• No running or playing around the telescopes. It’s dark, and someone might get hurt or damage the telescopes.
• Try not to kick up dirt. The dust and sand can be harmful to telescope optics.
• Ask before you touch a telescope. They move very easily. These scopes are the personal property of the astronomer, and many were handmade. Let’s be extra careful with them.
• It is never necessary to grab the eyepiece, as looking is done with the eye. 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. If the image is blurry ask the astronomer for assistance. Many focuser's can be locked and damage can occur if focusing is attempted while locked.
• 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.
• No white lights around the telescopes after dark. Please turn off your headlights when you enter the area around the telescopes and drive to your parking spot using parking lights only. To appreciate the sights to be seen in the night sky it is best to have one’s eyes completely dark adapted, which can take up to 30 minutes depending on the person. One quick flash from a stray headlight is enough to set the eyes back to “daylight mode” and require another 30 minutes for full dark adaption. Please drive slowly and use caution when parking. Of course, safety must come first! In addition we always cover our lights with red filters to make them “night vision friendly.” The best light to use is a variable red LED flashlight.
• Give yourself time at the eyepiece. Your eye needs a few seconds to get used to looking through the scope. Your view of detail will improve after just 5 seconds.
• If you don’t see anything, don’t be afraid to say something. Sometimes the scope gets bumped or the object may drift out of view. If you can’t see, speak up! We really want you to enjoy the view.
• Ask questions! Astronomers love to answer questions.
• Don’t stand in front of a telescope. You’d be surprised how many people do.
• Be sure to look through each scope. Each telescope gives a different view even when they are all pointing at the same object.
• Green laser pointers are permitted, but they should be used carefully and never by children. They are not toys as 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.
• No food or drink around the telescopes. Accidents happen. Let’s not take any chances.
• 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. Always come prepared for cooler than expected temperatures even in summer. In cold months be sure to dress in layers and wear a hat.
• Please avoid spraying bug sprays in the vicinity of the telescopes. The chemicals in the sprays can damage the optics of the telescope.
• You may have to climb a ladder to reach the eyepiece for larger scopes. Many telescopes require the use of a foot stool or ladder to view through the eyepiece. If you need help on them please ask for assistance and use them carefully. 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.
• Alcoholic beverages are prohibited. Most of the locations we setup at are government property and prohibit alcohol.
• Please do not smoke near the telescopes. The smoke will attach itself on the mirrors of the telescopes and its a lengthy process to remove and clean the mirrors.

Telescope Field

• Daytime Star Party
• The telescope field needs to have a clear view of the sky where the Sun is located away from tall buildings and trees.
• Volunteers usually need vehicle access to the field, since some telescopes are very heavy. The volunteers park in the same location that their telescopes are set up at to facilitate unloading and loading of the equipment. If this isn’t possible please let our Outreach Coordinator know (vp@backbayastro.org).
• Club members always appreciate the offer of water during the summer months.
• If your telescope field will be in a parking lot please use the guidelines below:
• When planning the location for us to set up, please take into account that members need room around each piece of telescope equipment for people to line up, that is not blocking traffic or impeding another member’s view of the night sky.
• A good guideline is that each telescope and associated equipment needs its own parking spot for this purpose and another parking spot for the volunteers vehicle.

• Nighttime Star Party
• The telescope field needs to be as free as possible of lights, away from tall buildings and trees.
• The telescope field should have as clear a view as possible of the southern and western sky.
• Ask the custodian if it is possible to turn off or cover lights that will interfere with viewing.
• Volunteers usually need vehicle access to the field, since some telescopes are very heavy. The volunteers park in the same location that their telescopes are set up at to facilitate unloading and loading of the equipment. If this isn’t possible please let our Outreach Coordinator know (vp@backbayastro.org).
• Club members always appreciate the offer of water during the summer months.
• If your telescope field will be in a parking lot please use the guidelines below:
• When planning the location for us to set up, please take into account that members need room around each piece of telescope equipment for people to line up, that is not blocking traffic or impeding another member’s view of the night sky.
• A good guideline is that each telescope and associated equipment needs its own parking spot for this purpose and another parking spot for the volunteers vehicle.

• Presentations
• If your organization would like a indoor presentation on an astronomy subject during your event please make arrangements ahead of time to let the Outreach Coordinator know the following:
• What equipment do you have available (Projector, laptop, classroom, etc.) for club members.
• Do you have a preference on the topic.
• Age range of audience.
• Size of audience.
• Expected length of presentation.
• *NOTE: Our club will usually have a table and a banner setup at events with material provided by a partnership with the NASA's Night Sky Network. To see a breakdown of the materials the BBAA has received from NASA's Night Sky Network and available for presentations click here.