Observation Safety Rules
Intro astro labs are generally pretty safe. Much more so that intro chem labs.
But there are some safety rules you should review as needed.
Safety Rules:
- Students are NOT allowed to be alone on the roof
without a lab instructor present, except for
a few minutes, e.g., during a transition from inside to outside work.
- It is dark on the roof, so allow your eyes to adjust before moving around too freely.
- No horsing around on the roof.
- 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.
- No high heels
on the roof. The concrete slabs are NOT tight fitting.
- In or near winter, it can be cold on the roof.
Bring adequate clothing.
- No laser pointers on the roof.
- shine a light source into
a telescope: the light
can be focused
in the eyepiece
and be dangerous to observers.
- No food,
drink,
or smokes on the roof.
And here some other observing notices.
- Having a flashlight of some kind is
recommended.
Cell phone lights are often adequate
though not ideal.
- You may want to review or have a printout of
List of Tricks for C8 Telescopes.
See also Telescope Operation and
Celestron C8 Telescope.
- The lab room doors will be locked when we are on the roof, and so you can leave your
stuff in the lab room.
- When you get to the roof, each group finds a
telescope if you are
using the telescopes.