Observation Safety Rules

Intro astro labs are generally pretty safe. Much more so that intro chem labs. Howsoever, there are some safety rules you should review as needed: see below. For general information on UNLV safety rules, see UNLV Risk Management & Safety.

Safety Rules:

1. Students are NOT allowed to be alone on the roof without a lab section instructor present, except for a few minutes, e.g., during a transition from inside to outside work.
2. It is dark on the roof, so allow your eyes to adjust before moving around too freely.
3. No horsing around on the roof.
4. Be alert to obstacles on the roof: e.g., telescope mounts, chairs, stools, other people. It's easy to back up and fall over obstacles.
5. No high heels on the roof. The tiled surface is NOT perfectly smooth and in the dark there is an extra hazard because of that.
6. In or near winter, it can be cold on the roof. Bring adequate clothing.
7. No laser pointers on the roof---except lab section instructor can use them.
8. NEVER shine a light source into a telescope: the light can be focused in the eyepiece and be dangerous to observers.
9. No food, drink, or smokes on the roof. The days of Sherlock Holmes are over (see the figure below (local link / general link: sherlock_holmes_smoker.html).

And here some other observing notices.

1. Having a flashlight of some kind is recommended. Cell phone lights are often adequate though NOT ideal.
2. You may want to review or have a printout of List of Tricks for C8 Telescopes. See also Telescope Operation and Celestron C8 Telescope.
3. The lab room doors will be locked when we are on the roof, and so you can leave your stuff in the lab room.
4. When you get to the roof, each group finds a telescope if you are using the telescopes.