted.  All flashlights must be equipped with red filters and should be pointed toward the ground at your feet.  Use of red cellophane or fingernail polish is useful.  In the event you must give off some light, give a yell!  A precious photograph could be saved with a little warning.

 The lighting ban will be in effect when the sky is more than 10% clear.  If it is raining, the ban will be lifted.  If it is cloudy with the potential for clearing or there are some holes in the clouds, please keep white lights to a minimum to protect other people's dark adaptation.  Drive only if you must and use normal headlights.  Exceptions to the ban may be provided to certain persons or vehicles only by consent of the star party staff and Department of Natural Resources (DNR) employees.  Please understand that DNR employees have business to conduct from time to time, but will keep driving to a minimum to avoid disturbance.

 No Driving at Night:  Since we are restricting the use of white lights at night, please keep in mind that driving in the dark is dangerous and can injure or kill people, damage telescopes and other property, none of which is yours to risk.  Normal headlights are justified in true medical emergencies.

For Late Arrivals: The front gates of the star party assembly area will be at 9:00 PM to restrict traffic and minimize disturbance to observers.  DO NOT plan to arrive at night.  Park your car outside the gates if you plan to leave during the night.

Electricity –

There are electrical hookups, for your use, at each campsite, except sites in the primitive camping area.

Generators –

Generators can only be run from 10 AM until Midnight at the observing field. If there is a medical condition that requires generator use, please contact SAS for permission.

Alcohol and Pets –

We abide by the Department of Natural Resources rules on these matters.  Alcohol is prohibited and pets must be leashed.

Noise and Music -

Many people will be up all night observing and wait to go to bed after dawn.  Please keep all noise to an absolute minimum.  Show consideration for your fellow observers.  If you want to play music please keep in mind that there's not much of a chance hundreds of people will like your music. Please consider the privacy of others and keep volumes at a low level.  Playing music through speakers from 11pm to 10am is not allowed.  You may continue your private enjoyment of music through a set of headphones.  Our preference is for headphones at all times.